| If there is one thing
that the media always have a pop at about the Bird when they take one out
on a test for their publication is the Linked Brakes, yet many many Bird
owners love them and wouldn't be without them. On this page we hope to tell
you more about them, so you understand the concept better.....and if you
really do not like them - how to get them Unlinked |
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| DCBS
(Dual Combined Braking System) is purely based on hydraulics. It is split
into three independent systems, so if one fails, the other will continue
to function. |
| |
THE
COMPONENTS
The key component is a mechanical link, which uses a reaction movement on
the left-hand front brake caliper to activate the secondary master cylinder,
mounted on the left fork leg. |
| |
CALIPERS
The two front and single rear calipers
each have three pistons. The two outer pistons of each caliper are operated
by one hydraulic system, while the middle pistons are operated by another.
. |
| SECONDARY
MASTER-CYLINDER When the lever is applied, the secondary
master cylinder is activated by the reaction movement of the left front
caliper and the rear caliper’s two outer pistons come on. As pressure to
the lever is increased, the secondary master cylinder transmits increased
pressure to the rear. |
| |
| PROPORTIONAL
CONTROL VALVE This regulates the amount of pressure
within the secondary system that is applied to the rear caliper. The amount
of regulation is dependant entirely upon the braking force applied by the
rider, coming into play progressively from even distribution on light braking
to front-end bias under heavy braking. |
| |
| DELAY
VALVE This delays the pressure to the front
calipers’ middle pistons when the pedal is applied, thus minimising fork
dive. Positioned between the rear brake’s master cylinder and the centre
pistons of the front brake calipers, the delay valve engages the left-hand
caliper first. As pressure to the pedal is increased, the valve introduces
pressure to the right caliper until both calipers bite with equal force. |
| |
| USING
THE BRAKE LEVER When
the brake lever is applied, the two outer pistons of the front calipers
are activated. As the calipers bite, the left caliper, which is mounted
on a swinging bracket, is allowed to move. This activates the mechanical
link to compress the secondary master cylinder. The secondary hydraulic
system, regulated by the Proportional Control Valve, applies the rear caliper. |
|
| USING
THE PEDAL The pedal operates the middle pistons
of all three calipers on the Blackbird. When the pedal is depressed, the
left front caliper moves and activates the secondary system, which is regulated
by the Proportional Control Valve that assists braking at the rear. When
using both the pedal and the lever, all pistons are applied on all calipers,
with the Proportional Control Valve providing the necessary distribution
of braking force. |
USING THE DCBS LINKED BRAKES…Just think of linked brakes as a conventional
system, as the DCBS is biased towards the front. If you want to brake reasonably
hard, or apply the brakes when entering a bend, just use the lever. This
will ensure maximum braking to the front and minimal braking to the rear.
If you’re on greasy roads and want to minimise braking to the front, only
use the pedal. If you need to haul your ‘mother-ship’ up in an emergency,
or wish to brake extremely hard, use both the lever and the pedal for maximum
stopping power. |
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DELINKING
DCBS
And
after all that if you really don't like the linked braking system, the you
can de-link them if you want.
Jaws motorcycles currently do a delink kit for approx. £100 - (price
current August 2007)
Jaws
Motorcycles |
Let us know about your experience of DCBS or indeed the de-linking process
so that we can add to this page for you - your views are important to
other riders
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Last updated/reviewed August 07
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