Motorcycle Brake Systems: Technical Standards Document No. 122, Revision 3

TECHNICAL STANDARDS DOCUMENT
No. 122, Revision 3
MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SYSTEMS
The text of this document is based on the U.S. Code of Federal

Regulations, Title 49, Part 571, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 122, §571.122, Motorcycle Brake Systems, revised as
of October 1, 2013.
Publication Date: June 3, 2015

Effective Date: June 3, 2015
Mandatory Compliance Date: September 1, 2016
(Ce document est aussi disponible en français)

Motorcycle Brake Systems TSD No. 122, Revision 3
Introduction
As defined by section 12 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, a Technical Standards Document
(TSD) is a document that is published by the Minister, as provided for in the regulations, that
adapts, or that reproduces in whole or in part in the official languages of Canada, an
enactment of a foreign government or material produced by an international organization. The
adaptations may include amendments to the content of the originating enactment or material.
Furthermore, the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) may contain provisions setting
out that the provisions of the Regulations prevail over the provisions of the TSD in the case of
inconsistency. Consequently, it is advisable to read a TSD in conjunction with the Act and its
counterpart Regulation. As a guide, where the MVSR contains a provision that specifies
additional requirements or removes requirements from the TSD, footnotes will refer the reader
to that provision of the MVSR.
TSDs are amended from time to time to include amendments made to the originating
enactment or material, with adaptations as required. When the TSD is amended, a Notice of
Revision is published in the Canada Gazette Part I. All TSDs are assigned a revision number,
with “Revision 0” designating the initial version.
Identification of Changes
Adaptations may be made that include amendments to the content of the originating
enactment or material. Such adaptations are marked as follows:
• Underlined text indicates text that is not part of the originating enactment or material
and which therefore represents additional text in comparison to the originating text.
• Struck out text is text reproduced from the originating enactment or material that has
been deleted from the TSD and thus it is not to be read as part of the TSD nor as part
of the material incorporated by reference into the MVSR.
• “ CONTENT NOT REPRODUCED” informs the reader that the text of the
corresponding provision of the originating enactment or material has not been
reproduced in the TSD.
Publication, Effective and Mandatory Compliance Dates

The publication date is the date the TSD appears on the Transport Canada website.
The effective date of an initial TSD (revision 0) is the date of coming into force of the
provision of the MVSR that incorporates it by reference (the incorporating provision).
Similarly, the effective date of a revised TSD (e.g. revision 1) that is accompanied by an
amendment to the incorporating provision of the MVSR is the date of coming into force of the
amended incorporating provision.
The effective date of a revised TSD (e.g. revision 2) that is not accompanied by an
amendment to the incorporating provision of the MVSR is the date of publication of the TSD.
The mandatory compliance date is the date upon which compliance with the requirements of
the TSD is required by law. If the effective date and mandatory compliance date are different,
Effective: June 3, 2015 i

a manufacturer may follow the requirements that were applicable before the effective date, or
those of the TSD, until the mandatory compliance date.
Official Version of Technical Standards Documents

The PDF version is a replica of the TSD as published by the Department and is to be used for
the purposes of legal interpretation and application.
Effective: June 3, 2015 ii

Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... i
S1. Scope ............................................................................................................................. 1
S2. Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 1
S3. Application ................................................................................................................... 1
S4. Definitions..................................................................................................................... 1
S5. General Requirements ................................................................................................ 4
S5.1 Brake system requirements ...................................................................................... 4
S5.2 Durability ................................................................................................................. 6
S5.3 Measurement of dynamic performance ................................................................... 7
S6. Test conditions, procedures and performance requirements .................................. 7
S6.1 General ...................................................................................................................... 7
S6.2 Preparation ............................................................................................................... 8
S6.3 Dry stop test—single brake control actuated ......................................................... 10
S6.4 Dry stop test—all service brake controls actuated ................................................ 10
S6.5 High speed test ....................................................................................................... 11
S6.6 Wet brake test ........................................................................................................ 12
S6.7 Heat fade test ......................................................................................................... 14
S6.8 Parking brake system test—for motorcycles with parking brakes ........................ 16
S6.9 ABS tests ............................................................................................................... 17
S6.10 Partial failure test—for split service brake systems ............................................ 20
S6.11 Power-assisted braking system failure test .......................................................... 21
List of Tables
Table 1: Test Sequence ..................................................................................................... 23
Table 2: Performance Requirements, Dry Stop Test – Single Brake Control
Actuated ............................................................................................................. 23
Table 3: ABS Tests ............................................................................................................ 24
Table 4: Performance Requirements, Power-Assisted Braking System Failure
Test ...................................................................................................................... 24
List of Figures
Figure 1: Hand control lever force application points and direction........................... 24
Figure 2: Typical Plug Type Thermocouple Installation .............................................. 25
Figure 3: Wet brake test ................................................................................................... 26
Effective: June 3, 2015 iii

