A couple of dumb brake questions

[cswett]

I have a 2004 r1150r with ABS. I know there have been several iterations of brakes on the oil head series linked, semi=linked? All very confusing to me. When I hit the front brake. does the back brake engage, as well? So is there any need to even use the rear brake pedal when using the front brakes? What about using back brakes only, which I sometimes do in slow-speed manuevers? Is there an issue of uneven wear of brake pads?
Thanks

[Karmøy]

When I hit the front brake. does the back brake engage, as well?.............Yes it does. you are using the rear brake also,this will keep your bike more stabel during braking.


So is there any need to even use the rear brake pedal when using the front brakes?........Personal opinion on this question is,NOT to use the brake pedal under normal running condition.



What about using back brakes only, which I sometimes do in slow-speed manuevers? Is there an issue of uneven wear of brake pads?...................
Just use the front brake under normal running condition,this because what are you instinctiv doing when a car just pop up in front of you.
You are crabbing for the front brake,if the brain have to engage the foot also.....Hmmm I always only use front brakes.

Just under slow running/braking I use the rear.

TIPS..Have a strong battery on the bike,you can get problem with low voltage/brakes...flashing read light.
And service your rear calipter,will get stuck if not...and cause uneven wear of brake pads.

[hawkdad]

Regardless of linked/ABS.. whatever... you should get in the habit of riding while your covering the front brake anyway.... This will speed up reaction time in quite a bit... I think I remember reading an article in BMW ON.. or was it Road Runner???

Anyway.. the story talks about a huge decrease in accidents for motorcycle cops.. all because they started to cover the front brake ALL THE TIME!!..

[iowabeakster]

When I hit the front brake. does the back brake engage, as well?

yes...but when you hit the rear pedal it ONLY operates the rear wheel

So is there any need to even use the rear brake pedal when using the front brakes?

No..not really
...but ... my opinion is different than above...

I ride my ABS bike exactly as I would ride all motorcycles. Using both brakes is proper technique. I figure, I won't have this bike forever...and sometimes I ride my wife's bike...I don't need to start any bad habits. Even though it might not be doing anything...I use my foot pedal at the same time I use the hand lever.

What about using back brakes only, which I sometimes do in slow-speed maneuvers?

This is fine "parking lot" technique (sharp turns, very low speed). I do this with all bikes. Wiping out in the parking lot doesn't cause a lot of damage... but the guys will laugh at you.

Is there an issue of uneven wear of brake pads?

Don't worry about it...your rears will wear out before the fronts. It happens without ABS too.

The only way that those questions could be dumb, is if you were a blond...