HONDA The Power of Dreams

To tell the truth, these brakes are awesome!
This scooter's basic fundamentals of 'riding, turning, and stopping' make riding in the city a real pleasure.

Having had quite an interest in Honda's interlinked front-and-rear wheel brakes for small bikes and scooters, I tested out the PCX, a popular new scooter model equipped with the Combined Brake System. This linked system is not only featured as standard equipment on most of Honda's production scooters, but also on many of its wide range of on-road motorcycles, as well. In the case of the PCX, a squeeze of its left-side brake lever simultaneously applies measured amounts of braking force to both the front and rear wheels.

"Well, isn't that obvious?" Many car drivers might naturally think that to be the case, since when you press your foot down on the brake pedal in a car, it applies brake pressure to all four wheels at the same time. Nothing special there.

However, in the case of motorcycles, with their independently controlled front and rear brakes, it is common for riders to vary their control of the two brakes to best meet the needs of rapidly changing road and riding conditions. Honda's Combined Brake System, on the other hand, manages to distribute a highly effective balance of braking force to both wheels when simply squeezing the rear brake lever.

Can't this also be accomplished using both the front and rear brakes in the normal fashion? Yes, of course it can. However, besides freeing a rider from the effort and, some might say, complication involved in that dual operation, another feature of the Combined Brake System is that it also generates an ideal balance of braking control to both wheels to smoothly, easily and almost automatically achieve braking forces on par with the most expert riders, and all with only the simple squeeze of one hand.

Another feature you should be aware of is that the rear brake seems to engage slightly earlier than the front brake, and this slight difference in brake application timing makes a significant contribution to that superb braking response.

To achieve an optimum rate of deceleration when the brakes are applied using only the left lever, braking force is concentrated on the rear brake while a portion of its pressure is fed to one of the front brake caliper's three pistons. This doesn't, however, mean that the front and rear brakes work at exactly the same time. One of the other big advantages of the Combined Brake System is that this division of the braking force is tuned to match each model's riding conditions depending on the machine's class, weight and character.

For this test I took the PCX for a ride around the crowded streets of central Tokyo. Such superb braking capability combined with the sporty convenience of the PCX's lively 125cc engine to allow me to fully enjoy the ride through the city's often dense traffic all the way to my destination. Considering the time it can often take to walk to a station and transfer between trains, I find it hard to relax when using the subways and buses of Tokyo's extensive rapid transit system. So the fact that I can ride a motorcycle every day brings a little savored enjoyment to my commutes.

If I wanted to take full advantage of the mobility provided by this class of bike, like many Tokyo riders I'd likely be making better use of those gaps between cars as my 'express' lanes, where loose dirt and fallen leaves often pile up. Even over such uneven road surfaces, the response from these brakes is nothing short of amazing.

When using the PCX's Combined Brake System, I found myself also using only the left-side (rear) brake lever while rounding curves or adjusting my following distance behind the vehicle ahead. Since that one lever seemed to deliver ample braking force to both wheels, the PCX trimmed off speed in a remarkably stable manner. If stronger braking control was ever needed, an easy squeeze of the right-side front brake lever provided more than ample force to slow me down in a hurry.

From this description you might think that the Combined Brake System is really only a riding safety device. Less experienced riders might also say, "That kind of braking can be easily done by operating the brakes with both hands, as they're designed, so I'm sure it would be better for me as a rider to do this on my own, rather than relying on a 'crutch' like this one that Honda has made."

From this description you might think that the Combined Brake System is really only a riding safety device. Less experienced riders might also say, "That kind of braking can be easily done by operating the brakes with both hands, as they're designed, so I'm sure it would be better for me as a rider to do this on my own, rather than relying on a 'crutch' like this one that Honda has made."

I'd probably have the same opinion if I were 17 years old. In fact, when younger, I used to find it quite easy to lock-up the rear brake and slide the rear-end into alleys and such. Which isn't to say that brake systems are made to be used for such riding stunts. However, when you suddenly find yourself in a dangerous situation that causes you to scream "Look out!," this brake system will quickly reveal its full potential almost the instant you squeeze its brake levers.

People generally don't have the capacity to control the brakes in a delicate manner when faced with a sudden and unexpected situation. I've had those experiences myself. And while it could never be said that equipping a bike with the Combined Brake System will automatically prevent accidents, it can at least increase the chances of maintaining some semblance of stability when a rider indelicately grabs a big handful of brakes in a wide-eyed hurry.

