BMW C400GT - Rider's Manual > Brakes

How do you achieve the shortest stopping distances?

The dynamic load distribution between the front and rear wheel changes during braking. The heavier you brake, the greater the weight transfer to the front wheel. Increases in the load on an individual wheel are accompanied by a rise in the effective braking force that the wheel can provide.

To achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the front brake must be applied quickly and with progressively greater levels of force. This procedure provides ideal exploitation of the extra weight transfer to the front wheel. With the frequently instructed "forced braking," in which the brake pressure is generated as quickly as possible and with great force, dynamic load distribution lags behind the progressive increases in deceleration rate and the braking force cannot be completely transferred to the road surface. This would cause the front wheel to lock up.

Locking up of the front wheel is prevented by BMW Motorrad ABS.

Descending mountain passes

WARNING Braking only with the rear-wheel brake when descending mountain passes

Reduced of braking action, destruction of the brakes caused by overheating

• Use both front and rear brakes, and make use of the engine's braking effect as well.

Wet, soiled brakes

Moisture and dirt on the brake rotors and the brake pads result in a decrease in the braking action.

Delayed or poorer braking action must be expected in the following situations:

• When driving in the rain and through puddles.
• After washing the vehicle.
• When driving on roads spread with salt.
• After working on the brakes due to oil or grease residues.
• During riding on dirty roads.

WARNING Poorer braking action due to moisture and dirt

Accident hazard

• Brake until brakes are dry or clean; clean if necessary.

  Brake early until the full braking action is available again.

Parking the Scooter

Side stand

• Switch off engine.

ATTENTION Poor ground conditions in area of stand

Component damage cause by tipping over

• Always check that the ground under the stand is level and firm.

 

• Fold out the side stand and park the Scooter.

ATTENTION Loading of the side stand with additional weight

Component damage cause by tipping over

• Do not sit on the motorcycle when it is parked on the side stands.

 

• If the slope of the road permits, turn the handlebars to the left.

Center stand

• Switch off engine.

ATTENTION Poor ground conditions in area of stand

Component damage cause by tipping over

• Always check that the ground under the stand is level and firm.

ATTENTION Center stand folds if subject to sharp movements.

Component damage cause by tipping over

• Do not sit on the motorcycle while it is resting on the center stand.

 

• Fold out the center stand and prop up the Scooter.

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