BMW K 1200 GT -, Rider'S Manual

Page: 81 / 160

The higher the wheel load,
the more braking force can
be transmitted without the
wheel locking. To optimise
stopping distance, apply
the front brakes rapidly
and keep on increasing
the force you apply to the
brake lever. This makes
the best possible use of the
dynamic increase in load at
the front wheel. Remember
to pull the clutch at the
same time. In the "panic
braking situations" that are
trained so frequently braking
force is applied as rapidly
as possible and with the
rider's full force exerted on
the brake levers; under these
circumstances the dynamic
shift in load distribution
cannot keep pace with the
increase in deceleration and
the tyres cannot transmit
the full braking force to the
surface of the road. ABS
has to intervene to keep the
front wheel from locking; this
increases stopping distance.
Reserves for safety
The potentially shorter stop-
ping distances which BMW
Integral ABS permits must
not be used as an excuse
for careless riding. ABS is
primarily a means of ensur-
ing a safety margin in genuine
emergencies.
Take care when cornering.
When you apply the brakes
on a corner, the motorcycle's
weight and momentum take
over and even BMW Integral
ABS is unable to counteract
their effects.
Rear wheel lift
Even under severe braking,
a high level of tyre grip can
mean that the front wheel
does not lock up until very
late, if at all. Consequently,
ABS does not intervene until
very late, if at all. Under these
circumstances the rear wheel
can lift off the ground, and the
outcome can be a highsiding
situation in which the motor-
cycle can flip over.
Severe braking can
cause the rear wheel to
lift off the ground.
When you brake, bear in mind
that ABS control cannot be
relied on in all circumstances
to prevent the rear wheel from
lifting clear of the ground.
5
79
z Riding
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