With conventional motorcycles, one of the core fundamentals of riding is being able to independently control the front and rear brakes in a well-balanced manner. However, this can be more difficult than one might expect. To what extent braking force should be applied to maintain that optimum balance between front and rear wheels largely depends on long hours of actual riding experience. Since the Combined Brake System puts these basics of braking control into astoundingly easy reach, I found I was able to use the brakes in a much more relaxed manner.

Keep in mind, however, that riders who start out on bikes equipped with Honda's Combined Brake System, and never have much experience riding other motorcycles, may mistakenly take such superb braking capabilities for granted. While it may seem perfectly natural for Honda models to be equipped with this remarkable brake system, it isn't that natural or well-known in the rest of the motorcycling world.

A big scooter with C-ABS
Combined You've really got to try this! This big scooter's Combined-ABS almost automatically mimics braking techniques that took me decades to refine.

The large scooter segment of the world motorcycle market, in which Honda's Forza commands a prominent position, has, over the years, taken root as a major genre of lifestyle vehicles that offers a great sense of value and convenience. Contributing to its easy riding disposition, the Forza comes standard-equipped with a Combined Brake System, and is also produced in a more fully featured Combined-ABS version. As with most large scooters, the Forza has a long wheelbase and smaller diameter wheels than those found on motorcycles and sports bikes, with the added benefit of having more room under the seat for a large storage compartment. Its wide, deeply stepped seat provides a relaxed riding position, much like that of a custom cruiser, and its big, stylish front console offers lots of extra storage space for smaller items.

Start the engine and roll on the throttle, and the Forza takes off smoothly. Brake control is as easy as grabbing the two levers mounted on the handlebars; right for the front, like a standard motorcycle, and left for the rear - though its Combined configuration also provides input to the front disk brake caliper, as well.

For several years now, nearly all of Honda's big scooters have come standard-equipped with the Combined Brake System. Parallel to this, many models have also been offered in Combined-ABS versions that provide the added braking security of highly responsive Antilock Brakes to furtheraugment their Combined Brake operation. For this ride, I tested the Combined-ABS version of the Forza.

Cars generally distribute their braking force to all four wheels when the brake pedal is pressed. In the case of motorcycles, however, front and rear brake operation has traditionally required that riders operate both brakes independently in a well-balanced manner corresponding to road conditions, and further requiring extensive experience to fully master. In other words, how much braking force can efficiently be exerted can vary dramatically depending on the capabilities of the rider. The Combined Brake System can compensate for any lack of experience by applying a highly effective balance of braking force to both wheels, making it a sort of "experience support" device.

Riding around town, the Forza maintains a remarkably stable demeanor when slowing and stopping. Like most big scooters with long wheelbases, with a rider aboard it carries most of its load on the rear wheel. When the left brake lever is squeezed, braking force is applied to not only the rear brake caliper, but also one of the three pistons built into its front brake caliper, delivering a superb balance of braking control. Once I got used to it, I found that I could focus on using my right hand for throttle control and acceleration, while leaving my left hand to take care of all the braking chores. I soon found this style of operation to be much simpler and easy to manage, and was also delighted to discover that some impressively powerful braking performance was available using only the left-hand lever.

Some riders may sneer that the Combined Brake System and ABS are 'coddling' devices that break heretically with the core fundamentals of motorcycle riding. One might think that these critics had first-hand experience with these systems, but in fact that's rarely the case. Many of these opinions were arrived at through gossip and hearsay, or by reading somebody's blog or tweet deriding these brake systems as being totally unnecessary.

For this reason, I really must insist that you somehow find a way to experience this braking performance for yourself. With the simple grip of one lever, I found this scooter's brakes able to smoothly and automatically duplicate braking techniques that took me years to develop on my own. If anything, it felt like it was providing sympathetic support for my years of experience, not taking control out of my hands.

So, judging from the perspective of my decades of motorcycle riding experience, did I find anything to complain about? The answer is an unequivocal 'No.' In fact, I found myself completely satisfied, astounded even, by its seamless operation.

Each time I squeezed the left-side brake lever, the Forza's Combined Brake System let me consistently enjoy its full benefits. And this ABS-equipped version greatly reduced any worries about skidding caused by sudden stops or braking over sandy or slippery road surfaces, even when road conditions deteriorate because of rain.

