2014 Ducati Hypermotard Hyperstrada Owners Manual - Page 177

Braking Slow down in time, shift down to engine-brake first and then brake applying both brakes. Pull the clutch lever before stopping the motorcycle, to avoid sudden engine stop. ABS system Using the brakes correctly under adverse conditions is the hardest - and yet the most critical - skill to master for a rider. Braking is one of the most difficult and dangerous moments when riding a two-wheeled vehicle: the possibility of falling or having an accident during braking is statistically higher than at any other moment. A locked front wheel leads to loss of traction and stability, resulting in loss of control. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) has been developed to enable riders to use the vehicle's braking force to the fullest during emergency braking, adverse weather conditions or when pavement is compromised. ABS uses hydraulics and electronics to limit pressure in the brake circuit when a special sensor mounted to the wheel signals the electronic control unit that the wheel is about to lock up. This avoids wheel lockup and preserves traction. Pressure is raised back up immediately and the control unit keeps controlling the brake until the risk of a lockup disappears. Normally, the rider will perceive ABS operation as a harder feel or a pulsation of the brake lever and pedal. The front and rear brakes use separate control systems, meaning that they operate independently. Likewise, the ABS is not an integral braking system and does not control both the front and rear brake at the same time. If desired, the system can be disabled from the instrument panel, using the "ABS setting function" (see page 81). 175