Newbie Question about Linked Brakes

[TX_03_VFR800]

What exactly is meant by "Linked Brakes?"

My Katana did not have linked brakes but when taking the motorcycle safety course we were taught to brake using both the front and back brake while down shifting (engine braking) simultaneously. This is something that has become second nature to me. Even riding my new Viffer, I use boths brakes simultaneously.

Is there anything I should be aware of…or any habits I may need to change to deal with the linked brake system?

[Davidvfr]

Each brake caliper has 3 pistons.

When you use the front brake handle 2 pistons on the front discs & 1 piston on the rear disc are used. The rear brake pedal activates 2 pistons on the rear disc & 1 piston on the front discs.

So if you use both brakes together, (as I do) you won't notice any difference to what you are used to.

[reg71]

I agree with David. I don't notice the difference. Maybe if I got off a bike without and then got on the viffer, but so far (7000+ miles) I haven't noticed anything unusual about it.

[cornercarver]

The linked brake system was designed primarily to overcome the panic stop that only uses the rear brake by applying some front braking with the rear pedal. If you do not come from a hard core sport riding/trail braking background you may only notice how rapidly the VFR with LBS decels!

I am a strong advocate on monthly practice (in a vacant parking lot) of emergency stops and slow speed manuevering. Keep up to speed (so to speak) on emergency stops and you will be fine.

[mello dude]

The best way to tell is try to do a rear only brake. When you do - you should notice that the front forks compress like you have some front brake on. (you do) The front brake lever only - you dont notice the rear all that much, its only one piston going on.

Others here know I'm the crazy one who spent a small forture to delink - but again, I am an expert level rider, I wanted to be able to add more front or rear brake as desired.

On the 6th gen I dont recommend a delink job.

Ride Well,
md

[TX_03_VFR800]

thanks for the info. I had not noticed a difference (mostly because I always use both brakes) but I thought I would ask the question to avoid any circumstances where the LBS would cause me a probem.

[mello dude]

Originally Posted by TX_03_VFR800

thanks for the info. I had not noticed a difference (mostly because I always use both brakes) but I thought I would ask the question to avoid any circumstances where the LBS would cause me a probem.

I would say be extra cautious in loose situations, parking lots and other where a rear only would be of benifit.


(Yea! I'm a senior today!)

[grinder]

My comments on the linked brakes VFR. I never notice the brakes while riding. Always stable, smooth and they sure take of speed in a hurry when you need to. Doesn't seem to matter what you do wrong they still work, I tried experimenting to see what happens when you do different things and could never get them to put a foot wrong. I like them.