The Measurement of Motorcycle Braking Performance by the Tow Method

A test methodology has been developed for objectifying the measurement of motorcycle braking performance through use of a towing technique. The rationale behind the procedure is presented, together with an analysis of the mechanics of braking performance during the towing of a motorcycle. The tow-test method includes the full complement of performance evaluations, viz., effectiveness, burnish, thermally-induced fade, and wetted brake performance. This set of tests was performed on two motorcycles and the resulting data are presented and discussed.