C14'ers that have modified their brakes

[eng943]

I really do not like the linked brakes on the C14, as they are much too grabby. I have done some searching and have caught bits and pieces of those that seem to share my opinion. However, it was not very clear in the threads I read what to do about it.

Is there a better set of pads that will reduce the grabby feel of the brakes, or would eliminating that grabby feel require different rotors/calipers?

It's hard to believe Kawasaki did not do a better job of delivering a braking package that was smoother and more predictable.   

[Pokey]

Galfer HH

[eng943]

Galfer HH

Great, thank you.

[C1xRider]

I really do not like the linked brakes on the C14, as they are much too grabby. I have done some searching and have caught bits and pieces of those that seem to share my opinion. However, it was not very clear in the threads I read what to do about it.

Is there a better set of pads that will reduce the grabby feel of the brakes, or would eliminating that grabby feel require different rotors/calipers?

It's hard to believe Kawasaki did not do a better job of delivering a braking package that was smoother and more predictable.

Why do you think it's caused by the brakes being linked?  I have complaints about the linked brakes too, but being grabby isn't one of them.  Sounds more like you have contaminated pads or rotors.

[Scaffolder]

I found them very grabby since I bought it 38,000 miles ago. This is my only true complaint about the C-14. I wish you could atleast turn it off. Or maybe the rear brake could just be the rear brake.

[eng943]

Why do you think it's caused by the brakes being linked?  I have complaints about the linked brakes too, but being grabby isn't one of them.  Sounds more like you have contaminated pads or rotors.

Because when applying rear brake there is a very abrupt point at which the front brake is then engaged, and it is too much front brake. It should be more progressive, and a smoother engagement. It is compounded by the front end diving down when this happens, which I am not used to having been on duo/tele-lever bikes.

[C1xRider]

Because when applying rear brake there is a very abrupt point at which the front brake is then engaged, and it is too much front brake. It should be more progressive, and a smoother engagement. It is compounded by the front end diving down when this happens, which I am not used to having been on duo/tele-lever bikes.

Okay, I have noticed that.  Usually when entering a low speed tight turn, if I step on the back without any front applied, it tugs on the handlebars a little when it grabs (tries to pull them to the right).  Now I understand what you were talking about.

There was a post on here somewhere by someone that bypassed the link brakes by replacing or re-routing the brake hoses.  I didn't find it with a search though.

[maxtog]

Because when applying rear brake there is a very abrupt point at which the front brake is then engaged, and it is too much front brake. It should be more progressive, and a smoother engagement. It is compounded by the front end diving down when this happens, which I am not used to having been on duo/tele-lever bikes.

I almost never use the rear brake, so I can neither confirm nor deny the behavior.  But there is a setting for strong or weak linking.  Which is yours set to?

[C1xRider]

I almost never use the rear brake, so I can neither confirm nor deny the behavior.  But there is a setting for strong or weak linking.  Which is yours set to?

I'll chime in first...  I always run in High Combined mode.  I can't stand the guessing game of where the rear brake pedal will engage in normal mode, based on the timing of when I apply the front brakes.  Once I got used to the amount of braking force it seems to offer, I'm quite comfortable with it.

[pistole]

- there's a rear brake on this bike ?

 

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[VirginiaJim]

My brakes are linked via human interface.  I use both of the them for the most part.

[Conrad]

My brakes are linked via human interface.  I use both of the them for the most part.

+1  The interface is highly accurate and has been highly refined after the years, works great too.

[Scaffolder]

I have owned linked and non linked C-14s. The non linked went 40,000 miles not needing brake pads. My linked brake version needed brake pads at 20,000. So for what little good they do it adds double the brake service costs. Good job Kawi.

[OregonLAN]

I bought my 2009 after test ridding a 2010 with linked brakes. I was not impressed how they grabbed while engaging the rear brake during slow maneuvers.

[stevewfl]

I hot brake into mountain curves every summer.  The linked grabs "nothing" compared to the ABS pulsing.....    I think you guys need to hit your brakes harder

[jjsC6]

I've owned five motorcycles with Linked brakes.  It is not linked brakes per se that is the problem - it is the Concours linked brakes that is the problem.  I totally agree with the comments the OP and others have made.  After many, many years of riding, this bike broke me of using the rear brakes.  I still use them some and am always amazed at how poorly they work.  As others have said, if you are on the front brake and the rear, the rears give you a sudden jolt of braking that is very abrupt, uneven and unexpected.

When I first changed my pads I thought it helped a little, but after a couple of rides I realized it was wishful thinking.  The problem is in the system and I feel like the only fix would be to put some really bad pads on the rear that are so ineffective that they just don't really do anything except to make you think you fixed the problem.

[Boomer]

Sell your 2010+ C14s and buy a 2008/2009 model. 

No linked brakes, although the rear brake is still not very powerful.
I mostly use the rear brake in the wet and to stabilise the bike going into corners (trail braking).
So far I have 50k miles and still on the OEM brake pads and rotor.

Fronts are on their 3rd set of pads and 2nd rotor.
OEM pads lasted to 25k, EBC HH lasted 22k, and 3rd set is EBC HH as well.
OEM rotors lasted to 47k (down to 4.1 & 4.2mm) and were replaced with Chinese Asashi rotors.

[stevewfl]

- there's a rear brake on this bike ?

 

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I think they put it on for "liability" reasons... the extra 2% less of stopping distance with rear factored is irrelevant from 150ish down

[eng943]

I've owned five motorcycles with Linked brakes.  It is not linked brakes per se that is the problem - it is the Concours linked brakes that is the problem.  I totally agree with the comments the OP and others have made.  After many, many years of riding, this bike broke me of using the rear brakes.  I still use them some and am always amazed at how poorly they work.  As others have said, if you are on the front brake and the rear, the rears give you a sudden jolt of braking that is very abrupt, uneven and unexpected.

When I first changed my pads I thought it helped a little, but after a couple of rides I realized it was wishful thinking.  The problem is in the system and I feel like the only fix would be to put some really bad pads on the rear that are so ineffective that they just don't really do anything except to make you think you fixed the problem.

Looks like you cured your complaints with the C14 brakes. Enjoy the K16, it's an amazing bike.

[eng943]

I'll chime in first...  I always run in High Combined mode.  I can't stand the guessing game of where the rear brake pedal will engage in normal mode, based on the timing of when I apply the front brakes.  Once I got used to the amount of braking force it seems to offer, I'm quite comfortable with it.

I tried that mode and did not seem to feel an improvement, but it's worth another try. I may look to eliminate the linked brakes if this does not work.