Braking.

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Hi westcoaster. Even though your brakes are linked on your 1500, the safest way remains the same.

anything 10 kph & slower, you do not use the front brake unless a collision is about to happen. Useing the front brake going slow will drop your bike quickly if your front tire is not dead strait.

Both front & rear for normal braking.

I think your linked brakes are governed by a proportioning valve to limit your front brake so a low speed brake application will not cause you to drop.

Wayne.

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That's sensible advice Wayne.

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westcoaster wrote:

Now with the 1500 the front brake does one side only and the rear. The rear does the other side. I dont know if this question makes sence but do you use both brakes all the time or is the pedal used more or the lever used more?
Thanks

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Just so we're on the same page, The hand brake operates the front right disc, which is independent. The foot pedal operates the front left disc and the rear disc, simultaneously.

Maybe that's what you meant?

In any event, I always use the foot brake first, when slowing to a stop and add the front, if needed. Never on gravel. If I do, it's very controlled.

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Thanks for the input guys. I am a fairly new rider and at the MC safety course I took they warned against using the rear brake/foot brake for fear of the rear wheel locking up at a high speed stop and loosing control. So now with the Gold Wing only using the front brake does not have allot of stopping power. So what you are saying is to go ahead and use the foot pedal brake with the hand lever as a backup. This is opposite to my training but we were not training on Gold Wings. Is this correct?
Thanks

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I guess I don't understand the logic of high speed stopping with the front brake to avoid the back from locking up. Goldwing or not, I would much rather take my chances locking up the back, than locking the front, and as previously stated, not having the front wheel straight, causing the front to dip. Not only that, the results would be disastrous, if any small gravel were on the road. Even an oil slicked surface or painted line.

I might add, those few times I have dropped the bike, were caused by using the front brake too aggressively, and the front wheel not straight.

I would have questioned that suggestion.

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The fastest way to get any bike stopped is to use BOTH brakes. I practice high speed stops every spring when I get the bike out. The goal is to brake heavy without locking up either tire. I also practice stopping with a passenger to know how it feels. You don't want to come up short on brakes because you are afraid to use everything that Honda put on the bike, especially when a deer steps out in front of you while doing 65 mph.

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westcoaster wrote:

A question on the proper braking procedure for the GL 1500. My last bike was a vtx 1300 and all braking was done with the front brake except for emergency stops when you would apply both front and back.Gravel surface stops and stopping in a slow speed turn would be the rear brake. Now with the 1500 the front brake does one side only and the rear. The rear does the other side. I dont know if this question makes sence but do you use both brakes all the time or is the pedal used more or the lever used more?
Thanks

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the way you used to brake your VTX its the same method i use for my 1200 whose brakes work the same as your 1500. front brake does most of the job.

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It seems most bikes have dual brake discs on the front and single on the back. That would seem the front is where the braking power is needed. I will give the rear brake a try. I appreciate all the input.

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The linked brakes on the Goldwings are a subject of confusion and distress. Many have wanted to "un-link" them. (Me included).

I almost always use both the foot-operated and hand operated brake at the same time. But, yes, most of your stopping power comes from the front.

I think your prior education will serve you well, and I recommend you get out and play. Practice some emergency stops in safe locations.

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I brake with both brakes 99% of the time with even pressure on both...nice and smooth...good idea practice max braking once in a while in an open area on a good surface....

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westcoaster wrote:

Thanks for the input guys. I am a fairly new rider and at the MC safety course I took they warned against using the rear brake/foot brake for fear of the rear wheel locking up at a high speed stop and loosing control. So now with the Gold Wing only using the front brake does not have allot of stopping power. So what you are saying is to go ahead and use the foot pedal brake with the hand lever as a backup. This is opposite to my training but we were not training on Gold Wings. Is this correct?
Thanks

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wow not sure but i'd rather have rear sliding than front mho, gravel i try to avoid but approach on a case by case and definitely no hurry:action::waving:

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Front brakes on any vehicle do most of the work due to a weight transfer to the front durring deceleration. Typical percentages are 70% front & 30 % rear braking. This is the reason for 2 sets of brakes on the front. Twice the friction surface for increased braking.

Try to imagine the force on your front fork tubes if you only brake with front brakes (Rear not linked). thats asking an awfull lot from 2 tubes. they could buckle & down you go but that also sends a larger weight transfer to your front tire which will un ballance your bike & make you un stable.

Learn to use front & rear together & your chances of wheel lock up will be greatly reduced because you now have double the surface area on the ground to burn off your forward inertia.

As the other members have mentioned, you must try this and learn from your bikes responses to your actions. You will need this training some day to dodge an unexpected hazard that pop's out right in front of you!

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Hey Wayne thanks for the advice. Now I know where I know you from. I am the guy with the gl1500 for sale in Qualicum and you came by and looked it. You will have to stop by for another chat sometime.
Thanks again to everyone for the input on this issue. Its a great site.

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Westcoaster it depends on the road surface and conditions, the brakes on a 1200 and onwards wing are designed to be used together. Normal motorcycle braking on decent roads and dry would have me using the front brake momentarily before the back one, on gravel and wet surfaces pay more attention to hazards and distances etc so that light pressure is only needed, certainly on loose surfaces avoid harsh braking, especially from the front.

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westcoaster wrote:

Hey Wayne thanks for the advice. Now I know where I know you from. I am the guy with the gl1500 for sale in Qualicum and you came by and looked it. You will have to stop by for another chat sometime.
Thanks again to everyone for the input on this issue. Its a great site.

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I've thought about doing that a few times but I thought you might get mad when I druel all over your Wing!:cheeky1:

I enjoyed our last chat, Im amazed that you have not sold that bike yet.

I might pop in tomorrow after work!

Wayne.

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If you are going by stop in for a chat Wayne

Dave

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Today was a bad day Dave, I blew a steer tire & 100 kmh & almost rolled the truck. $1000 for a new tire!
i will see you tomorrow, (Friday) After work!!!

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hatchetman wrote:

Today was a bad day Dave, I blew a steer tire & 100 kmh & almost rolled the truck. $1000 for a new tire!
i will see you tomorrow, (Friday) After work!!!

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And I complain about the cost of a Goldwing tire :cheeky1:. Seriously , what kind of tire is that ? One of those wide footprint like a concrete mixer ? Just curious , I knew truck tires are pricy but didnt realize that high .

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You bet, I drive a tandom tandom with a drop down tag axle. so I have 4 steer tires & they are huge! When Im loaded with 10 cubic meters, (14 Yards) my gross weight is around 96,000 pounds. i delivered 67 meters today, Im bagged!



Went to see you around 5 pm Dave, but no one home. i might roll in there this weekend, or if your out for a ride, come on down to Bowser!