SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400

This piston must need replaced?

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Oddjob:
It's interesting to see these comparisons between the old style braking systems and the new but one thing no one has deemed to comment on is that most of these modern bikes have ABS, that trades off braking distances for control, so whilst the braking distances may be roughly the same the modern bike will do this far more safely, in that it isn't all about the riders skill or experience in braking, ABS tends to smooth out that skill curve, even a novice can get some reasonable figures. Whereas a novice on an older braking system without ABS would be hard put to match an experienced rider.

The other main difference is that the modern bike can do far better braking distances when the speed rises, a comparison between the distances at 90mph for example would most likely show the distances are very far apart in results. The modern bike can also do it more repeatedly, it's far better at shedding heat and has generally a greater tyre grip patch due to the much wider tyres.

On a comparison note, when my first 1300 was written off I was just setting off from standstill when someone pulled across me, I didn't spot them immediately as I was looking at the traffic coming from the left in case they jumped the lights, when I did spot the car I immediately did a full emergency stop, the front brake went straight into it's ABS mode with it chattering as it tried to stop the tyre loosing grip, I was able to steer away from the car to some degree and IF the car driver had seen me it's possible the collision would have been avoided or lessened at least but of course she didn't see me. Now if that had been on say my 500-4 the first thing that would have happened is the front tyre would have locked up, the road was wet and it's possible the brake would have not worked for a sec or 2 as well whilst it shed water, I'd have had little control if any and would almost certainly have hit the car much harder as a result and further back, somewhere around the firewall I'd imagine, whereas by being able to steer under ABS I actually got around the front of the car and she plowed me under with her bumper. Saying that it's also possible the the differences in acceleration between the 500 and the 1300 might have meant she could have cleared the junction before I even got there  ;D ;D

It's a shame we can't have the option of retro fitting ABS to the SOHC bikes, it would be interesting to see how the brakes compare in real life tests. Although I am aware that might upset some people, I know of riders who really hate ABS for some reason.

Mikep328:
I completely agree

Back when ABS was being introduced on bikes many riders said they could outbrake ABS and on a dry track with a fixed brake point, good riders can (and did) do that.  But in the real world on real roads with REAL random and sudden "panic" moments, there's no way!"  ABS is a great thing!  I wish there was an unobtrusive ABS system that could be fitted to vintage bikes.  I'd install one on my 400 (and my Norton Commando) in a heartbeat.

TrickyMicky:
Y'know, if you want/need gut wrenching brakes with ABS, allied to super grippy fat tyres, then why on earth do you want a vintage bike? 

Johnny4428:
Actually if you can lock the front with a single disc, (which I know you can), it begs the question the benefit of fitting a double disc setup, or am I missing the point?
I’ll get me coat!🫣🫣

Mikep328:

--- Quote from: TrickyMicky on January 23, 2024, 03:26:10 PM ---Y'know, if you want/need gut wrenching brakes with ABS, allied to super grippy fat tyres, then why on earth do you want a vintage bike? 

--- End quote ---


 Good question!  :) 

While I have no need for brakes/tires that can perform stoppies, brakes that won't lock up in the wet is a nice thing to have in an emergency.   I use my two vintage bikes as daily riders and, IMO, ABS would be a worthwhile "safety feature" in modern traffic.  I'd be fooling myself if I claimed that despite many years of riding (and racing in my younger days), I could modulate the brakes/stop as effectively as ABS can.  Of course, what I'd like and what exists are two different things so my vintage bikes will remain ABS-less!  :)

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