S1. Scope
This Technical Standards Document (TSD) standard specifies requirements for motorcycle
service brake systems and, where applicable, associated parking brake systems.
S2. Purpose
The purpose of the TSD standard is to insure safe motorcycle braking performance under
normal and emergency riding conditions.
S3. Application
[CONTENT NOT REPRODUCED] For applicability, see Schedule III and subsections
122(1) and (19) of Schedule IV to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations.
S4. Definitions
Antilock brake system or ABS means a system which senses wheel slip and automatically
modulates the pressure producing the braking forces at the wheel(s) to limit the degree of
wheel slip. (Dispositif de frein antiblocage ou « ABS »)
Baseline test means a stop or a series of stops carried out in order to confirm the performance
of the brake prior to subjecting it to a further test such as the heating procedure or wet brake
stop. (Essai de référence)
Brake means those parts of the brake system where the forces opposing the movement of the
motorcycle are developed. (Frein)
Brake system means the combination of parts consisting of the control, the brake, and the
components that provide the functional link between the control and the brake, but excluding
the engine, whose function it is to progressively reduce the speed of a moving motorcycle,
bring it to a halt, and keep it stationary when halted. (Système de freinage)
Category 3-1 motorcycle means a two-wheeled motorcycle with an engine cylinder capacity
in the case of a thermic engine not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters (cm3) and whatever the
means of propulsion a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometers per hour (km/h).
(Motocyclette de catégorie 3-1)
Category 3-2 motorcycle means a three-wheeled motorcycle of any wheel arrangement with
an engine cylinder capacity in the case of a thermic engine not exceeding 50 cm3 and whatever
the means of propulsion a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h. (Motocyclette de
catégorie 3-2)
Category 3-3 motorcycle means a two-wheeled motorcycle with an engine cylinder capacity
in the case of a thermic engine exceeding 50 cm3 or whatever the means of propulsion a
maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h. (Motocyclette de catégorie 3-3)
Category 3-4 motorcycle means a motorcycle manufactured with three wheels
asymmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median plane with an engine cylinder
Effective: June 3, 2015 1

capacity in the case of a thermic engine exceeding 50 cm3 or whatever the means of
propulsion a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h. (This category definition is intended
to include motorcycles with sidecars.) (Motocyclette de catégorie 3-4)
Category 3-5 motorcycle means a motorcycle manufactured with three wheels symmetrically
arranged in relation to the longitudinal median plane with an engine cylinder capacity in the
case of a thermic engine exceeding 50 cm3 or whatever the means of propulsion a maximum
design speed exceeding 50 km/h. (Motocyclette de catégorie 3-5)
Combined brake system or CBS means:
(a) For motorcycle categories 3-1 and 3-3: a service brake system where at least two
brakes on different wheels are actuated by the operation of a single control.
(b) For motorcycle categories 3-2 and 3-5: a service brake system where the brakes on all
wheels are actuated by the operation of a single control.
(c) For motorcycle category 3-4: a service brake system where the brakes on at least the
front and rear wheels are actuated by the operation of a single control. (If the rear
wheel and the asymmetrical wheel are braked by the same brake system, this is
regarded as the rear brake.) (Système de freinage combine ou « SFC »)
Control means the part actuated directly by the rider in order to supply and regulate the
energy required for braking the motorcycle. (Commande)
Driver mass means the nominal mass of a driver that equals 75 kg (68 kg occupant mass plus
7kg of luggage mass). (Masse du conducteur)
Engine disconnected means when the engine is no longer internally connected to the driving
wheel(s), i.e., the clutch is disengaged and/or the transmission is in neutral. (Moteur débrayé)
Gross vehicle mass means the maximum mass of the fully laden solo vehicle, based on its
construction and design performances, as declared by the manufacturer. (Masse brute du
véhicule)
Initial brake temperature means the temperature of the hottest brake before any brake
application. (Température initiale des freins)
Laden means the gross vehicle mass. (Chargé)
Lightly loaded means mass in running order plus 15 kg for test equipment, or the laden
condition, whichever is less. In the case of ABS tests on a low friction surface (paragraphs
S6.9.4 to S6.9.7), the mass for test equipment is increased to 30 kg to account for outriggers.
(Légèrement chargé)
Mass in running order means the sum of unladen vehicle mass and driver mass. (Masse en
état de marche)
Peak braking coefficient or PBC means the measure of tire-to-road surface friction based on
the maximum deceleration of a rolling tire. (Coefficient maximal de freinage ou « CFMP »)

Power-assisted braking system means a brake system in which the energy necessary to
produce the braking force is supplied by the physical effort of the rider assisted by one or
more energy supplying devices, for example vacuum assisted (with vacuum booster).
(Système de freinage assisté)
Secondary brake system means the second service brake system on a motorcycle equipped
with a combined brake system. (Système de frein secondaire)
Service brake system means a brake system which is used for slowing the motorcycle when
in motion. (Système de frein de service)
Sidecar means a one-wheeled vehicle that is attached to the side of a motorcycle. (Sidecar)
Single brake system means a brake system which acts on only one axle. (Système de freinage
individuel)
Split service brake system or SSBS means a brake system that operates the brakes on all
wheels, consisting of two or more subsystems actuated by a single control designed so that a
single failure in any subsystem (such as a leakage type failure of a hydraulic subsystem) does
not impair the operation of any other subsystem. (Système de frein de service partagé ou
« SFSP »)
Stopping distance means the distance traveled by the motorcycle from the point the rider
begins to actuate the brake control to the point at which the motorcycle reaches full stop. For
tests where simultaneous actuation of two controls is specified, the distance traveled is taken
from the point the first control is actuated. (Distance d’arrêt)
Test speed means the motorcycle speed measured the moment the rider begins to actuate the
brake control. For tests where simultaneous actuation of two controls is specified, the
motorcycle speed is taken from the moment the first control is actuated. (Vitesse d’essai)
Unladen vehicle mass means the nominal mass of a complete vehicle as determined by the
following criteria:
(a) Mass of the vehicle with bodywork and all factory fitted equipment, electrical and
auxiliary equipment for normal operation of vehicle, including liquids, tools, fire
extinguisher, standard spare parts, chocks and spare wheel, if fitted.
(b) The fuel tanks filled to at least 90 percent of rated capacity and the other liquid
containing systems (except those for used water) to 100 percent of the capacity
specified by the manufacturer. (Masse du véhicule déchargé)
Vmax means either the speed attainable by accelerating at a maximum rate from a standing
start for a distance of 1.6 km on a level surface, with the vehicle lightly loaded, or the speed
measured in accordance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
7117:1995(E) (incorporated by reference; see § 571.5) (see the list at Chapter V, Title 49, part
571.5 of the Code of Federal Regulations for the full citation, hereafter referred to as 49 CFR
Part 571.5). (Vmax)
Wheel lock means the condition that occurs when there is 100 percent wheel slip. (Blocage de
roue)