And the advantages of ABS can be felt everywhere, not just in emergency situations. For example, when grabbing the brake with my left hand, I found that if I increased pressure enough for the ABS to kick in, the result was a quick pulsing response felt through the brake lever. In other words, the mechanism instantly let me know when I'd exceeded the limits of rear tire grip. Since ABS operation on slippery or rainy road surfaces can also be similarly felt, I found I was able to stay more relaxed in such conditions than I ever imagined.

From the image I've always had of big scooters, with their easy rideability, ample carrying capacity and simple operation, I certainly never expected to be able to experience a feeling of 'rider-machine integration' on par with many sports bikes. However, the Forza's superlative Combined-ABS system really made that fusion possible.

While Honda's Combined Brake System is well-suited to the Forza's riding characteristics, if you clear your thoughts and simply use your right hand to accelerate and your left hand to brake, and occasionally the fingers on your right hand to add in a bit more braking control when needed, you'll soon find yourself feeling more relaxed and composed, and suddenly you'll awake to the sensation that riding has become much more enjoyable.

After all, if you focus too much on a machine's operation, you'll soon notice that you can't fully enjoy the pleasures of the ride. So I have to wonder if a secondary target in the development of the Combined Brake System + ABS wasn't to simply subtract the difficulty and distraction of braking from the joy of riding. I suggest you to try it out as soon as you can and find your own answer.

A magic tool that makes this giant seem much smaller
Expert use of the rear brake pedal is the key to an elegant ride on the Gold Wing.

Over the years, Honda has adapted its Combined Brake Systems to a wide range of its motorcycle models, and Dual-Combined ABS, the version of the Combined Brake System that distributes an ideal ratio of braking forces to both wheels, whether front brake lever or rear pedal is used, and integrates with Honda's advanced Antilock Brake System, has proven to be exceedingly reliable. Among the top-line models currently standard-equipped with Dual-Combined ABS are the Gold Wing and Gold Wing F6B.

During hard braking, motorcycles have a distinct characteristic of lightening and reducing the rear wheel's braking effectiveness, owing to their high centers-of-gravity and short wheelbases compared to cars. When brakes are applied, their overall vehicle weight shifts forward and down toward the front wheel. For this reason, rather than operating from a single pedal or lever, like the brakes on a car, motorcycles have traditionally featured separate front and rear brake operation. This arrangement provides independent control of brake pressure to each wheel in order to more efficiently achieve optimal braking capability over the varying road conditions encountered when riding.

In 2002, the high-performance VFR800 sports bike debuted with a new-generation Dual-Combined ABS that engages both brakes, regardless of whether the front brake lever or rear brake pedal, or both, are used. Riding this then-new VFR let me discover for myself braking capability that I had once thought to be far too difficult, or required much more experience, could be achieved quite easily.

Moreover, its response was not that different from the feel of operating both brakes of a normally equipped sports bike; a perception I had cultivated over time through my own experience. The impression I got was that braking forces were not being distributed equally to both wheels, whether I operated the brake lever or brake pedal. I found that when the front brake lever was used, the usual sensation of brake dive was greatly reduced, and I was able to experience braking control that seemed to maintain a greater sense of stability in the bike's overall behavior. Also, stepping on the pedal provided excellent rear wheel braking response.

Focusing on the rear brake, I found that even if I stepped hard on the pedal while riding in a straight line, that there was no sense that the rear wheel could be made to lock-up and slide without violently stomping on the pedal. This was astonishing performance, which I confirmed with an earlier model not equipped with ABS.

"Making the Difficult Easy." If I could condense my impressions into a few short words, this is how I would summarize it. I remember being impressed by the support provided by the Dual-Combined Brake System when the motorcycle is correctly and accurately tuned.

When the Gold Wing came out in 2001 as an all-new "1800," it was optionally equipped with industry-leading Dual-Combined ABS, integrating Honda's top-of-the-line Dual-Combined Brake System with a new Antilock Brake System. I am still astonished by the excellent quality of these brakes whenever I ride. Braking is smooth and precise, providing a sense of oneness with the machine, as if this big touring bike had somehow magically transformed into a compact sports bike.

Touring bikes are enormously popular in the United States, the original home of the Gold Wing. Many other manufacturers also export their touring bikes to North America, but I think the excellence of the Gold Wing's brake system stands out even among those other luxury touring models.

Of course, braking performance depends on the combined capabilities of the chassis, suspension, brake system and tires, and the Gold Wing's performance rates highly for each of these factors, a fact that becomes crystal clear when you ride many different models for comparison.

