Anti-Lock Braking System (Abs) - Ducati Diavel 2014 Owner's Manual

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

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 motorcycle: 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 motorcycle 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 informs 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 setting function" page 114.
Warning
Using the two brake controls separately
reduces the motorcycle braking power. Never use the
brake controls harshly or suddenly as you may lock
the wheels and lose control of the motorcycle. When
riding in the rain or on slippery surfaces, braking will
become less effective. 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, high-gradient 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. Underinflated and overinflated
tyres reduce braking efficiency, handling accuracy
and stability in a bend.
187