old guys
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
I have never rode a bike with drum brakes, does it really make a difference with stopping power on a disc brake, my buddy just bought a piece of **** honda and he is complaining it doesnt really stop to well as he thought it would just wondering if it makes a big difference
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 206
Likes: 2
From: Nashville,TN
I'll second that. If you want to know if the old guy was a biker, just shake hands with him or look at his arms. The difference in his arm size comes with a reason. I like technology.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I used drum brakes in the 50's to the end of the 60's to slow me down. Eventually they would come to a stop. Want to see how that is today just ride a department store bicycle and try to stop fast. That would be a good example
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,495
Likes: 3,705
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Properly working drum brakes are not a death trap as some suggest. Granted they do not have the stopping power of most disk brakes. If the drums, shoes and cables are working properly they will stop you just fine. Drums tend to fade quicker and retain heat longer, also if they get dirty the adjustment may not work properly and you will continue to lose stopping power as the drums wear. If you are not familiar with the operation of drum brakes there is alot of information on the internet on repair and maintenance. Good luck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 3
From: S.E. Va
Take your bike with disc's for a ride, then take it for a ride after you grease the pads and then you will know the difference.
But if you do that you might not get old.
I'm just old(er)
But if you do that you might not get old.
I'm just old(er)
Last edited by Scratt; Feb 3, 2012 at 08:07 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 9
From: Lincolnton, NC
I was 17 years old ( 1971 ) and my buddy comes by my house with a pan chopper he just bought. Long springer front end, no front brake, king-queen seat, just think back to what choppers were in 1971 and this was it.
So he asks me "You wanna take it for a spin?". Hell yeah, I got on it, even though this was probably the third time I'd ever been on a motorcycle of any kind. But I'm 17 and it's got a throttle, brake and clutch, can't be too hard. I go two blocks down the street and there's a stop sign. I brake when I think I should and roll right on through the intersection, got stopped on the other side. No front brake and a rear drum don't stop too fast.
So I manage to get turned around and took that thing back to my buddy. I'd had enough.
I love the dual disc brakes up front on my RK.
So he asks me "You wanna take it for a spin?". Hell yeah, I got on it, even though this was probably the third time I'd ever been on a motorcycle of any kind. But I'm 17 and it's got a throttle, brake and clutch, can't be too hard. I go two blocks down the street and there's a stop sign. I brake when I think I should and roll right on through the intersection, got stopped on the other side. No front brake and a rear drum don't stop too fast.
So I manage to get turned around and took that thing back to my buddy. I'd had enough.
I love the dual disc brakes up front on my RK.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
It depends on what drum brake your talking about as well. Like these guys have said, a front drum brake on an old Harley pretty much sucks a$$, but a rear drum on a late model bike like my wifes V-Star works excellent.