BMW G310GS - Owner's Manual > Brakes

How can stopping distance be minimised?

Each time the brakes are applied, a load distribution shift takes place with the load shifting forward from the rear to the front wheel. The sharper the vehicle decelerates, the more load is shifted to the front wheel. The higher the wheel load, the more braking force can be transmitted without the wheel locking.

In order to achieve the shortest stopping distance, the front wheel brake must be pulled quickly until ABS activates, the pressure point held and the rear wheel brake operated at the same time. 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.

BMW Motorrad ABS prevents the front wheels from locking.

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 applied to 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. In the absence of load on the wheel the ABS has to intervene to prevent the front wheel from locking even if the brakes are applied only very lightly. This leads to a reduced braking effect.

Descending mountain passes

WARNING Braking only with the rear brake on mountain descents

Brake fade, destruction of the brakes due to overheating

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

Wet and dirty brakes

Wetness and dirt on the brake discs and the brake pads diminish braking efficiency.

Delayed braking action or poor braking efficiency must be reckoned with in the following situations:

• Riding in the rain or through puddles of water
• After the vehicle has been washed
• Riding on salted or gritted roads
• After work has been carried on the brakes, due to traces of oil or grease
• Riding on dirt-covered surfaces or off-road

WARNING Wetness and dirt result in diminished braking efficiency

Risk of accident

• Apply the brakes lightly while riding to remove wetness and dirt, or dismount and clean the brakes.
• Think ahead and brake in good time until full braking efficiency is restored.

Parking your motorcycle

Side stand

• Switch off the engine.
• On a gradient, the motorcycle should always face uphill; select 1st gear.

ATTENTION Poor ground underneath the stand

Risk of damage to parts if vehicle topples

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

 

• Extend the side stand and prop the motorcycle on the stand.

ATTENTION Additional weight placing strain on the side stand

Risk of damage to parts if vehicle topples

• Do not sit or lean on the vehicle while it is propped on the side stand.

 

• If the camber of the roadway permits, turn the handlebars all the way to the left.

Centre stand

- with centre stand OA

• Switch off the engine.

ATTENTION Poor ground underneath the stand

Risk of damage to parts if vehicle topples

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

ATTENTION Centre stand folds in due to sharp movements

Risk of damage to parts if vehicle topples

• Do not lean or sit on the vehicle with the centre stand extended.

 

• Extend the centre stand and lift the motorcycle onto the stand.
• On a gradient, the motorcycle should always face uphill; select 1st gear.

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