Limits of brakes?

The bandito shares the same Tokiyo (?sp) 2 pot calipers up front as the Sv, same twin disk setup.

Thing is, when im having some fun, i can't really put much harder, the brakes don't seem to want to give any more braking force, the next step is lockup.

Now it has got ABS, could be what is restricting it. But this only bites when shes trying to lock up or you hit a bump mid braking making the front go light for a second.

But when im really hard, they bite nice, but as the braking goes on, im not "inspired" with confidence. Possibly the fatty weighty nature of the bike.

So is it my limits, or the limitations of the brakes? I guess braideds could aid lever feel, but really, theres not much i guess you can improve on other than higher spec pads and discs (but really, will this vastly improve it, i dont think it would).

[jambo]

If you've got enough force to lock the front wheel at speed, then you're not lacking outright power. Different pads can give more bite, but my first thought would be "are the fork springs suited to your weight?" My Bandit 600 was rather softly sprung, and I found stiffer springs did it a lot of good for front end feel.


Jambo

[yorkie_chris]

Yup sounds like front end could do with more compression/stiffer spring/preload.

Also (no offence) are you gripping tank with legs enough?

[Luckypants]

Similarly to the previous posts, once I had correct springs for my weight in the SV, the brakes felt much better and I was ble to get more braking force. Perhaps it is the spongy front that is making the brakes feel lacking?

When I had an ABS '07 Hornet hire bike I had the same lack of bite to the brakes unless squeezed really hard. That bike had 300 miles on the clock when I got it, I blame the ABS.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by DanAbnormal

When I had an ABS '07 Hornet hire bike I had the same lack of bite to the brakes unless squeezed really hard. That bike had 300 miles on the clock when I got it, I blame the ABS.

I wouldn't blame the ABS, it essentially does nothing until the speed of front wheel Vs rear wheel moves outside an acceptable range. It shouldn't affect initial bite or lever feel at all. I've ridden the 2007 Hornet ABS, and Z750 ABS, The ABS didn't interfere at all unless I poked it with a big stick (snatching front brake while slow speed & vertical to intentionally lock the front).

Possibly just the 2 pot sliding calipers, or pad compound would have been what you didn't like the feel of?

Jambo

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Yup sounds like front end could do with more compression/stiffer spring/preload.

Also (no offence) are you gripping tank with legs enough?

Very much so

Well, if its a spring adjustment, I wont bother, just leave it be. Its the work hack so better being comfy.

Just need to work on the savings to buy a 2nd bike, sports, just for sunny days and weekends