S5. General Requirements

S5.1 Brake system requirements
Each motorcycle shall meet each of the test requirements specified for a motorcycle of its
category and for those brake features on the motorcycle.
S5.1.1 Service brake system control operation. Each motorcycle shall have a configuration
that enables a rider to actuate the service brake system control while seated in the normal
driving position and with both hands on the steering control.
S5.1.2 Secondary brake system control operation. Each motorcycle shall have a
configuration that enables a rider to actuate the secondary brake system control while seated
in the normal driving position and with at least one hand on the steering control.
S5.1.3 Parking brake system
(a) If a parking brake system is fitted, it shall hold the motorcycle stationary on the slope
prescribed in S6.8.2. The parking brake system shall:
(1) have a control which is separate from the service brake system controls; and
(2) be held in the locked position by solely mechanical means.
(b) Each motorcycle equipped with a parking brake shall have a configuration that enables
a rider to be able to actuate the parking brake system while seated in the normal
driving position.
S5.1.4 Two-wheeled motorcycles of categories 3-1 and 3-3. Each category 3-1 and 3-3
two-wheeled motorcycle shall be equipped with either two separate service brake systems, or
a split service brake system, with at least one brake operating on the front wheel and at least
one brake operating on the rear wheel.
S5.1.5 Three-wheeled motorcycles of category 3-4. Each category 3-4 motorcycle shall
comply with the brake system requirements in S5.1.4. A brake on the asymmetric wheel (with
respect to the longitudinal axis) is not required.
S5.1.6 Three-wheeled motorcycles of category 3-2. Each category 3-2 motorcycle shall be
equipped with a parking brake system plus one of the following service brake systems:
(a) Two separate service brake systems, except CBS, which, when applied together,
operate the brakes on all wheels; or
(b) A split service brake system; or
(c) A CBS that operates the brake on all wheels and a secondary brake system which may
be the parking brake system.

S5.1.7 Three-wheeled motorcycles of categories 3-5. Each category 3-5 motorcycle shall be
equipped with:
(a) A parking brake system; and
(b) A foot actuated service brake system which operates the brakes on all wheels by way
of either:
(1) A split service brake system; or
(2) A CBS and a secondary brake system, which may be the parking brake system.
S5.1.8 Two separate service brake systems. For motorcycles where two separate service
brake systems are installed, the systems may share a common brake, if a failure in one system
does not affect the performance of the other.
S5.1.9 Hydraulic service brake system. For motorcycles that use hydraulic fluid for brake
force transmission, the master cylinder shall:
(a) Have a sealed, covered, separate reservoir for each brake system; and
(b) Have a minimum reservoir capacity equivalent to 1.5 times the total fluid displacement
required to satisfy the new to fully worn lining condition with the worst case brake
adjustment conditions; and
(c) Have a reservoir where the fluid level is visible for checking without removal of the
cover.
(d) Have a brake fluid warning statement that reads as follows, in letters at least 3/32 of an
inch high: Warning: Clean filler cap before removing. Use only ____ fluid from a
sealed container (inserting the recommended type of brake fluid as specified in
accordance with 49 CFR 571.116, e.g., “DOT 3”). The lettering shall be:
(1) Permanently affixed, engraved, or embossed;
(2) Located so as to be visible by direct view, either on or within 4 inches of the
brake-fluid reservoir filler plug or cap; and
(3) Of a color that contrasts with its background, if it is not engraved or embossed.
S5.1.10 Warning lamps. All warning lamps shall be mounted in the rider's view.
S5.1.10.1 Split service brake system warning lamps
(a) Each motorcycle that is equipped with a split service brake system shall be fitted with
a red warning lamp, which shall be activated:
(1) When there is a hydraulic failure on the application of a force of ≤90 N on the
control; or
(2) Without actuation of the brake control, when the brake fluid level in the master
cylinder reservoir falls below the greater of:

(i) That which is specified by the manufacturer; or

(ii) That which is less than or equal to half of the fluid reservoir capacity.
(b) To permit function checking, the warning lamp shall be illuminated by the activation
of the ignition switch and shall be extinguished when the check has been completed.
The warning lamp shall remain on while a failure condition exists whenever the
ignition switch is in the “on” position.
(c) Each indicator lamp shall have the legend “Brake Failure” on or adjacent to it in letters
not less than 3/32 of an inch high that shall be legible to the driver in daylight when
lighted.
(c) The warning lamp shall display the symbol for a brake system malfunction set out in
the Table to section 101 of Schedule IV of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations
(C.R.C c. 1038).
S5.1.10.2 Antilock brake system warning lamps
(a) Each motorcycle equipped with an ABS system shall be fitted with a yellow warning
lamp. The lamp shall be activated whenever there is a malfunction that affects the
generation or transmission of signals in the motorcycle's ABS system.
(b) To permit function checking, the warning lamp shall be illuminated by the activation
of the ignition switch and extinguished when the check has been completed. The
warning lamp shall remain on while a failure condition exists whenever the ignition
switch is in the “on” position.
(c) The indicator shall be labeled in letters at least 3/32 of an inch high with the words
“Antilock” or “Anti-lock” or “ABS” in accordance with Table 1 of Standard No. 101
(49 CFR 571.101).
(c) The warning lamp shall display the symbol for an antilock brake system malfunction in
vehicles other than trailers set out in the Table to section 101 of Schedule IV of the
Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1038).
S5.2 Durability
S5.2.1 Compensation for wear. Wear of the brakes shall be compensated for by means of a
system of automatic or manual adjustment.
S5.2.2 Notice of wear. The friction material thickness shall either be visible without
disassembly, or where the friction material is not visible, wear shall be assessed by means of a
device designed for that purpose.
S5.2.3 Testing. During all the tests in this standard and on their completion, there shall be no
friction material detachment and no leakage of brake fluid.

