rate your brakes

walla.b · #1 10-01-2007, 07:29 AM

to all you classic and vintage owners out there with drum brakes, how do you feel about them? do you avoid riding in trafic because of them? any tips on making them work better. walla.b

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08CVORK · #2 10-01-2007, 08:30 AM

Got a set as in the thumbnail on a '56 HD springer. They are very poor. These disc brakes have certainly done wonders for stopping a Harley!

panz4ever · #3 10-01-2007, 12:28 PM

My 65 has the stock set up. Granted a bit dated, but I have owned it since 1970 and have learned to start slowing down/stopping sooner than the something a disc brake owner would have to. But then again I am not into high sppeed driving. Very comfortable doing speed limits and two-lane blacktop rides

Oldtimer of NM · #4 10-21-2007, 05:47 PM

Considering that I always rode older bikes until I got my 2 current ones, I just learned to deal with having the original "anti skid" braking systems. I guess it was good training because the brake pads on my current bikes last 3 to 5 times as long as other peoples with the same bikes.

xxxflhrci · #5 10-21-2007, 06:52 PM

My Ironhead has a drum on the back. I bought the bike with 11k miles on it. The rear brakes were never any good. I just learned to deal with it. Fortunately the front is pretty good. Last winter, I replaced everything on the rear......drum, pads, cable.....It didn't help. I still have to nearly stand up on the pedal to even get any where near locking up the rear wheel.

tedali2004 · #6 10-29-2007, 03:23 PM

Ditto on my Ironhead. Rear drum is moderate, but what's real sad is the dual front disc from 1980. This set up has real small pistons with tiny pads. No where near the power that my shovel has with a single 2 pistonJM rotor.

I give my brakes a 5.

stevodigitalfly · #7 10-30-2007, 12:40 PM

what brakes?? rides like a a train stops like a boat

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stevodigitalfly · #8 11-03-2007, 10:16 AM

with side car rides like a tractor stops like a tug boat

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ScooterHD69 · #9 11-07-2007, 07:16 PM

I'm about like Steve. My 69 Electra Glide has drum brakes front and rear. The front brake is close to useless, the rear will easily skid the tire though if I hit it too hard. I've owned the bike about 13 years now and ride it anywhere. I learned right off not to follow the newer bikes too closely. Nothing like being 10 feet behind someone with triple disc brakes and they suddenly decide to stop.

Edit to add: Steve that is a sweet looking scooter yah got there.

eddiechips · #10 11-26-2007, 08:07 PM

I've got a 1971 FX. It's got drum brakes front and rear. The front one is mechanical and the rear is hydraulic. I can lock up the rear brake, but the front one is almost useless.

I'd rate the brakes at 3.