Motorcycles - Brake modification with ABS brakes

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Tue 22 May 2012 16:04
Motorcycles - Brake modification with ABS brakes - Cris_on_the_gas

Due to not able to use right leg to operate rear brake I have adapted my motorcycles to use a thumb brake. Usually use a front brake master cyliner turned around on the left handlebar with some modifications to the mounting and lever.

Thinking of purchasing a new motorcycle that has got ABS fitted. Not sure if I can use a standard master cylinder, will this operate the ABS satisfactorly.

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Wed 23 May 2012 11:48
Motorcycles - Brake modification with ABS brakes - dieselnut

I think you will be fine with a thumb operated rear brake. The ABS part isn't part of the master cylinder so you will just need a new hydraulic line made up to connect to the ABS modulator where the foot brake line would have connected. You'll have to be carefull to bleed out any air that gets into the modulator.

My last 5 bikes have all had ABS & I wouldn't now buy a bike without this feature. Modern bikes have such powerfull front brakes that it is very easy, especially in a panic situation & wet road, to lock the front wheel & go down. I havn't had to make use of it yet, but it's reassuring to know you can brake to the max without fear of locking the wheels. ABS wont help you if you have to brake while leaned over around a bend though.

Hope you get it sorted ok.

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Wed 23 May 2012 14:31
Motorcycles - Brake modification with ABS brakes - Cris_on_the_gas

Thank you dieselnut very useful.

I am also convinced that ABS on motorbikes must be good. I have done skills days in the wet where we have got people to do emergency stops. From about 30-40 mph the bikes with ABS were stopping about 2-3 metres quicker than those without it.

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Wed 23 May 2012 17:24
Motorcycles - Brake modification with ABS brakes - craig-pd130

I'd be really interested in trying a bike equipped with ABS.

My old Suzi triple has a primitive version of the technology: the single front disc & single-piston caliper is so weak that you wouldn't be able to lock it up with 2 hands pulling the lever :-D

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Wed 23 May 2012 19:11
Motorcycles - Brake modification with ABS brakes - mickyh7

That must be the 380 then ?

My Kettle tripple 750 B had twin discs,They were hopeless too !

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Tue 28 Aug 2012 11:53
Motorcycles - Brake modification with ABS brakes - Cris_on_the_gas

I have just been told by a Technical expert who works for KTM that the Bosch ABS pump fitted on their ABS units is homologated to the bike and you cannot change the master cylinder.

Seem to go against advice here. Looking at a KTM Duke 690 but need to get the brakes sorted out first.

Would appreciate any advice

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