Rear brake long throw , weak brakes
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Joined: Dec 2021
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From: Sevierville TN
Rear brake long throw , weak brakes
A few months back I picked up a sweet deal on a 2004 Duce , Ive been Fixing a few minor things every used bike needs but I have a question about the braking on it before I start throwing parts at it.
first thing I noticed is the rear brake lever has a good 1/4 - almost 1/2 inch of throw before they start to grab , the pads are new (previous owner not sure what brand) , Ive bled it , not much improvement, the bike only has 16,000 miles
Front brake lever is solid but still really weak braking power . Im thinking just cheap eBay pads maybe? Lot of brake dust on the rears . I could throw some EBC HH pads on it but is this just a common problem with these bikes ? I have a 15 SG with brembo brakes
I want to be able to stop fast and hard if need be BEFORE I throw a big inch build in it .
first thing I noticed is the rear brake lever has a good 1/4 - almost 1/2 inch of throw before they start to grab , the pads are new (previous owner not sure what brand) , Ive bled it , not much improvement, the bike only has 16,000 miles
Front brake lever is solid but still really weak braking power . Im thinking just cheap eBay pads maybe? Lot of brake dust on the rears . I could throw some EBC HH pads on it but is this just a common problem with these bikes ? I have a 15 SG with brembo brakes
I want to be able to stop fast and hard if need be BEFORE I throw a big inch build in it .
Check the master cylinder on your floorboard and upper right handlebar. Could be low on fluid. Other causes might be a leaky caliper piston ring. Harley sells a rebuild kit for about $75 and comes with new pistons and seals. You need to flush the brake fluid anyway if it has been sitting for a long time. Brake fluid should be clear, if it is dark needs to be flushed out with new (Manual says every 2 years - my 08 uses DOT 4). Always confirm your brake light is working at the end of the job.
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Joined: Sep 2021
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From: Under the affluence of incahol.
EBC pads will almost certainly work better than eBay cheapies so could fix the front problem. But they will not cause excess pedal throw on the back. Could be a matter of adjustment. Or taking the wheel out and pumping the caliper pistons out further than usual and giving them a bit of a clean and lube with brake grease to free them up.
Often you can tighten up sloppy brakes like that by taking a bungee cord and pumping the brake pedal a few times then bungee cord it down to the frame or pegs or whatever so there is pressure on the pedal and then leave it sit overnight. Next day the lever is usually firmed up well. And old trick but a good one. Works with front brakes too if there is too much lever movement. Providedyou have bled all the air out of the system that you can beforehand.
But if you really want to stop fast, look at fitting later model Brembo caliper if compatible with your forks.
Often you can tighten up sloppy brakes like that by taking a bungee cord and pumping the brake pedal a few times then bungee cord it down to the frame or pegs or whatever so there is pressure on the pedal and then leave it sit overnight. Next day the lever is usually firmed up well. And old trick but a good one. Works with front brakes too if there is too much lever movement. Providedyou have bled all the air out of the system that you can beforehand.
But if you really want to stop fast, look at fitting later model Brembo caliper if compatible with your forks.
Last edited by PeterB; Dec 8, 2021 at 01:21 AM.
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