S5.3 Measurement of dynamic performance

There are two ways in which brake system performance is measured. The particular method to
be used is specified in the respective tests in S6.
S5.3.1 Stopping distance
(a) Based on the basic equations of motion:
S = 0.1·V + (X) ·V2 ,
Where:
S = stopping distance in meters
V = initial vehicle speed in km/h
X = a variable based on the requirement for each test
(b) To calculate the corrected stopping distance using the actual vehicle test speed, the
following formula is used:
Ss = 0.1·Vs + (Sa−0.1·Va) · Vs2 /Va2 ,
Where:
Ss = corrected stopping distance in meters
Vs = specified vehicle test speed in km/h
Sa = actual stopping distance in meters
Va = actual vehicle test speed in km/h
NOTE TO S5.3.1(b): This equation is only valid when the actual test speed (Va) is
within ±5 km/h of the specified test speed (Vs).
S5.3.2 Continuous deceleration recording. The other method used to measure performance
is the continuous recording of the vehicle instantaneous deceleration from the moment a force
is applied to the brake control until the end of the stop.
S6. Test conditions, procedures and performance

requirements
S6.1 General

S6.1.1 Test surfaces

S6.1.1.1 High friction surface. A high friction surface is used for all dynamic brake tests
excluding the ABS tests where a low-friction surface is specified. The high-friction surface
test area is a clean, dry and level surface, with a gradient of ≤1 percent. The high-friction
surface has a peak braking coefficient (PBC) of 0.9.
S6.1.1.2 Low-friction surface. A low-friction surface is used for ABS tests where a low-
friction surface is specified. The low-friction surface test area is a clean and level surface,
which may be wet or dry, with a gradient of ≤1 percent. The low-friction surface has a PBC of
≤0.45.
S6.1.1.3 Measurement of PBC. The PBC is measured using the American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1136-93 (Reapproved 2003) standard reference test tire, in
accordance with ASTM Method E1337-90 (Reapproved 2008), at a speed of 64 km/h (both
publications incorporated by reference; see § 571.5)(see 49 CFR Part 571.5).
S6.1.1.4 Parking brake system tests. The specified test slope has a clean and dry surface
that does not deform under the weight of the motorcycle.
S6.1.1.5 Test lane width. For two-wheeled motorcycles (motorcycle categories 3-1 and 3-3)
the test lane width is 2.5 meters. For three-wheeled motorcycles (motorcycle categories 3-2,
3-4 and 3-5) the test lane width is 2.5 meters plus the vehicle width.
S6.1.2 Ambient temperature. The ambient temperature is between 4 °C and 45 °C.
S6.1.3 Wind speed. The wind speed is not more than 5 meters per second (m/s).
S6.1.4 Test speed tolerance. The test speed tolerance is ±5 km/h. In the event of the actual
test speed deviating from the specified test speed (but within the ±5 km/h tolerance), the
actual stopping distance is corrected using the formula in S5.3.1(b).
S6.1.5 Automatic transmission. Motorcycles with automatic transmission shall meet all test
requirements—whether they are for “engine connected” or “engine disconnected.” If an
automatic transmission has a neutral position, the neutral position is selected for tests where
“engine disconnected” is specified.
S6.1.6 Vehicle position and wheel lock. The vehicle is positioned in the center of the test
lane for the beginning of each stop. Stops are made without the vehicle wheels passing outside
the applicable test lane and without wheel lock.
S6.1.7 Test sequence. Test sequence is as specified in Table 1.
S6.2 Preparation
S6.2.1 Engine idle speed. The engine idle speed is set to the manufacturer's specification.
S6.2.2 Tire pressures. The tires are inflated to the manufacturer's specification for the
vehicle loading condition for the test.

S6.2.3 Control application points and direction. For a hand control lever, the input force
(F) is applied on the control lever's forward surface perpendicular to the axis of the lever
fulcrum and its outermost point on the plane along which the control lever rotates (see Figure
1). The input force is applied to a point located 50 millimeters (mm) from the outermost point
of the control lever, measured along the axis between the central axis of the fulcrum of the
lever and its outermost point. For a foot control pedal, the input force is applied to the center
of, and at right angles to, the control pedal.
S6.2.4 Brake temperature measurement. The brake temperature is measured on the
approximate center of the facing length and width of the most heavily loaded shoe or disc pad,
one per brake, using a plug-type thermocouple that is embedded in the friction material, as
shown in Figure 2.
S6.2.5 Burnishing procedure. The vehicle brakes are burnished prior to evaluating
performance.
S6.2.5.1 Vehicle condition
(a) Vehicle lightly loaded.
(b) Engine disconnected.
S6.2.5.2 Conditions and procedure
(a) Initial brake temperature. Initial brake temperature before each brake application is
≤100 °C.
(b) Test speed.
(1) Initial speed: 50 km/h or 0.8 Vmax, whichever is lower.
(2) Final speed = 5 to 10 km/h.
(c) Brake application. Each service brake system control actuated separately.
(d) Vehicle deceleration.
(1) Single front brake system only:
(i) 3.0-3.5 meters per second squared (m/s2) for motorcycle categories 3-3 and 3-4
(ii) 1.5-2.0 m/s2 for motorcycle categories 3-1 and 3-2
(2) Single rear brake system only: 1.5-2.0 m/s2
(3) CBS or split service brake system, and category 3-5: 3.5-4.0 m/s2
(e) Number of decelerations. There shall be 100 decelerations per brake system.
(f) For the first stop, accelerate the vehicle to the initial speed and then actuate the brake
control under the conditions specified until the final speed is reached. Then
reaccelerate to the initial speed and maintain that speed until the brake temperature
falls to the specified initial value. When these conditions are met, reapply the brake as

specified. Repeat this procedure for the number of specified decelerations. After
burnishing, adjust the brakes in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
S6.3 Dry stop test—single brake control actuated

