Front Brakes...

[Elipten_imp]

Combine the trip with COTA MotoGP


2014 CB1100 DLX
2013 CB1100 Std
1990 BMW K75 RT

[Chapomis_imp]

I'm no expert but familiarity with each motorcycle is critical. When I get on my old BMW the brakes which felt so strong before I got the CB now feel like lead and not very capable at Performing stops. I always have to use care when switching between the two motorcycles due to the breaking characteristic difference. The 20 Hp difference not such a big impact.

I apologize as I meant no slight to your riding ability or experience. I 'm just saying every motorcycle is different and familiarity is important.

Just like when I fly for work and get a rental car I've learned to take a few minutes and learn the layout of the controls, adjust the mirrors and etc. but I seem to never remember to check which side the gas cap is on, and pull into the pumps wrong to refuel it when returning.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If there isn't an arrow, whatever side the hose and handle extends out from on the gas pump picture on the dash is where the fuel fill is. At least that's what I was told, and I've never seen a car not like this since.

If there isn't an arrow, whatever side the hose and handle extends out from on the gas pump picture on the dash is where the fuel fill is. At least that's what I was told, and I've never seen a car not like this since.
Kudos to the engineer that thought of that. I will try to remember.....

[jmc1100_imp]

Reading all this with great interest. Years back I sold a Ducati which had the best brakes I've experienced. The new owner gets on the bike and immediately grabs a handful of brake. I politely imply that this bike is different than his sportster, please take your time. At the end of my driveway he locks the front and is quickly on the ground. The reason the brakes locked is I have a gravel driveway, on pavement with more friction the braking action might have been OK. As said 2 fingers is better and brakes are not an on-off switch. You can lock up rear brakes usually safely.. Front brakes are another matter..

[AzBob_imp]

I think you answered your own question... you were on gravel.

How many max braking drills have you done onboard your CB?

[TCinNC_imp]

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger Quietguy , I only have 150 miles on my bike and my first observation upon riding it was how touchy the front brake is. It's unfortunate the Std doesn't have ABS, but we all have to learn the nuances of new bikes. I would have to say the 1100 has the "grabbiest" front bike of any bike I've ever ridden. I think some high speed parking lot "practice" might be in order for me.

Then I will be the first to admit to my lack of braking skills with the CB1100... I'm sure I need a lot more work and practice with these particular units. No matter the number of years, or the quantity of motorcycles I've ridden, there's always room for learning and improvement.

But yeah... I do define these front brakes as VERY sensitive. I also use two fingers on the brake lever.

[quietguy_imp]

I suspect I got a bit too relaxed, maybe complacent... or just inattentive. I'll certainly be a lot more tuned in during future rides.

[NightRider_imp]

I use the rear brakes by themselves at low speed. The fronts are two powerful for me to use at low speed without causing the forks to dive, with or without lock-up, just when you are trying to be very accurate in placing the bike somewhere. Nothing worse than smoothly coming to a red light and then at the last second the front brake locks and the forks dive and perhaps even making you lose her.

[quietguy_imp]

Good points, all, NightRider...

Since my little mishap I've done due diligence and employed a lot of practice times during my rides. Once I calmed down, things have come together but I'm still very careful with front brake applications.

Thanks for your post.

[pdedse]

Very glad to have read this thread, as my other bike--klr650--has soft brakes, and others I've had, sportster, xs650s, a few others, none had dual up front and so the cb1100 has a really different feel for me...as in "holy bat-brakes, this thing has stopping power!"

With only a handful of rides, I think I'll go to a local parking lot where mc courses are held and do some slow speed manouvers and braking so that there are no surprises.

[NightRider_imp]

Very glad to have read this thread, as my other bike--klr650--has soft brakes, and others I've had, sportster, xs650s, a few others, none had dual up front and so the cb1100 has a really different feel for me...as in "holy bat-brakes, this thing has stopping power!"

With only a handful of rides, I think I'll go to a local parking lot where mc courses are held and do some slow speed manouvers and braking so that there are no surprises.

I'm with you. The first day I went to a local school parking lot and practiced slow turns and rear lockup stops so hopefully when it happens for real I'll know to ride it to a stop.

You are also right, this bike can stop quick and it can also slow quick right before a 90 degree mountain road curve and then turn sharp with the throttle up to raise her up off the shocks for that tight turn and then keep going without dropping as if we do 90 degree turns every day without breaking a sweat.

Awesome bike. Awesome brakes and handling. Everytime I look at a new cruiser I recall how difficult it must be for a cruiser to match the handling of this bike.