Just plaegerised this from another site. Would need to see Suzuki schematic to verify their take on things. Personal view is that there just may be a case for linked brakes when used in conjunction with ABS but definitely not without.

"Linked brake systems use complex hydraulic plumbing with proportioning and delay valves to activate different pistons in each brake caliper. The Honda Linked Brake System (LBS) uses triple piston calipers on two front disks and one rear disk. Each of the three pistons on each caliper are independent, so activating only one piston produces about one-third of the potential braking force on each caliper.

Squeezing the front brake lever activates the outer two pistons of both front calipers, plus the middle piston of the rear caliper. The rear brake pedal activates the two outer pistons on the single rear caliper, plus the middle pistons on both front calipers. Applying the fronts also provides about 30% of rear braking--not so much as to cause a rear wheel lockup. Applying the rear pedal contributes to approximately 30% of maximum front wheel braking.

The advantage of linked brakes is that the rider can control brake bias between front and rear wheels, within the limits of the system. At speed, linked brakes help balance braking between front and rear, making front trail braking in corners more predictable. At slow speeds, trailing the rear brake helps control speed without bringing the bike to a sudden stop.

Tested stopping distance of a 2003 Honda ST1300 ABS from 60 mph to 0 is 124.3 ft."

Geoff.

Got my new 400Z ABS today ahead of the 1st March, delivered by my dealer. Went straight into the garage for safe keeping until tomorrow. But before I put it away I checked the brakes to see if they are linked. They are not! Can't wait until tomorrow to try it out now. I'm in love with it already .

According to the service manual the linked brakes were dropped in 2007

Have fun tomorrow

Thanks Bluebottle, I will!

Hey lucky you, bet you cant wait? I can now confirm that my 2011 400 also doesnt have linked brakes

Just recently had my K9 serviced & when I picked it up the mechanic said that because the brakes were linked the near side pads were a bit more worn, I said I had heard a lot of conflicting reports as to whether they had linked brakes or not. I put weight on the back & he spun the front wheel & applied the back brake. The answer was NO my K9 doesn’t have linked brakes.

My Honda SH300 has linked brakes. The front calliper has three pistons. Operating the rear brake also operates the centre piston on the front brake and makes the front 'dive'. Operating the front brakes works the other two pistons. I like that system. I wish my Burger had linked brakes.

My Honda sh125i has got linked brakes.Justchasent got the power/speed..

Just by way of some information. I recently read the test of the 400 Sym Maxsym. Very good it was too, and I noticed the tester in T&g said it had linked (combined) brakes! No abs though. My Burgy has non linked brakes as I now realise, but does have the abs.

I've finally settled it! Got a neighbour to lean on the back lifting the front wheel off the ground then squeezed the left lever. They're not linked. Thanks to my dealer telling me they were I have spent the last four months using just the rear brake. Doh! I now have to remember to use both levers when braking after nine years (and three bikes) with linked brakes.

Unless it is just the 400Z with ABS.... The ABS is excellent by the way, as I found out after a white van man decided to pull out on me on a wet road. Without it I would probably have skidded and gone bouncing down the road on my arse with the bike following me.