ST1300 ABS weak rear brake

DONCZ · Apr 29, 2016

So, after winter hibernation Im ready for new season.
Last year I bled brake system. During my first ride this year I noticed spongy foot pedal.
I bled rear cylinder and proportioning valve. Pedal seams to be fine but breaking power for rear seams weak.
How weak is rear brake itself ? How to test it ? I know in bikes rear brake is always weaker but what is the limit.
This is my first bike with ABS and systems so complicated. Still would like to have it working properly.
Please help.

jmcarruth · Apr 29, 2016

View attachment ST1300%20Flushing,%20Bleeding%20Hydraulic%20Fluids.pdf

DONCZ said:
So, after winter hibernation Im ready for new season.
Last year I bled brake system. During my first ride this year I noticed spongy foot pedal.
I bled rear cylinder and proportioning valve. Pedal seams to be fine but breaking power for rear seams weak.
How weak is rear brake itself ? How to test it ? I know in bikes rear brake is always weaker but what is the limit.
This is my first bike with ABS and systems so complicated. Still would like to have it working properly.
Please help.

Depending on lots of variables, the rear brake, by itself, is minimally effective. As the weight transfers to the front on deceleration, the rear brake becomes even less useful. However, the ST1300 has linked brakes. Re bleed the whole braking system, correctly. I included one of the great, detailed instructions from another member on the attachment. Be sure your disks and pads are clean and free of oil.

Don-STOC237 · Apr 30, 2016

You've only got half as much braking power in the rear as you do in the front, for starters. And like the previous poster stated, once the rear gets unloaded, it's far less than that. Rear brakes are really only used to stabilize the bike during braking - the fronts do the vast majority of the work...

ST1300 ABS weak rear brake

DONCZ

jmcarruth

Don-STOC237

STealer