Operation Manual

FEATURES
1-14
ABS operation and vehicle control
If the ABS starts operating, there is a tendency of the wheel to lock, and the vehicle is approaching
the limit of control. To make the rider aware of this condition, the ABS has been designed to gener-
ate a reaction-force pulsating action in the front brake lever and rear brake lever independently.
TIP
When the ABS is activated, a pulsating action may be felt at the front brake lever or rear brake lever,
but this does not indicate a malfunction.
The higher the side force on a tire, the less traction there is available for braking. This is true
whether the vehicle is equipped with ABS or not. Therefore, sudden braking while cornering is not
recommended. Excessive side force, which ABS cannot prevent, could cause the tire to slip side-
ways.
WARNING
EWA59C2101
The braking of the vehicle, even in the worst case, is principally executed when the vehicle is
advancing straight ahead. During a turn, sudden braking is liable to cause a loss of traction
of the tires. Even in vehicles equipped with ABS, overturning of the vehicle cannot be pre-
vented if it is braked suddenly.
The ABS functions to prevent the tendency of the wheel to lock by controlling the brake fluid pres-
sure. However, if there is a tendency of the wheel to lock on a slippery road surface, due to engine
braking, the ABS may not be able to prevent the wheel from locking.
WARNING
EWA59C2102
The ABS controls only the tendency of the wheel to lock caused by applying the brakes. The
ABS cannot prevent wheel lock on slippery surfaces, such as ice, when it is caused by
engine braking, even if the ABS is operating.
a. Friction force between the tire and road sur-
face
b. Brake force
c. Side force
d. Slip ratio (%)