Linked brakes

[BigAlan]

Yes I know I have owned the bike from new and it had its first mot today, but are the brakes supposed to be linked?

I ask because on the rolling brake test neither the front or rear brakes were links together when he tested them?

Am I going mad? Don't answer that fully.

Alan

[viper]

the brakes are defo linked and cant be de-activated although there are 2 settings, on both my MOTS the issue never cropped up and I didn't even think about it, I cant see how linked brakes would effect the test as the front wheel and back wheel are tested separately and the linking is not relevant .

[doebag]

The brakes unlink at speeds below 12mph, was he testing one wheel at a time ? I am guessing if one wheel is not rotating, the brakes will unlink as well.

[BigAlan]

The brakes unlink at speeds below 12mph, was he testing one wheel at a time ? I am guessing if one wheel is not rotating, the brakes will unlink as well.

Yes the rolling road brake test is below 12mph, I thought they were as I can feel them working together when I "need them to".

Alan

[SirToU]

Where do you get the idea, the brakes unlink below 12mph?

I've never seen that written anywhere, and doing what I do, I've never felt it either.

the foot brake can be a real pain when running in the extreme (full brakes and lots of lean), because of the dive it induces on the front.

I'm just curious....

Thanks

Neil

[jonathan]

Where do you get the idea, the brakes unlink below 12mph?

I've never seen that written anywhere, and doing what I do, I've never felt it either.

Neil

Its in the Owner's Manual in the "How to Ride the Motorcycle" chapter. Around page 150.

- K-ACT system does not function at
the speed of approx. 20 km/h (12
mph) or below when the brake starts
to be applied. ABS does not function
at the speed of approx. 5 km/h (3.1
mph) or below.

[Zebedee]

See some of us do read it lol

[SirToU]

Ok but I disagree.....

K-ACT is predominantly the ABS system which includes the linked brakes. but it is also the method between the - 25-75% (normal - Mode 1) split and the 50-50% (higher - Mode 2) split.   The brakes are always linked.....     I will try it out on the bike later and turn it off.

I believe it's just the ABS section of the K-ACT system that doesn't function below those speeds.... and in situations of low battery.....  And my guess is at those speeds it is likely the brakes would release just as you stop and the bike would carry on, where as above those the pulsing will give you better control.   at 12mph your hardly going fast enough to perform a swerve manoeuvre, which is the purpose of antilock brakes - the manual says, anti lock brake may increase braking distances.....   

It is particularly unclear....  But experience tells me (also based on wear of the front pads, the linked brakes and always active).

Neil

Ps... Have read it before, but it's 4.5 years ago. (And 2 years ago for a similar post. ;-).  )

[STX1300man]

Ok but I disagree.....

K-ACT is predominantly the ABS system which includes the linked brakes. but it is also the method between the - 25-75% (normal - Mode 1) split and the 50-50% (higher - Mode 2) split.   The brakes are always linked.....   

Here's the more detailed description from the Service Manual. It's very clear that the linked (coactive) function turns off below 12mph (see last paragraph).

Overview

The ZG1400C model is equipped with K-ACT ABS that distributes the front-rear braking force in an
ideal balance to stabilize the motorcycle behavior during brake operation.

When applying the front brake lever, the left and right front brake calipers and the rear caliper are
activated. When depressing the rear brake pedal, the rear brake caliper and right front brake caliper
are activated.

The "K-ACT ABS ECU(*)" controls the coactive braking balance ideally in accordance with the braking
input pressure and information from each sensor detecting the motorcycle speed.

On this model, the rider can choose from one of two modes with different link effect distribution to
suit specific riding situations. Also, the low battery mode is set to maintain the ABS function when the
battery charge is low.

The "K-ACT ABS ECU" controls the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). For maximum controllability
in tight corners and when executing U-turns, K-ACT ABS's coactive function does not engage when
braking is initiated at speeds below 20 km/h (12 mph). The ABS function is disengaged at speeds
below 5 km/h (3.1 mph).

[tomp]

Glad my 08 doesn't have  linked brakes.  I have them on my RT and really don't like them. 

Just curious, but how intensive  is the MOT you have to do and how often?  Here, in TX, we have a state inspection every year.  Lights, signals, decent tire tread, horn, and the ability to stop within a prescribed distance at a predetermined speed.  Basically it is a $14.50 annual tax, that actually does nothing.  If you are stopped for no brake light after riding away from the inspection, test resulte mean nothing, and you will be cited, even though it was tested and proven in good working order 15 minutes before.
Just a mandated tax on all vehicles on the road.