Front Brake??
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Stage III
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: This side of insanity
Front Brake??
Hi guys and gals,
I'm new here and have only had my Sportster for a few months but I have a question. I came from a Yamaha but decided to upgrade to an '06 Harley Davisdon Sportster 1200.
Anyway, I've noticed that it's harder to stop using the front brake than it was on the old rice-burner. What have you guys and gals done to fix that or have you even had that issue?
I'm new here and have only had my Sportster for a few months but I have a question. I came from a Yamaha but decided to upgrade to an '06 Harley Davisdon Sportster 1200.
Anyway, I've noticed that it's harder to stop using the front brake than it was on the old rice-burner. What have you guys and gals done to fix that or have you even had that issue?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 0
From: SW Corner of NW Corner
www.lyndallracingbrakes.com
There are probably some caliper upgrades you can do, but these pads will really help. You can also upgrade to stainless steel braided cables, this will prevent line swelling when you apply pressure to the brake.
There are probably some caliper upgrades you can do, but these pads will really help. You can also upgrade to stainless steel braided cables, this will prevent line swelling when you apply pressure to the brake.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
Uhhh, what's this thread 'bout??? 
Stainless braided hoses, huh? Well, if'n you think that'll work, I'll hang a set on, but I'm jus' not sure it is gonna solve my prob.
OP, HD's have NEVER been known for 'quality' brakes.
PM, and others, make GREAT upgrades, but $$, IMO. Swap meets and rebuild.
After this many years, I guess I have 'permanently adjusted' my riding to chitty brakes.
It was either that, or die. 
Wanna surprise. Been riding the pan, pretty much exclusively for over 8 yrs. One factory rear drum brake. I horse traded for an 05 Zuki GZ250 for Momma, last spring. Imagine my surprise when I was out here jacking around, flew up the street at close to 40, and JUMPED on BOTH brakes. This ol' body isn't used to those 'G' forces.
Stainless braided hoses, huh? Well, if'n you think that'll work, I'll hang a set on, but I'm jus' not sure it is gonna solve my prob.
OP, HD's have NEVER been known for 'quality' brakes.
PM, and others, make GREAT upgrades, but $$, IMO. Swap meets and rebuild.
After this many years, I guess I have 'permanently adjusted' my riding to chitty brakes.
It was either that, or die. Wanna surprise. Been riding the pan, pretty much exclusively for over 8 yrs. One factory rear drum brake. I horse traded for an 05 Zuki GZ250 for Momma, last spring. Imagine my surprise when I was out here jacking around, flew up the street at close to 40, and JUMPED on BOTH brakes. This ol' body isn't used to those 'G' forces.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
A sporty is heavier then most rice sport bikes. If you really want an improvement you can really feel you will have to go dual disc. Harley makes a kit to change to duals but it ain't cheep.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From:
Brake Fix
Hi guys and gals,
I'm new here and have only had my Sportster for a few months but I have a question. I came from a Yamaha but decided to upgrade to an '06 Harley Davisdon Sportster 1200.
Anyway, I've noticed that it's harder to stop using the front brake than it was on the old rice-burner. What have you guys and gals done to fix that or have you even had that issue?
I'm new here and have only had my Sportster for a few months but I have a question. I came from a Yamaha but decided to upgrade to an '06 Harley Davisdon Sportster 1200.
Anyway, I've noticed that it's harder to stop using the front brake than it was on the old rice-burner. What have you guys and gals done to fix that or have you even had that issue?
I assume that your new to you Sportster has one front disc. By using OEM H-D parts you or your mechanic can convert the front-end to dual disc brakes. When you do so go to floating rotors and Lyndell brake pads. You can go to the stainless steel braided brake lines at the same time. I did that on a 2004 Sportster and it worked like a charm. .... BC
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 3
From: Long Island, NY
Hi guys and gals,
I'm new here and have only had my Sportster for a few months but I have a question. I came from a Yamaha but decided to upgrade to an '06 Harley Davisdon Sportster 1200.
Anyway, I've noticed that it's harder to stop using the front brake than it was on the old rice-burner. What have you guys and gals done to fix that or have you even had that issue?
I'm new here and have only had my Sportster for a few months but I have a question. I came from a Yamaha but decided to upgrade to an '06 Harley Davisdon Sportster 1200.
Anyway, I've noticed that it's harder to stop using the front brake than it was on the old rice-burner. What have you guys and gals done to fix that or have you even had that issue?
you can get a kit to convert to a 2 disk front braking system, or just get used to it and brake a little earlier
welcome to the fun world of HD rider and also the the HD Forums
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 1
From: Lake County FL
Like any good question on here, you'll get plenty of advice. Here is mine: Upgrade to a dual disc system? Absolutely uneccessary. Replace the OEM caliper with an HHI or similar 4 piston caliper and you'll be not only pleased with the difference, but probably amazed. Upgraded my Street Glide, our Fatboy and Night Rod and we would never go back. No need to change brake lines either. The problem is in the construction of the OEM and the material it's made of. A few of our business partners have changed dual disc Road Glides and Road Kings to single disc with aftermarket calipers, so it can't be the dual disc that makes the difference.
My girlfriend has an 883 Sportster and the front brake sucks. I'll change hers out to an HHI as my next project. Like I previously stated, everyone has their advice/opinion..it's just that mine is right! As a side note, I was amazed at the number of bikers who don't use the front brake...wow!
My girlfriend has an 883 Sportster and the front brake sucks. I'll change hers out to an HHI as my next project. Like I previously stated, everyone has their advice/opinion..it's just that mine is right! As a side note, I was amazed at the number of bikers who don't use the front brake...wow!
Last edited by Chief X; Oct 8, 2008 at 12:58 PM.