This might sound like I didn't bother to look for the info but I did. Does this bike have linked brakes? Perhaps in some riding mode for example? The manual doesn't say anything about it but seems to imply they aren't. Marketing info doesn't seem to mention it at all so I assume it does not. I cannot find any information about linked brakes for this model so I assume it does not. I'm asking because I thought most all modern bikes come with linked brakes now. I like the separate brakes but it would have been even better if there was some option to enable/disable that.
I understand why linked would be great but what are the advantages of non linked? Better control? Don't liked brakes usually unlink when set to certain riding modes?
I spent 10 days on a 2019 1250GS with linked brakes, and hated it. I know, I know -- like ABS, it'll get better, the computer is better than humans, sure.. but in some situations I want the rear, some I want the front, some I want to balance or shift in between. It's convenient and _safe_ for folks who just grab a handful everytime (like my dad - he exclusively uses his front brakes..)
A lot of linked brakes have a rear to front link system that actuate the front brakes (or at least one set of the calipers on dual disk setups) when you use the rear brakes. I believe this was setup as a lot of riders in a panic situation would just stomp on the rear brake and not use their front brake. I prefer the un linked brakes unless they are setup like my old GS. My 11' GS had a front to rear linked brake, with the rear pedal only activating the rear brake. Like stated above, I want to be able to use them separately if needed. For instance, I like the ability to use just the rear brake for certain low speed maneuvers like lightly dragging just the rear brake for really tight u turns and such. I don't want the front end compressing and the brakes dragging at that low speed. YMMV
Thanks for the responses. I also like separated brakes. I have always used both the front and rear so even if they were linked, my natural impulse would be to hit both. I also like the idea of being able to use which ever I want in different situations.