S6.3.1 Vehicle condition
(a) The test is applicable to all motorcycle categories.
(b) Laden. For vehicles fitted with CBS and split service brake system, the vehicle is
tested in the lightly loaded condition in addition to the laden condition.
(c) Engine disconnected.
S6.3.2 Test conditions and procedure
(a) Initial brake temperature. Initial brake temperature is ≥55 °C and ≤100 °C.
(b) Test speed.
(1) Motorcycle categories 3-1 and 3-2: 40 km/h or 0.9 Vmax, whichever is lower.
(2) Motorcycle categories 3-3, 3-4 and 3-5: 60 km/h or 0.9 Vmax, whichever is lower.
(d) Brake actuation force.
(1) Hand control: ≤200 N.
(2) Foot control:
(i) ≤350 N for motorcycle categories 3-1, 3-2, 3-3 and 3-5 3-4.
(ii) ≤500 N for motorcycle category 3-4 3-5.
(e) Number of stops: until the vehicle meets the performance requirements, with a
maximum of 6 stops
(f) For each stop, accelerate the vehicle to the test speed and then actuate the brake
control under the conditions specified in this paragraph.
S6.3.3 Performance requirements. When the brakes are tested in accordance with the test
procedure set out in paragraph S6.3.2., the stopping distance shall be as specified in column 2
of Table 2.
S6.4 Dry stop test—all service brake controls actuated

(a) The test is applicable to motorcycle categories 3-3, 3-4 and 3-5.
(b) Lightly loaded.


(b) Test speed. Test speed is 100 km/h or 0.9 Vmax, whichever is lower.
(c) Brake application. Simultaneous actuation of both service brake system controls, if so
equipped, or of the single service brake system control in the case of a service brake
system that operates on all wheels.
(2) Foot control:
(i) ≤400 N for motorcycle categories 3-3 and 3-4.
(ii) ≤500 N for motorcycle category 3-5.
maximum of 6 stops.
procedure set out in paragraph S6.4.2., the stopping distance (S) shall be S ≤0.0060 V2 (where
V is the specified test speed in km/h and S is the required stopping distance in meters).
S6.5 High speed test

(b) Test is not required for vehicles with Vmax ≤125 km/h.
(c) Lightly loaded.
(d) Engine connected (clutch engaged) with the transmission in the highest gear.
(b) Test speed.
(1) Test speed is 0.8 Vmax for motorcycles with Vmax >125 km/h and <200 km/h.

(2) Test speed is 160 km/h for motorcycles with Vmax ≥200 km/h.
equipped, or of the single service brake system control in the case of a service brake
system that operates on all wheels.
(2) Foot control:
maximum of 6 stops.
control(s) under the conditions specified in this paragraph.
procedure set out in paragraph S6.5.2, the stopping distance (S) shall be ≤0.1 V + 0.0067 V2
(where V is the specified test speed in km/h and S is the required stopping distance in meters).
S6.6 Wet brake test

S6.6.1 General information
(a) The test is comprised of two parts that are carried out consecutively for each brake
system:
(1) A baseline test based on the dry stop test—single brake control actuated (S6.3).
(2) A single wet brake stop using the same test parameters as in (1), but with the
brake(s) being continuously sprayed with water while the test is conducted in order
to measure the brakes' performance in wet conditions.
(b) The test is not applicable to parking brake systems unless it is the secondary brake.
(c) Drum brakes or fully enclosed disc brakes are excluded from this test unless
ventilation or open inspection ports are present.
(d) This test requires the vehicle to be fitted with instrumentation that gives a continuous
recording of brake control force and vehicle deceleration.
(a) The test is applicable to all motorcycle categories.
(b) Laden. For vehicles fitted with CBS and split service brake system, the vehicle is
tested in the lightly loaded condition in addition to the laden condition.


(d) Each brake is fitted with water spray equipment as shown in Figure 3.
(1) Disc brakes—sketch of water spray equipment. The disc brake water spray
equipment is installed as follows:
(i) Water is sprayed onto each brake with a flow rate of 15 liters/hr. The water is
equally distributed on each side of the rotor.
(ii) If the surface of the rotor has any shielding, the spray is applied 45° prior to the
shield.
(iii)If it is not possible to locate the spray in the position shown on the sketch, or if
the spray coincides with a brake ventilation hole or similar, the spray nozzle
may be advanced by an additional 90° maximum from the edge of the pad,
using the same radius.
(2) Drum brakes with ventilation and open inspection ports. The water spray
equipment is installed as follows:
(i) Water is sprayed equally onto both sides of the drum brake assembly (on the
stationary back plate and on the rotating drum) with a flow rate of 15 liters/hr.
(ii) The spray nozzles are positioned two thirds of the distance from the outer
circumference of the rotating drum to the wheel hub center.
(iii)The nozzle position is >15° from the edge of any opening in the drum back
plate.
S6.6.3 Baseline test—test conditions and procedure
(a) The test in paragraph S6.3 (dry stop test—single brake control actuated) is carried out
for each brake system but with the brake control force that results in a vehicle
deceleration of 2.5-3.0 m/s2, and the following is determined:
(1) The average brake control force measured when the vehicle is traveling between
80 percent and 10 percent of the specified test speed.
(2) The average vehicle deceleration in the period 0.5 to 1.0 seconds after the point of
actuation of the brake control.
(3) The maximum vehicle deceleration during the complete stop but excluding the
final 0.5 seconds.
(b) Conduct 3 baseline stops and average the values obtained in (1), (2), and (3).
S6.6.4 Wet brake test—test conditions and procedure

(a) The vehicle is ridden at the test speed used in the baseline test set out in S6.6.3 with
the water spray equipment operating on the brake(s) to be tested and with no
application of the brake system.