I've ridden bikes from many different manufacturers for both business and pleasure, and really have to take off my hat to Honda for their ability to built such an advanced brake system over a decade ago. Even riding that bike now, its operation doesn't feel the least bit out-of-date, yet it still maintains its original beautifully-made construction, which could almost be called a magic wand that renders giant bodies small.

The quickest way to experience this machine's excellent range of features is to get yourself lost in an urban area riding a bike with the proportions of a small island. Even finding myself on the receiving end of cold and contemptuous looks from drivers of cars and trucks lined up waiting for the light to change, as if they're thinking, "There's a lucky fool who doesn't have to work on a day like this," I can simply press my right foot on the pedal to make a smooth and elegant stop that counters their looks of envy.

Though you might think that either front or rear brake input would do the trick in a stop with a bike like this, the real knack in riding a Gold Wing elegantly is using the rear brake pedal to its full capability. Although ABS does help at critical moments on rainy days, it spares no effort to support the rider anytime and anywhere, extending a hand of selfless love almost as if it were a close member of your family.

However, when I recounted these experiences to a Gold Wing rider, he asked, "Did you ever try it out over a mountain pass? I only ever use the rear brake pedal though the mountains. Of course, I'm talking downhill, as well. It's not really fair that you're basing your entire opinion of the Gold Wing's braking capabilities on just your experiences riding city streets." I wouldn't have paid him any mind were I not involved in the business. However, I honestly couldn't make any judgment without first trying out his suggestion.

As a result, I charted a course over a pass that climbs up and winds down from a peak altitude of over 2,000 meters. I have to confess that time and again the Gold Wing proved itself to be a real work of genius, because in spite of its huge 400kg-plus form, it enabled me to negotiate that tight and difficult road with sheer delight. Its 1,800cc flat-six engine smoothly rolls on exhilarating power and torque from anywhere in its powerband, making it a real pleasure to twist open its throttle. Once I'd gotten used to riding it, I then tried braking into corners using only the rear brake pedal.

At first I used only the rear brake to slow down on the uphill climb, and felt nothing odd or unsatisfactory about it at all. Until that trip, I'd only ever braked with the right-hand front brake lever augmented by some light footwork on the rear brake pedal, as I would with a normal bike. However, performing all braking operations with only my right foot enabled me to concentrate on the basic operations of braking much more than ever before. And you might well wonder what the result was. Remarkably, I found that I had more time to focus on the other aspects of cornering, such as reading the road ahead, keeping track of road conditions, and even enjoying the scenery!

Wow! This is it! So this is what he was talking about!

As I reached the top of the pass and started my downhill descent, the Wing's exceptional cornering capability combined with the ease of braking using only a single pedal to give me the confidence to further increase my speed on the downhill. As you might expect, my right hand would habitually reach for the brake lever, but if I timed my braking a bit earlier, the Wing would slow right down as if nothing had happened. Now this was a new discovery!

Next, I tried out the performance of the Dual-Combined ABS using only the front brake lever on the long, winding downhill run. Since this input emphasizes the front brakes' operation, as expected, the bike's tendency to shift its load forward was magnified by the steep grade of the downhill road. Despite this, I hardly ever felt the rear-end lighten, and noted that the rear tire kept working well to trim speed and smooth handling under hard braking.

After getting down the pass, I tested only the front brake lever over flat roads to find that the Dual-Combined Brakes always delivered an appropriate amount of braking force to the rear wheel, helping me maintain a more composed riding position. The sense of plunging forward in a conventional brake dive was greatly reduced.

If I were to make a comparison, the sensation I got from each type of brake operation was that using only the rear pedal resulted in a feeling of being pulled from behind by a great force, while the front lever gave the feeling of being held back by a big hand pressing on the Gold Wing's nose. In conclusion, The Gold Wing's Dual-Combined ABS opens up exciting possibilities for learning new riding techniques, just as that Gold Wing rider said. This innovative system, which links up both wheels with the simple operation of a single pedal or lever is an advanced braking and ride support device that smoothly and automatically promotes the correct use of a motorcycle's front and rear brakes. It ultimately gives its rider a deep feeling of satisfaction, and I was finally able to savor that feeling of fulfillment for myself.

Note, however, that riders who get accustomed to the Gold Wing's impressive brake system will have to be especially careful when switching over to motorcycles from other manufacturers. This warning, noted prominently in the Gold Wing's owner's manual, really cannot be ignored, and it indicates the true excellence of this touring machine's highly capable and versatile brake system.