Brakes - BMW F 800 GS 2012 Rider's Manual

Brakes

5
How can stopping
distance be minimised?
66
Each time the brakes are applied,
a load distribution shift takes
place with the load shifting for-
ward from the rear to the front
wheel. The sharper the vehicle
decelerates, the more load is
z
shifted to the front wheel. The
higher the wheel load, the more
braking force can be transmitted
without the wheel locking.
To optimise stopping distance,
apply the front brakes rapidly and
keep on increasing the force you
apply to the brake lever. This
makes the best possible use of
the dynamic increase in load at
the front wheel. Remember to
pull the clutch at the same time.
In the "panic braking situations"
that are trained so frequently
braking force is applied as rap-
idly as possible and with the
rider's full force applied to the
brake levers; under these circum-
stances the dynamic shift in load
distribution cannot keep pace
with the increase in deceleration
and the tyres cannot transmit the
full braking force to the surface
of the road. Under these circum-
stances the front wheel can lock
up.
BMW Motorrad ABS prevents
the front wheel from locking up.
Descending mountain
passes
There is a danger of the
brakes fading if you use
only the rear brakes when des-
cending 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 and dirty brakes
Wetness and dirt on the brake
discs and the brake pads dimin-
ish braking efficiency.
Delayed braking action or poor
braking efficiency must be
reckoned with in the following
situations:
Riding in the rain or through
puddles of water.
After the motorcycle has been
washed.
Riding on salted or gritted
roads.
After work has been carried on
the brakes, due to traces of oil
or grease.
Riding on dirt-covered surfaces
or off-road.
Wetness and dirt result in
poor braking efficiency.
Apply the brakes lightly while
riding to remove wetness and
dirt, or dismount and clean the

brakes.