03-23-2014, 08:29 AM
The C-ABS is the same (although vastly improved) design as the much maligned CBS (Combined Braking System) which was pioneered in racing and later featured on the GL1200 (1982) and later the CBR1000 in 1993.
The system does indeed operate both brakes despite the rider only applying one. Having only ridden one other bike with linked brakes (a CBR1000 in 1996) I was a little perturbed when I first used the rear brake on the CB1100 a few weeks ago when I collected it. The front brake lever actually moves in a touch when you push the rear brake pedal. I felt myself pushing it away with my fingers but I've got more used to it now.
It's a little like those old pianos that they had in the Laurel & Hardy films which would play themselves when they walked away from them, and the keys depressed as if by magic.
As I'm still in the running in period, I've not given the system any abuse to attempt and 'intervention' but I can say the brakes are bloody fierce, and haul the bike up in short order! They do however have plenty of feel and are very confidence inspiring.
I think the ones on the UK bikes (which all have the C-ABS) are lifted off the VFR whereas the US models without ABS use a setup from an earlier Fireblade (CBR1000RR).
To be honest I'd have been happy to have the non ABS version and save some cash and potential future repair hassles but it wasn't an option.
The system does indeed operate both brakes despite the rider only applying one. Having only ridden one other bike with linked brakes (a CBR1000 in 1996) I was a little perturbed when I first used the rear brake on the CB1100 a few weeks ago when I collected it. The front brake lever actually moves in a touch when you push the rear brake pedal. I felt myself pushing it away with my fingers but I've got more used to it now.
It's a little like those old pianos that they had in the Laurel & Hardy films which would play themselves when they walked away from them, and the keys depressed as if by magic.
As I'm still in the running in period, I've not given the system any abuse to attempt and 'intervention' but I can say the brakes are bloody fierce, and haul the bike up in short order! They do however have plenty of feel and are very confidence inspiring.
I think the ones on the UK bikes (which all have the C-ABS) are lifted off the VFR whereas the US models without ABS use a setup from an earlier Fireblade (CBR1000RR).
To be honest I'd have been happy to have the non ABS version and save some cash and potential future repair hassles but it wasn't an option.