Am I Alone? Likely Yes!

1929 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by gerry, Feb 19, 2014

jpalamaro

Discussion Starter · Feb 18, 2014

I've got a new 2014 WCGS and already it's broken down, stranded me and is in the shop. Ostensibly a dead battery, but was never identified, as the battery ok, seems the 'software update' fixed the problem. It has every known combo of alphabet, to include TPM, ASC, ABS etc ad nauseum.

The 'one engine back' and the low tech of the 9T, in addition to its gorgeous styling continues to intrigue me. FWIW, that was a major contributory reason for the purchase as I'm hoping, haven't looked at pics closely, but sure would be nice if the old paddle turn-sigs, horn, etc.

Anyone else considered low ooops, lower-tech of importance? Just trying to keep the 'love' alive!

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Bose

· #2 · Feb 18, 2014

I purchased 100% for true styling of the 9T then secondly for its low tech electric trickery ,you don't need all the modern override systems to truly enjoy riding as the bikes then has control not you

The 9T has ABS that's all I desire as I'm in full control after this and will enjoy riding to my abilities ,and not just directing a modern gizmoed bike as it takes to much fun out of riding

I would of loved if they had kept under bar indicators as pre 3013 bikes but that'll be the only sacrifice I have to put up with in the 9T design

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mikeo

· #3 · Feb 18, 2014

Actually, I'm a fan of the left-grip turn signals. That was the set-up on my R80, and I never quite managed to be comfortable using two-sided signals while test-driving BMW bikes in recent years.

And as Bose mentions, the ABS is about the only modern development that I'm interested in (outside of twice the horsepower and torque on the 9T compared to my old bike).

But I am interested in hearing from people about the supposed difference between the linked vs non-linked ABS. It's my understanding that the 9T's brakes aren't linked. How does this affect the manner in which one applies the brakes in an emergency (as compared to linked ABS)?

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Bose

· #4 · Feb 18, 2014

mikeo said:
Actually, I'm a fan of the left-grip turn signals. That was the set-up on my R80, and I never quite managed to be comfortable using two-sided signals while test-driving BMW bikes in recent years.

And as Bose mentions, the ABS is about the only modern development that I'm interested in (outside of twice the horsepower and torque on the 9T compared to my old bike).

But I am interested in hearing from people about the supposed difference between the linked vs non-linked ABS. It's my understanding that the 9T's brakes aren't linked. How does this affect the manner in which one applies the brakes in an emergency (as compared to linked ABS)?

The real difference is now you'll have to stand on the rear brake pedal in an emergency braking situation rather than the linked brakes doing it all for you but the rear brake isn't going to achieve much anyway linked or not ,also if your into lighting up the rear tyre now it's even easier without a linked rear brake

I'm glad of standard abs as the front breaks do 95% of breaking anyway and BMW recently have had serious rear brake pad wear on the linked brakes on the new GS LC,very soft compound wearing down before 5,000 miles even if your not manually using the rear pedal

My last GS1200 TBTC had 24,000 on the pads and were half worn with more meat left on the rear ,I love the engine breaking on the DOHC engine especially when it's revving hard and throttling off into roundabouts I hardly use the brakes

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mikeo

· #5 · Feb 18, 2014

Bose said:
The real difference is now you'll have to stand on the rear brake pedal in an emergency braking situation rather than the linked brakes doing it all for you but the rear brake isn't going to achieve much anyway linked or not ,also if your into lighting up the rear tyre now it's even easier without a linked rear brake
I'm glad of standard abs as the front breaks do 95% of breaking anyway and BMW recently have had serious rear brake pad wear on the linked brakes on the new GS LC,very soft compound wearing down before 5,000 miles even if your not manually using the rear pedal
My last GS1200 TBTC had 24,000 on the pads and were half worn with more meat left on the rear ,I love the engine breaking on the DOHC engine especially when it's revving hard and throttling off into roundabouts I hardly use the brakes

Since I've never owned a motorcycle with linked ABS (or any ABS for that matter), I'm quite used to using both the front and rear brakes. And even though most of the stopping power was in the front brakes, the rear drum on the R80 tended to lock up rather quickly in slippery conditions...so the anti-lock rear brake (linked or unlinked) is something that I've wanted for a long time.

Is the ABS on the 9T the same as the R1200R? If so, I was content with it on a test ride that include at least one pretty quick deceleration (without any scares and in much less distance than was possible on the old R80).

As for the pads, it could be that the rear brake will still be subject to more rapid wear if used a lot. The manual indicates front brake material is "sintered metal", while the rear material is "organic" (what's that code for...asbestos?).

As for the engine-braking from the DOHC engines...I got a little taste of that when down-shifting on the test drive of the R1200R, at least enough to leave a little patch of skid rubber on the road. Is that the difference between 8.2:1 compression (R80) and 12:1 (9T)?

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jpalamaro

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 18, 2014

I've gone thru the years of linked, unlinked, servo, Teves, and quite honestly either my skills really suck or didn't give it much thought. The only time I really use rear brake is very slow speed maneuvering as front will dump you in a heartbeat in any kind of a turn (most any, unless you are leaning where the brake will straighten you), But, ABS has saved me, and I am sure others in a 'throw out the anchor' panic stop, especially in wet weather.

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thompcat

· #7 · Feb 19, 2014

Basically, ABS is a compromise, as are linked brakes, to optimum braking. If ABS kicks in, it pulses (on/off) to keep the wheels turning. If you brake correctly, you will be just ahead of the ABS response and will stop sooner. ABS does not make for quicker stops, just smoother stops with less lose of traction. Learn to maximize your breaking to the point that you stop right up to, and before, the point where ABS kicks in. ABS is not a substitute for good riding skill, however, it has saved my ass more than once.

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gerry

· #8 · Feb 19, 2014

I don't agree at all. You will never be able to brake manually as hard and fast and safe as the ABS does.
Visit a riders security training on a test circuit/place and try a full braking with 100kmh/62 miles once with and once without ABS.... You will see a huge difference....

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