(b) After a distance of ≥500 m, apply the average brake control force determined in the
baseline test for the brake system being tested.
(c) Measure the average vehicle deceleration in the period 0.5 to 1.0 seconds after the
point of actuation of the brake control.
(d) Measure the maximum vehicle deceleration during the complete stop but excluding the
final 0.5 seconds.
procedure set out in paragraph S6.6.4, the wet brake deceleration performance shall be:
(a) The value measured in paragraph S6.6.4(c) shall be ≥60 percent of the average
deceleration values recorded in the baseline test in paragraph S6.6.3(a)(2), i.e., in the
period 0.5 to 1.0 seconds after the point of actuation of the brake control; and
(b) The value measured in S6.6.4(d) shall be ≤120 percent of the average deceleration
values recorded in the baseline test S6.6.3(a)(3), i.e., during the complete stop but
excluding the final 0.5 seconds.
S6.7 Heat fade test

(a) The test comprises three parts that are carried out consecutively for each brake system:
(1) A baseline test using the dry stop test—single brake control actuated (S6.3).
(2) A heating procedure which consists of a series of repeated stops in order to heat
the brake(s).
(3) A hot brake stop using the dry stop test—single brake control actuated (S6.3), to
measure the brake's performance after the heating procedure.
(b) The test is applicable to motorcycle categories 3-3, 3-4 and 3-5.
(c) The test is not applicable to parking brake systems and secondary service brake
systems.
(d) All stops are carried out with the motorcycle laden.
(e) The heating procedure requires the motorcycle to be fitted with instrumentation that
gives a continuous recording of brake control force and vehicle deceleration.
S6.7.2 Baseline test
S6.7.2.1 Vehicle condition—baseline test. Engine disconnected.
S6.7.2.2 Test conditions and procedure—baseline test
(b) Test speed. Test speed is 60 km/h or 0.9 Vmax, whichever is the lower.

(c) Brake application. Each service brake system control is actuated separately.
(2) Foot control:
(e) Accelerate the vehicle to the test speed, actuate the brake control under the conditions
specified and record the control force required to achieve the vehicle braking
performance specified in the table to S6.3.3 (Table 2).
S6.7.3 Heating procedure
S6.7.3.1 Vehicle condition—heating procedure. Engine transmission:
(a) From the specified test speed to 50 per cent specified test speed: connected, with the
highest appropriate gear selected such that the engine speed remains above the
manufacturer's specified idle speed.
(b) From 50 per cent specified test speed to standstill: disconnected.
S6.7.3.2 Test conditions and procedure—heating procedure
(a) Initial brake temperature. Initial brake temperature is (prior to first stop only) ≥55 °C
and ≤100 °C.
(b) Test speed.
(1) Single brake system, front wheel braking only: 100 km/h or 0.7 Vmax, whichever
is the lower.
(2) Single brake system, rear wheel braking only: 80 km/h or 0.7 Vmax, whichever is
the lower.
(3) CBS or split service brake system: 100 km/h or 0.7 Vmax, whichever is the lower.
(1) For the first stop: The constant control force that achieves a vehicle deceleration
rate of 3.0—3.5 m/s2 while the vehicle is decelerating between 80 percent and 10
percent of the specified speed.
(2) For the remaining stops:
(i) The same constant brake control force as used for the first stop.
(ii) Number of stops: 10.

(iii)Interval between stops: 1000 m.

(e) Carry out a stop to the conditions specified in this paragraph and then immediately use
maximum acceleration to reach the specified speed and maintain that speed until the
next stop is made.
S6.7.4 Hot brake stop—test conditions and procedure. Perform a single stop under the
conditions used in the baseline test (S6.7.2) for the brake system that has been heated during
the procedure in accordance with S6.7.3. This stop is carried out within one minute of the
completion of the procedure set out in S6.7.3 with a brake control application force less than
or equal to the force used during the test set out in S6.7.2.
procedure set out in S6.7.4, the stopping distance S2 shall be ≤1.67 S1 −0.67 × 0.1V,
Where:
S1 = corrected stopping distance in meters achieved in the baseline test set out in S6.7.2.
S2 = corrected stopping distance in meters achieved in the hot brake stop set out in S6.7.4.
V = specified test speed in km/h.
S6.8 Parking brake system test—for motorcycles with parking

brakes
(b) Laden.
(a) Initial brake temperature. Initial brake temperature is ≤100 °C.
(b) Test surface gradient. Test surface gradient is equal to 18 percent.
(c) Brake actuation force.
(2) Foot control: ≤500 N.
(d) For the first part of the test, park the vehicle on the test surface gradient facing up the
slope by applying the parking brake system under the conditions specified in this
paragraph. If the vehicle remains stationary, start the measurement of the test period.
(e) The vehicle must remain stationary to the limits of traction of the braked wheels.

