2009 ABS and Linked Brakes - Recap

For 2009, Honda is introducing “brake by wire,” an electronically control abs, linked brake system. There is a good article about the technology in the Sept issue of Bike. The article describes how the new technology compares with the current VFR technology.

The new abs brakes will be optional on '09 CBR 600 and starting in '10, will be an option on all Honda's sport bikes.

What is it and how does it differ from existing technology?

On the VFR, abs is a pump which pulsates the rear brake when wheel slippage is detected under braking at road speed. The front and rear brakes are linked meaning that squeezing the front brake applies rear braking force too. Also, applying the rear brake engages the front (one pot on the left side).

Linked brakes have been criticized by expert riders who largely decry overly sensitive brakes and incorrect trail braking in corners.

Honda's new electronic abs addresses these issues. First off, the abs pump is gone. Abs is now controlled by a special motor off the braking ECU that turns high-speed screws to dial in braking pressure. When spillage is detected, brake pressure is reduced. The screws eliminate pulse feedback of standard abs along with the weight of the pump.

The brakes are linked but only when the ECU takes over applying appropriate pressure to the front and rear. The ECU takes over when slippage occurs or when 50% of brake force is used. So, no stoppies.

When the ECU takes over, it may decide to lessen braking pressure. On normal brakes, you’d get feedback at the hand level and may attempt to squeeze harder. To give the rider the proper “feel,” a special polymer in the hand and foot levers is used to give fake feedback at more than 50% brake application.

So, trailing braking now works since it is usually under 50%. Also, exit corner rear braking won’t engage the front brakes.

Honda readily admits that the electronic brakes are designed for Oh Sh** braking. With repeated trials, a rider can learn to stop as quickly with electronic abs—but that rarely happens under panic braking. Lastly, if the system fails (i.e. turning of the screws fails), the system works as a conventional brake, you control the full force.

Here is an article on webBike World that describes the same but not in detail:

Honda Combined ABS System - webBikeWorld

 

Not true! (well, about the "no stoppies") I've seen pictures in a UK mag where the rider managed to lift the rear end of a CBR 600 with the system fitted. - OK, it wasn't the world's biggest stoppie, but there was definitely air!

 

The article I read said they were able to get the rear about 2 inches off the ground. So, maybe a smallie stoppie, but I'm no expert.

 

the thing is, how many people actually properly trail break?
yes at the track, but do you push that hard on the street?

I'd say we are looking at less than 10% of riders would even notice.

 

i Want all the help that technology can give me if i ever get into trouble! I want this on my next bike! I have had a few of those moments in the past and yep, I can BS all i want how I did this or that like a pro at the last split second..but y'know..I was just lucky! Next time I want help...hope the supposed new vfr has it!

 

2009 abs and linked brakes

Good post on new 2009 brakes , thank you.

Plasma