FJR linked brake impressions

[Woodstock]

Can people who tried out an 06 at WFO, or people who moved from a non-06 to an 06 give their impression on the linked/unified brakes?

Let's not degenerate this into a pointless discussion on linked brakes or ABS in-general, I'm just interested in how (or whether) people noticed or gave it a second thought when riding an 06 after being familier with a pre-06 (ABS or non-ABS).

 

[alan sh]

In general. no difference over the ABS of the previous model. However, a couple of times I have applied the rear brake, then the front and the ABS seems to have cut in too early. Still trying to work out what is going on.

Alan

 

[EXPDSGT]

On my 06 A I don't think the front drops as much with linked as with regular braking systems.

(when using only the front brake)

 

[turbodave_98]

I have an 05 non ABS and now an AE with them. I notice that the brakes tend to stop the bike much smoother and quickly at all speeds. Have not yet excercised them in sand or gravel though. All is all, so far transparent change to me.

 

[FantasticJohnR]

Going from a 2003 FJR to a 2006 with the linked ABS I haven't really noticed much difference. The ABS of course is great for preventing the occasional lock up of the rear- but I think most folks were really concerned that the linked brakes would affect their ability to drag the back break. Going throught the twisties and dragging the bake break on the 06, in my experience, provides nice stability and does not cause the front end to dive down (I think this is the concern of linked brakes).

The engineering on this bike is superb and handling is great under both braking and accelaerating conditions. :clapping:

JOhn

 

[mdisher]

I'll admit I was skeptical at first, because with my prior bike I was a big trail braker into corners.

Since the front only grabs one rotor when you only use the front brake lever, I thought it might not be as effective as it *should be* and maybe *they* (being the engineers) are relying on people who simply don't realize that the front does 80% of the work anyway are that they typical rider just stomps on the rear.

That being said, it would be nice to turn it off, or let us have a choice, kind of like a passenger air-bag key in a car.

But, the front brake works well if you ask me, and I don't fell like using the linked brakes has had any appreciable change to my riding style. In fact since you can stop easier, faster, better, you can acutally get into corners a little deeper. It did take a little getting used to, but not anythign bad at all. If anything I'd say the front end still needs to be stiffer, maybe I need that brace that some guys have.

The bike doesn't dive it squats a bit when you step on the rear.

I think I like it. I do like ABS, and I've tested it a few times just to test it. I don't think it's as good as BMW's ABS but it works.

 

[bmac]

Since the front only grabs one rotor when you only use the front brake lever,

Actually, in the words of Yamaha:

The front brake lever activates six of the eight front braking pistons;

 

[mdisher]

Since the front only grabs one rotor when you only use the front brake lever,

You might want to check your facts. Your way off base on this one.

That was my understanding in the beginning, but I think you're right (and or I stand corrected), it uses one calliper on the left, and one piston on the right calliper right?

I was still concerned that It/you wouldn't fell like you had enough but I was way wrong.

 

[bmac]

I edited my reply.

With 6 of the 8 pistons being actuated your getting all of the braking force you need from the front brake lever.

 

[JohnB]

The reason that you are not noticing any front end dive when using the rear brake pedal to trail brake is because the linked braking only becomes active with heavy pedal pressure. Light pressure only activates the rear brake.

I had no idea that this was a feature of the '06 until I read a post from someone on this forum who stated that this was explained in the service manual. I think this is a great feature and it explains why my trail braking feel "normal" (like a bike without the linking feature).

In general, I find Yamaha's linked braking pretty "transparent" (unnoticeable).

 

[Cal24Master]

In general. no difference over the ABS of the previous model. However, a couple of times I have applied the rear brake, then the front and the ABS seems to have cut in too early. Still trying to work out what is going on.
Alan

When I first got my 06 it was raining, and I tried to engage the abs just to feel what it felt like. I came to stoplights and jammed the rear brake down as hard as I could, and never engaged the abs. The bike just stopped. With the front brake, it stopped much quicker, but still never felt the abs engage. The only time I have gotten the abs to work is in gravel, or pavement with gravel on it. If your abs is engaging too early you need to take it back.

It is a great system that I have no complaints about.

Tom