(f) On completion of the test with vehicle facing up the gradient, repeat the same test
procedure with the vehicle facing down the gradient.
S6.8.3 Performance requirements. When tested in accordance with the test procedure set
out in S6.8.2, the parking brake system shall hold the vehicle stationary for 5 minutes when
the vehicle is both facing up and facing down the gradient.
S6.9 ABS tests

S6.9.1 General
(a) The tests are only applicable to the ABS fitted on motorcycle categories 3-1 and 3-3.
(b) The tests are to confirm the performance of brake systems equipped with ABS and
their performance in the event of ABS electrical failure.
(c) Fully cycling means that the anti-lock system is repeatedly modulating the brake force
to prevent the directly controlled wheels from locking.
(d) Wheel-lock is allowed as long as the stability of the vehicle is not affected to the
extent that it requires the operator to release the control or causes a vehicle wheel to
pass outside the test lane.
(e) The test series comprises the individual tests in Table 3, which may be carried out in
any order.
(a) Lightly loaded.
(b) Engine disconnected.
S6.9.3 Stops on a high friction surface
S6.9.3.1 Test conditions and procedure
(b) Test speed. Test speed is 60 km/h or 0.9 Vmax, whichever is lower.
equipped, or of the single service brake control in the case of a service brake system
that operates on all wheels.
(d) Brake actuation force. The force applied is that which is necessary to ensure that the
ABS will cycle fully throughout each stop, down to 10 km/h.
(e) If one wheel is not equipped with ABS, the control for the service brake on that wheel
is actuated with a force that is lower than the force that will cause the wheel to lock.
(f) Number of stops: until the vehicle meets the performance requirements, with a
maximum of 6 stops.

(g) For each stop, accelerate the vehicle to the test speed and then actuate the brake
S6.9.3.2 Performance requirements. When the brakes are tested in accordance with the test
procedures referred to in S6.9.3.1:
(a) The stopping distance (S) shall be ≤0.0063 V2 (where V is the specified test speed in
km/h and S is the required stopping distance in meters); and
(b) there shall be no wheel lock beyond that allowed for in paragraph S6.9.1(d), and the
vehicle wheels shall stay within the test lane.
S6.9.4 Stops on a low friction surface
S6.9.4.1 Test conditions and procedure. As set out in S6.9.3.1, but using the low friction
surface instead of the high friction one.
procedures set out in S6.9.4.1:
(a) the stopping distance (S) shall be ≤0.0056 V2 /P (where V is the specified test speed in
km/h, P is the peak braking coefficient and S is the required stopping distance in
meters); and
(b) there shall be no wheel lock beyond that allowed for in paragraph S6.9.1(d), and the
vehicle wheels shall stay within the test lane.
S6.9.5 Wheel lock checks on high and low friction surfaces
(a) Test surfaces. High friction or low friction surface, as applicable.
(b) Initial brake temperature. Initial brake temperature is ≥55 °C and ≤100 °C.
(c) Test speed.
(1) On the high friction surface: 80 km/h or 0.8 Vmax, whichever is lower.
(2) On the low friction surface: 60 km/h or 0.8 Vmax, whichever is lower.
(d) Brake application.
(1) Each service brake system control actuated separately.
(2) Where ABS is fitted to both brake systems, simultaneous actuation of both brake
controls in addition to (1).
(e) Brake actuation force. The force applied is that which is necessary to ensure that the
(f) Brake application rate. The brake control actuation force is applied in 0.2-0.5 seconds.

(g) Number of stops: until the vehicle meets the performance requirements, with a
maximum of 3 stops.
(h) For each stop, accelerate the vehicle to the test speed and then actuate the brake
procedures set out in S6.9.5.1, there shall be no wheel lock beyond that allowed for in
paragraph S6.9.1(d), and the vehicle wheels shall stay within the test lane.
S6.9.6 Wheel lock check—high to low friction surface transition
(a) Test surfaces. A high friction surface immediately followed by a low friction surface.
(c) Test speed. The speed that will result in 50 km/h or 0.5 Vmax, whichever is the lower,
at the point where the vehicle passes from the high friction to the low friction surface.
(1) Each service brake system control actuated separately.
(2) Where ABS is fitted to both brake systems, simultaneous actuation of both brake
maximum of 3 stops.
control before the vehicle reaches the transition from one friction surface to the other.
procedures set out in S6.9.6.1, there shall be no wheel lock beyond that allowed for in
paragraph S6.9.1(d), and the vehicle wheels shall stay within the test lane.
S6.9.7 Wheel lock check—low to high friction surface transition
(a) Test surfaces. A low friction surface immediately followed by a high friction surface
with a PBC ≥0.8.
(c) Test speed. The speed that will result in 50 km/h or 0.5 Vmax, whichever is the lower,
at the point where the vehicle passes from the low friction to the high friction surface.


(1) Each service brake system control applied separately.
(2) Where ABS is fitted to both brake systems, simultaneous application of both brake
maximum of 3 stops.
control before the vehicle reaches the transition from one friction surface to the other.
(h) Record the vehicle's continuous deceleration.
procedures set out in S6.9.7.1:
(a) There shall be no wheel lock beyond that allowed for in paragraph S6.9.1(d), and the
vehicle wheels shall stay within the test lane, and
(b) within 1 second of the rear wheel passing the transition point between the low and
high friction surfaces, the vehicle deceleration shall increase.
S6.9.8 Stops with an ABS electrical failure
S6.9.8.1 Test conditions and procedure. With the ABS electrical system disabled, carry out
the test set out in S6.3 (dry stop test—single brake control actuated) applying the conditions
relevant to the brake system and vehicle being tested.
procedure set out in S6.9.8.1:
(a) The system shall comply with the failure warning requirements of S5.1.10.2; and
(b) the minimum requirements for stopping distance shall be as specified in column 2
under the heading “Single brake system, rear wheel(s) braking only” in Table 2
S6.10 Partial failure test—for split service brake systems

(a) The test is only applicable to vehicles that are equipped with split service brake
systems.
(b) The test is to confirm the performance of the remaining subsystem in the event of a
hydraulic system leakage failure.


