Braking - Monster 659 Owner's Manual

Braking

Slow down in time, shift down to engine-brake first and then
brake applying both brakes. Pull in the clutch lever before the
motorcycle comes to a stop to prevent the engine stalling.
ABS device (for Monster 659 ABS only)
Using the brakes correctly under adverse conditions is the
hardest – and yet the most critical – skill to master for a rider.
Braking is one of the most difficult and dangerous moments
when riding a two wheeled vehicle: the possibility of falling
or having an accident during this difficult moment is
statistically higher than any other moment. A locked front
wheel leads to loss of traction and stability, resulting in loss
of control.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) has been developed to
enable riders to use the vehicles braking force to the fullest
possible amount in emergency braking or under poor
pavement or adverse weather conditions.
ABS uses hydraulics and electronics to limit pressure in the
brake circuit when a special sensor mounted to the wheel
signals the electronic control unit that the wheel is about to
lock up.
This avoids wheel lockup and preserves traction. Pressure is
raised back up immediately and the control unit keeps
controlling the brake until the risk of a lockup disappears.
Normally, the rider will perceive ABS operation as a harder
feel or a pulsation of the brake lever and pedal.
The front and rear brakes use separate control systems,
meaning that they operate independently. Likewise, the ABS
is not an integral braking system and does not control both
the front and rear brake at the same time.
If desired, the system can be deactivated from the
instrument panel, using the "ABS disabling function" (see
page 38).
Warning
With the ABS system deactivated, the vehicle
maintains the characteristics of the standard braking system,
therefore the use of only one of the brakes reduces the
motorcycle's braking efficiency. Using only one of the brakes
will give you less braking power. as you may lock the wheels
and lose control of the motorcycle. When riding in the rain or
on slippery surfaces, braking capacity is significantly
reduced. Always use the brakes very gently and carefully
when riding under these conditions. Any sudden
manoeuvres may lead to loss of control.
When tackling long, steep downhill road tracts, shift down
gears to use engine braking. Apply one brake at a time and
use brakes sparingly. Keeping the brakes applied all the time
would cause the friction material to overheat and reduce
braking power dangerously. Tyre inflation pressures below
the specified value will reduce braking efficiency, and
compromise steering precision and roadholding on bends.
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