#%&*# C-ABS brakes
 

Bought a brand new 2012 CBR 1000rr ABS to replace a ducati which I became sick of servicing. I'm not sure if that was such a good idea!

I actually love the CBR, but am having nothing but trouble with the C-ABS brakes!

Since the day I got the bike I noticed that occasionally when I pulled the front brake lever it would go all the way to the grip with virtually no braking whatsoever! It seemed to happen mostly when I feathered the front brake, partially released it, and then reapplied it. A quick search on the 'net told me that I was not alone.

The bike went back to the dealer who had no experience whatsoever with C-ABS. They first tried to bleed the front brakes, and when this didn't help, they called up Honda who told them to bleed the complete system twice. This took 8 hours of labor! They said they "think its fixed" and told me if I wasn't happy, Honda had authorized replacing the "valve unit".

Apparently, Honda told the dealer that the lever should go to the exact same place each and every time it is pulled - no matter what the situation is (ie feathering). All reviews of the C-ABS that I can find by "expert reviewers" indicate that they can "barely tell the difference between C-ABS and non ABS CBR's" I'm sure they would notice the inconsistent amount of pull in mine.

Since I got the bike back I have noticed that while there is remarkable improvement, there is still a small increase in the lever movement distance after feathering. What I'm wondering is: Is this a "normal" feature of Honda's "combined ABS" system, or is there something still wrong with the brakes. I hate to monkey with things if they are working as they are supposed to, but don't want to miss an opportunity to replace the components while on warranty if they are defective.

Can anyone please tell me if this phenomenon is simply a "quirk" of the design of Honda's C-ABS system, or is there actually something wrong with my setup that could be fixed by replacing components?

Thanks is advance for your help, and please don't reply with: "this is why I avoid ABS - too much electronics to go wrong" I've already figured that part out myself.

Yes it is normal. If you read your owners manual it states it in there as well. I just bought a brand new cbr 1000rr and it does the same thing. Only when I come to a complete stop, and let brake go, then reaply it quickly itll get softer, let t go it gets harder full feel again. Although it feels like there is no breaks there, they still work just as well.