(b) Lightly loaded.
(b) Test speed. Test speed is 50 km/h and 100 km/h or 0.8 Vmax, whichever is lower.
(c) Brake actuation force.
(2) Foot control: ≤400 N.
(d) Number of stops: until the vehicle meets the performance requirements, with a
maximum of 6 stops for each test speed.
(e) Alter the service brake system to induce a complete loss of braking in any one
subsystem. Then, for each stop, accelerate the vehicle to the test speed and then
actuate the brake control under the conditions specified in this paragraph.
(f) Repeat the test for each subsystem.
procedure set out in S6.10.3:
(a) the system shall comply with the failure warning requirements set out in paragraph
S5.1.10.1; and
(b) the stopping distance (S) shall be ≤0.1 V + 0.0117 V2 (where V is the specified test
speed in km/h and S is the required stopping distance in meters).
S6.11 Power–assisted braking system failure test

(a) The test is not conducted when the vehicle is equipped with another separate service
brake system.
(b) The test is to confirm the performance of the service brake system in the event of
failure of the power assistance.
S6.11.2 Test conditions and procedure. Carry out the test set out in S6.3.3 (dry stop test—
single brake control actuated) for each service brake system with the power assistance
disabled.

procedure set out in S6.11.2, the stopping distance shall be as specified in column 2 of Table
4. Note that if the power assistance may be activated by more than one control, the above
performance shall be achieved when each control is actuated separately.

Table 1: Test Sequence
Test order Paragraph

1. Dry stop—single brake control actuated S6.3
2. Dry stop—all service brake controls actuated S6.4
3. High speed S6.5
4. Wet brake S6.6
5. If fitted:
65.1. Parking brake system S6.8
65.2. ABS S6.9
65.3. Partial failure, for split service brake systems S6.10
65.4. Power-assisted braking system failure S6.11
6. Heat fade S6.7
Table 2: Performance Requirements, Dry Stop Test—Single Brake Control Actuated
Column 1 Column 2
Motorcycle Stopping Distance(s)
category (where V is the specified test speed in km/h and S is the required stopping distance in meters)
Single brake system, front wheel(s) braking only
3-1 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0111 V 2.
3-2 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0143 V 2.
3-3 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0087 V 2.
3-4 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0105 V 2.
3-5 Not applicable.
Single brake system, rear wheel(s) braking only
3-1 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0143 V 2.
3-2 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0143 V 2.

3-3 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0133 V 2.
3-4 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0105 V 2.
3-5 Not applicable.
Vehicles with CBS or split service brake systems: For laden and lightly loaded conditions
3-1 and 3-2 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0087 V 2.
3-3 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0076 V 2.
3-4 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0071 V 2.
3-5 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0077 V 2.
Vehicles with CBS—secondary service brake system
ALL S ≤0.1 V + 0.0154 V 2.

Table 3: ABS Tests
ABS Tests Paragraph

a. Stops on a high friction surface—as specified in S6.1.1.1 S6.9.3
b. Stops on a low friction surface—as specified in S6.1.1.2 S6.9.4
c. Wheel lock checks on high and low friction surfaces S6.9.5
d. Wheel lock check—high to low friction surface transition S6.9.6
e. Wheel lock check—low to high friction surface transition S6.9.7
f. Stops with an ABS electrical failure S6.9.8
Table 4: Performance Requirements, Power-Assisted Braking System Failure Test
Column 1 Column 2
Vehicle category Stopping Distance(s)
(where V is the specified test speed in km/h and S is the required stopping distance in meters)
Single brake system
3-1 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0143 V 2.
3-2 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0143 V 2.

3-3 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0133 V 2.
3-4 S ≤0.1 V + 0.0105 V 2.
Vehicles with CBS or split service brake systems
All S ≤0.1 V + 0.0154 V 2.
Figure 1: Hand control lever force application points and direction

Figure 2: Typical Plug Type Thermocouple Installation

Figure 3: Wet brake test

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Motorcycle Brake Systems: Technical Standards Document No. 122, Revision 3

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TECHNICAL STANDARDS DOCUMENT

No. 122, Revision 3

MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SYSTEMS

The text of this document is based on the U.S. Code of Federal

Publication Date: June 3, 2015

(Ce document est aussi disponible en français)

Publication, Effective and Mandatory Compliance Dates

Effective: June 3, 2015 i

Official Version of Technical Standards Documents

Effective: June 3, 2015 ii

Effective: June 3, 2015 iii

Effective: June 3, 2015 1

Effective: June 3, 2015 2

Effective: June 3, 2015 3

S5. General Requirements

Effective: June 3, 2015 4

Effective: June 3, 2015 5

(i) That which is specified by the manufacturer; or

Effective: June 3, 2015 6

S5.3 Measurement of dynamic performance

S5.3.1 Stopping distance

(a) Based on the basic equations of motion:

S = 0.1·V + (X) ·V2 ,

S = stopping distance in meters

V = initial vehicle speed in km/h

X = a variable based on the requirement for each test

Ss = 0.1·Vs + (Sa−0.1·Va) · Vs2 /Va2 ,

Ss = corrected stopping distance in meters

Vs = specified vehicle test speed in km/h

Sa = actual stopping distance in meters

Va = actual vehicle test speed in km/h

S6. Test conditions, procedures and performance

Effective: June 3, 2015 7

S6.1.1 Test surfaces

Effective: June 3, 2015 8

Effective: June 3, 2015 9

S6.3 Dry stop test—single brake control actuated

S6.4 Dry stop test—all service brake controls actuated

Effective: June 3, 2015 10

(c) Engine disconnected.

S6.4.2 Test conditions and procedure

S6.5 High speed test

Effective: June 3, 2015 11

S6.6 Wet brake test

Effective: June 3, 2015 12

(c) Engine disconnected.

S6.6.4 Wet brake test—test conditions and procedure

Effective: June 3, 2015 13

S6.7 Heat fade test

Effective: June 3, 2015 14

Effective: June 3, 2015 15

(iii)Interval between stops: 1000 m.

V = specified test speed in km/h.

S6.8 Parking brake system test—for motorcycles with parking

Effective: June 3, 2015 16

S6.9 ABS tests

Effective: June 3, 2015 17

Effective: June 3, 2015 18