Brakes - BMW HP4 Rider's Manual

Brakes

How do you achieve
the shortest stopping
distances?
The dynamic load distribution be-
tween the front and rear wheel
changes during braking. The
heavier you brake, the greater
the weight transfer to the front
wheel. Increases in the load at
an individual wheel are accom-
panied by a rise in the effective
braking force that the wheel can
provide.
To achieve the shortest possi-
ble braking distance, the front
brake must be applied quickly
and with increasing force. This
procedure provides ideal exploita-
tion of the extra weight transfer
to the front wheel. The clutch
should also be disengaged at
the same time. With the "forced
braking" often practiced in which
the brake pressure is generated
as quickly as possible and with
great force, the dynamic load
distribution cannot follow the
increased deceleration and the
braking force cannot be com-
pletely transferred to the road
surface. The front wheel can lock
up.
Locking up of the front wheel is
prevented by the BMW Motorrad
Race ABS.
Descending mountain
passes
There is a danger of the
brakes fading if you use
only the rear brakes when
descending mountain passes.
Under extreme conditions, the
brakes could overheat and suffer
severe damage.
Use both front and rear brakes,
and make use of the engine's
braking effect as well.
Wet, soiled brakes
Moisture and dirt on the brake
disks and the brake pads result in
a decrease in the braking action.
Delayed or poorer braking action
must be expected in the follow-
ing situations:
When driving in the rain and
through puddles.
After washing the motorcycle.
When driving on roads spread
with salt.
After working on the brakes
due to oil or grease residues.
When driving on soiled roads
or offroad.
Poor braking action due to
moisture and dirt.
Brake until brakes are dry or
clean; clean if necessary.
Brake early until the full braking
action is available again.
5
65
z