See Figure 1. The front brake hand lever (1) controls the front wheel brake. The lever is on the right handlebar. Operate the hand lever with the fingers of the right hand.

See Figure 1. The rear brake pedal (2) controls the rear wheel brake. The pedal is on the right side. Operate the rear brake pedal with the right foot.

Harley-Davidson's reflex linked anti-lock brake system assists the rider in maintaining control when braking in an emergency situation. Reflex Linked ABS monitors front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock-ups either on dry pavement or on slick surfaces such as gravel, leaves or when riding in wet conditions.

Reflex Linked ABS is more responsive than conventional ABS and allows for more balanced front and rear braking under a wide variety of brake applications.

At speeds greater than 7 km/h (4 mph), the system dynamically adjusts the linking for the amount of brake applied as well as vehicle speed to achieve an optimized brake balance. The system provides more linking when the rider is applying heavier braking and reduces or eliminates linking for light braking and low speeds.

When linked, applying the front brake lever alone causes the system to also dynamically apply an amount of braking to the rear. Applying the rear brake pedal alone causes the system to also apply an amount of braking to the front calipers. When applying both brakes, the system attempts to dynamically balance braking across both the front and rear wheels.

At speeds less than 3 km/h (2 mph), the brakes are not linked so that low speed maneuverability is not adversely affected, such as when riding the motorcycle in a parking lot.

The ABS monitors sensors at the front and rear wheels to determine wheel speed. If the system detects one or more wheels are slowing down too quickly, which indicates they are close to locking, or if the deceleration rate does not match a criteria stored in memory, the ABS reacts. The system rapidly opens and closes valves to modulate the brake pressure. During ABS activation, the system provides the electronic equivalent of manually pumping the brakes. The system can cycle many times per second.

The rider recognizes ABS activation by the slight pulsing sensation in the hand lever or the rear brake pedal. A clicking sound from the ABS module can also be heard. Both are the result of normal operation. Refer to Table 1.

For additional ABS information visit www.h-d.com/rdrs.

While an advantage in emergency braking, ABS is not a substitute for safe riding. The safest way to stop a motorcycle is using both brakes.

Harley-Davidson ABS is a manual assist system. During an emergency stopping situation, maintain pressure on the brakes through all ABS events. Do not modulate or "pump" the brake controls. The wheels do not lock until the end of the stop when motorcycle speed slows to a rate at which ABS is no longer needed.

Motorcycles equipped with ABS must always use Harley-Davidson tires and wheels. The ABS monitors the rotational speed of the wheels through individual wheel speed sensors. Changing to different diameter wheels or different size tires can alter the rotational speed. Different-sized wheels and tires can upset the calibration of the ABS and have an adverse effect on its ability to detect and prevent uncontrolled wheel lockups. Operating at tire pressures other than those pressures specified can reduce ABS braking performance. Refer to .

Rain mode: Used for surfaces with reduced traction like wet roads or gravel.

Road mode: Used for optimum riding conditions like dry paved roads.

For more information about traction control, see Operation → Traction Control.

VHC uses brake pressure to keep the motorcycle from rolling backward when it is stopped on an incline, making it easier to ride away when starting on an incline, such as a hill, a bridge or a parking ramp. The VHC holds brake pressure when activated and prevents the motorcycle from moving after the rider has released the brake controls. The system holds brake pressure until the rider actuates the throttle and clutch to pull away.

Activation: The rider activates VHC by applying extra pressure to either the front brake hand lever or the rear brake foot control after the motorcycle has come to a complete stop. A VHC indicator light will illuminate to confirm that the rider has activated VHC and the ABS system will hold brake pressure after the rider releases the brake control.

Deactivation: VHC is deactivated automatically as the rider begins to pull away from a stop, or if the rider applies and releases either brake control. VHC may deactivate if rider aggressively revs the engine with clutch lever pulled in. VHC will also deactivate if the rider lowers the side stand on models with a side stand sensor (not in all markets) or shifts into neutral on models without a side stand sensor. VHC will deactivate when engine stops running. VHC will deactivate after approximately five minutes in most situations, the indicator light will flash and the VHC will release if there is no rider action. (VHC may deactivate in less than five minutes to prevent overheating if being used often on steep grades.)

TPMS alerts the rider to low tire air pressure. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is important both for safety and for tire life. The odometer window displays current front and rear tire pressure, see Operation → Odometer Window Displays. A tire pressure indicator illuminates to alert the rider when tire pressure is low, and the pressure should be checked, see Operation → Instruments.