Linked Brakes Question - Distribution of Braking Effort

[FrontRangeRider]

Does anyone know the amount of braking effort applied to the rear wheel (compared to the front wheel) when one uses the front brake lever only in the linked brakes mode?

Later this summer, we will be taking a long camping trip and bringing the bikes in the toy hauler. In the past, I would back my bike down the ramp with the engine off, bike in first gear and easing the clutch to provide braking. Using the front brake does not work well. The wheel slides and usually flops to one side.

My hope is that the amount of rear braking would be sufficient to use the linked brakes with the engine running to slow and stop the bike while backing down the ramp. Has anyone tried this that could verify whether it works or not? Unless someone can confirm it works, I won't try it until I have one or more burly guys to help me in case the rear braking is not enough to stop the bike and prevent the front wheel lock and flop. The S10 is about 100 lb heavier than the last bike I loaded so I prefer not to screw it up.

Thanks

 

[scott123007]

Does anyone know the amount of braking effort applied to the rear wheel (compared to the front wheel) when one uses the front brake lever only in the linked brakes mode?

Later this summer, we will be taking a long camping trip and bringing the bikes in the toy hauler. In the past, I would back my bike down the ramp with the engine off, bike in first gear and easing the clutch to provide braking. Using the front brake does not work well. The wheel slides and usually flops to one side.

My hope is that the amount of rear braking would be sufficient to use the linked brakes with the engine running to slow and stop the bike while backing down the ramp. Has anyone tried this that could verify whether it works or not? Unless someone can confirm it works, I won't try it until I have one or more burly guys to help me in case the rear braking is not enough to stop the bike and prevent the front wheel lock and flop. The S10 is about 100 lb heavier than the last bike I loaded so I prefer not to screw it up.

Thanks

This is pure speculation, but if you have a problem with the front wheel sliding (and I'm assuming you mean locking up) while you are backing it down the ramp with the engine off, with the bike running, the ABS might keep the front wheel from skidding altogether, and render the braking useless. I guess you can always try it, but the way you have been doing it with the gearbox sounds best to me.

 

[mingo]

The brakes are not fully linked. Applying the rear brake only applies brake to the rear wheel. Applying the brake lever applies braking force to both wheels. I use the rear brake exclusively at parking lot speeds and can bring the bike to a full stop. Yamaha doesn't say what % for the rear when the front is applied.

 

[S_Palmer]

According to the service manual, at low speeds only a slight pressure is applied to the rear brake, also says ubs only
works after the bike is moving, if you stop then release the brake and reapply no pressure is sent to the rear.
it doesn't sound like you would have any rear brake backing out.

 

[78YZ]

I am digging the linked brakes. This is the first bike I've had with them. ::022::

 

[limey]

I back mine out of the truck with front brake and engine off in first gear and using the clutch to brake the rear wheel.

 

[iClint]

The manual explains the linked brake system.

The linked brake system only activates when the bike is moving once the bike comes to a stop if you release the brake lever and reapply only the front brake will engage.

You can test this with the bike on the centre stand spin the wheel by hand or even with the engine use the front brake - zero Rear brake is applied.

When the bike is moving the amount of braking power sent to the rear wheel depends on many factors but in theory it will be enough to stabilise the bike .

As for ABS This system only works when the bike is moving and above a certain speed 15-30km/h

In the situation the OP has described the bikes brakes will function only as normal brakes and will not be linked.

This is my second bike with linked brakes and I am a big fan.

 

[2112]

I've had a couple of Honda's and Moto Guzzi's in the past with linked brakes, with mixed results. The early Guzzi systems weren't really an integrated system as such in that the rear brake lever also operated one front brake caliper and the other front caliper was operated by the front brake lever. This worked OK up to a point, but it wasn't ideal. On the Honda's (a VFR800 and a Varadero) the system was more integrated with either pedal or lever operating front and rear simultaneously. On the Varadero the system worked well and suited the bike, on the VFR I felt it spoiled a good bike ! So much so that I un-linked the system which dramatically improved the bike.

I find the Yam' system unobtrusive and 'normal', unlike any of the others, which is nice.

 

[FrontRangeRider]

Thank you to everyone who replied. I'll stick with my previous approach. I know how to do it and it works.

Now, if I could figure out a way to activate the rear brake form the handlebars, I'd be cooking.