Linked Brakes?

Radar

Just want some info on linked brakes. This will be my first bike with this set up. Is there a bike difference between them and regular disk? Are they hard to get use to? And how is the stopping power? Please provide any info that you can and what I may experience. Thanks


Ron
 
If you hadn't been told that they're linked, I doubt that you'd notice anything. There was no "getting used to," in my experience. You'll normally use the front and rear together manually, like you always did, so it doesn't really change stopping distance. The linking only partially activites the other wheel, so you won't get full braking unless you're using the lever and pedal.
 
This is my first bike with linked brakes, and there was no adjustment period for me. I typically use both brakes at the same time. The only time I "feel" something different is if I apply both brakes and then release the front brake before the rear brake. (I feel movement in the brake pedal.) I don't typically do this however, and the feeling is minor.

When I first bought the bike I was expecting the application of the rear brake to have more stopping power than my previous bikes since it was using some front brake as well, but this was not the case.

The bottom line is that there was no adjustment period for me for linked brakes. The stopping power on the ST is impressive. I went with the ABS option.
 
In my experience the system is almost completely transparent if you are used to a non-linked system. I notice that the bike just kinda squats down and throws out the anchor when you grab either brake and there is less noticeable forward dive. There's a delay/proportioning valve between the rear pedal and the front brakes so even in delicate situations where you don't want to use the front, I can still dab the rear as though it were a non-linked system.

The biggest advantage is that if you panic and stab just the rear brake (usually a reaction of less experienced riders) instead of getting and instant lock up and a long slide, you also get some front brake that helps to slow the bike a lot better than a rear brake stab alone.

I like the linked system for trail braking. If you get into a corner too hot, particularly a hard right turn where you can't get to the brake pedal, you can use a little trail braking from the front lever and the bike feels a lot more settled and less likely to stand up than using a front brake alone. Combined with ABS, it's a pretty good and forgiving system.
 
first bike i've had with linked braking...
i instantly noticed how much better it stopped....really like them alot.

tsp
 
I was nervous about it at first, but when I tried it I could not tell the difference except that this bike has better braking than I have ever experienced before. Love my linked brakes - wish I had gone for ABS.
 
I swore I'd never have them but after owning the ST I've changed my opinion and now think there great! Amazing what we learn from trying new things .
 
wjbertrand said:
In my experience the system is almost completely transparent if you are used to a non-linked system. I notice that the bike just kinda squats down and throws out the anchor when you grab either brake and there is less noticeable forward dive. There's a delay/proportioning valve between the rear pedal and the front brakes so even in delicate situations where you don't want to use the front, I can still dab the rear as though it were a non-linked system.

The biggest advantage is that if you panic and stab just the rear brake (usually a reaction of less experienced riders) instead of getting and instant lock up and a long slide, you also get some front brake that helps to slow the bike a lot better than a rear brake stab alone.

I like the linked system for trail braking. If you get into a corner too hot, particularly a hard right turn where you can't get to the brake pedal, you can use a little trail braking from the front lever and the bike feels a lot more settled and less likely to stand up than using a front brake alone. Combined with ABS, it's a pretty good and forgiving system.
Click to expand...

+1

The only thing you need to keep in mind with both standard (linked) and the ABS model ST is....if you like to perform your own maintenance (brake bleeding/fluid replacement) pick up a service manual for the proper procedures/sequence for bleeding.
 
All the previous posts are right on. I couldn't have said it better. ;)

Ray
 
Agreed...

Reflective of all the other responses, I have to say you probably won't notice a difference. I came to the ST off of many years of sport bike riding and the linked brake system was one of my primary concerns. It should not have even been on my list!

I don't know weather the linked braking is the "cause" or not but the brakes on this bike are very, very good. I think one would be hard pressed to improve on them.
 
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