Brakes - BMW G 650 Xchallenge Rider's Manual

Brakes

5
How is the shortest
braking distance
50
achieved?
The dynamic load distribution
between the front and rear wheel
changes during braking. The
heavier you brake, the more
the front wheel is loaded. The
z
greater the wheel load, the more
braking force can be transferred.
To achieve the shortest possible
braking distance, the front brake
must be applied quickly and with
increasing force. This optimal-
ly utilizes the dynamic load in-
crease on the front wheel. At the
same time, the clutch should al-
so be actuated. With the "forced
braking" often practiced in which
the brake pressure is generat-
ed 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. To prevent the front
wheel from locking, the ABS sys-
tem must intervene and reduce
the brake pressure; the braking
distance increases.
Descending mountain
passes
There is a danger of the
brakes fading if you use on-
ly the rear brakes when descend-
ing 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 brakes
After washing the motor-
cycle, after driving through
water or in the rain, braking can
be delayed due to damp brake
disks and brake pads.
Brake early until the brakes are
dry or braked until dry.
Salt on brakes
The full braking effect can
be delayed if the motor-
cycle is ridden on salt-covered
roads and the brakes are not ap-
plied for some time.
Brake early until the salt layer of
the brake disks and brake pads
has been braked off.
Oil or grease on brakes
Oil and grease on the brake
disks and pads considerably
diminish braking efficiency.
Especially after repair and main-
tenance tasks, make sure that
the brake disks and brake pads
are free of oil and grease.