Bought a new 2013 Fireblade in June with ABS. Thought I would never notice it until that one off when I needed it- CRAP. I've been riding for twenty odd years, never used back brake but always in fast group at track days and no problems keeping up and IN CONTROL. After 200 mls on new bike whacked on brakes at 120mph as normal to turn into my road on left, suddenly no brakes had to go straight ahead- NIGHTMARE. Always have ridden with couple of fingers over front brake in case of unforseen, one finger massive brake power, on this brand new fireblade it feels like the brakes are 5yrs old and need bled, no power at all until u use your full hand and wank on them! And I've noticed that I can pull the brake lever completely into the handlebars- that cant be right!! Also when going hard into corners on the road I can feel the brakes on the rear but I didn't touch the rear foot brake and it upsets the bikes cornering line- bottom line if you enjoy going for it on a bike drop the ABS just gets in way- will post photos of lever to handlebar tomorrow. Keep it country!
Another 1 !! plenty of info on here Kidder.......not good mate. just 1 of many threads http://1000rr.co.uk/general-1000rr-discussion/10058.htm
Join the party... The brakes don't work if you feather them... Seems they get 'tired'... I believe Honda think it's more fun if they fail when heading for the back of another vehicle though... H
Pull the fuse and it's bypassed, but people here who've done it say it's not quite the same as real brakes...
Yeah. Nearly needed my leathers cleaned out when it first happened to me. Luckily it was a van, not a truck and I was going slow enough the tyre took it all. I still consider his a really bad engineering mistake, and should be recalled and fixed properly. (i.e. rip out the combined and fly-by-wire bit and make the damn thing proper ABS). However until that mythical day, it's a different style you need to adapt. Only pull the lever when you want to use the brakes, and release it fully between each use... Pain in the arse, you can't feather to slow gently (Especially while filtering). Sooner it's fixed and Honda apologise the better. Preferably BEFORE someone is killed or seriously hurt because of it. If it happened on a car they'd have recalled them by now and fixed it. Car brakes don't fail because an idiot drives for 50km with their left foot on it. Why fail a bike brakes because you've feathered for 20 seconds. I still love my Blade though... Especially since it's the faster Black one. H
Ooooh man that is so dangerous! I'm glad you didn't have an off and I think this says it all for me on the ABS or non ABS argument..... Also gives me an idea.... On forum bike rides all ABS models must lead the pack please
I don't have a problem with that... I HATE following other bikes. I NEED to see what's coming up. I'm not sure I'd buy a non-ABS still though next time. Although I plan on a BIG lawsuit from my wife if the fscking brakes cause my death. H
Don't you worry I'll have the footage in glorious 1080 HD on my hero3 if I'm following you which should greatly help your wife's litigation
Wow I wish I lived left of an autobahn Seriously though it sounds like you have air in your system because if you give it a handful at speed ABS will take over and will literally rip the tarmac off, admittedly not as hard as a seasoned pro but it will not allow the bike to lock or endo (though it does allow the rear to skim the road but not lose control). Either that or there was crap on the road the the ABS kicked in?? Pulling your levers to the bar is not right again this might indicate air, - mine following bleeding are solid. As your bike is new it would have been bleed at the factory ie as quickly as possible. You riding it has probably collected air in all the important bit especially the MC. Unfortunately the ABS is very susceptible to air, bubbles can give false readings to the ecus, ie telling them you are applying less pressure than you actually are etc. I would have the main lines bleed in the first instance, (personally I would do it myself to make sure its done right see here http://1000rr.co.uk/maintenance/11853.htm) and if that doesn't work try and get a full bleed done under warranty or if you're brave http://1000rr.co.uk/maintenance/10733.htm The filtering/lever back to grips is an issue shared across an ABS and will happen on continued application at low speeds, a total ball ache I and many have learnt to ride around this. Hope you get it sorted!
Hi, I had the same problems here! I have had spoken with Honda Technical and it seems they think there isn't an issue!. Got mine bled last week, still feel they go soft. I would suggest you call them and either speak to Simon or Dave the head of technical, as it would appear the dealers aren't reporting we are finding issues. Dave Rowley Technical Services Manager Honda (UK) - Motorcycles Direct Dial +44(0)1753 590621 Direct Fax +44(0)1753 286621 I'm back on the phone Monday Morning again. Another thing we blade lovers should all know as of next year ABS will be standard on all bikes! I have had many bikes with ABS and never encountered such unreliability. Think i might post this information up on the BBC Watchdog depending how the Honda Technical.
So glad I came on here and read about all the problems before buying my 2013, it'd oly need to happen once to me and I'd have lost all confidence in the bike. Out of 3 dealers I went to, none admitted to having ever heard about ABS problems, I can't believe Honda UK have not either.
Touch wood, I've done over 2000 mile now an no brake issues at all, having follow ed the experiences of others I'm a little circumspect in traffic and us my rear when I can. It is noteworthy that all bikes will soon have to have ABS I guess we are the trial generation? Lets hope we all survive it
When I spend £12800 on anything I don't want it to be a 'trial' especially if said 'trial' is on the brake system on a 186mph motorbike!!!
Soft levers are normally an indication you have air in the system. Another symptom I've encountered is when you brake hard the system kicks in and seems to reduce your braking effort! causing you to miss stopping points you know you should have achieved- bad news!. This normally requires a bleed, if air is in your main lines you only need a conventional bleed, if in the C-ABS you need a full bleed. Unfortunately not all spanners at Honda are able to do properly or spend enough time/care to ensure it's done well, after all it's not their pride and joy. Mine got a full ABS bleed at Honda under warranty and came back worse! Decided to bleed myself and with the help of other forum members now have my levers rock solid. I've posted a thread that will get rid of air in the main lines http://1000rr.co.uk/maintenance/11853.htm, if you're handy with a spanner its a piece of cake. Agree it's not ideal especially as you have just spent a wad of cash on what should be a legend, but I think I've taken it on the chin that if you buy an ABS to need to know how to bleed it
