Crappy brakes

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Dec 22, 2006 | 01:05 PM

#11

BATwingMAN

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Joined: Apr 2006

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RE: Crappy brakes

I came off a Moto Guzzi California that had single disc brembos. Yes, the street glide brakes are crappy in comparison. I did get used to it. As far as the fronts squealing like a stuck pig, swapping the pads left to right cured that. Now they only squeal when I'm backing up!

Dec 22, 2006 | 01:11 PM

#12

nightglide

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 951

Likes: 1

RE: Crappy brakes

are you talking about when you pull the front brake handle it damn near hits the grip befor grabbing? I have noticed this on alot of my buds bikes and on my brothers as well... for some resone I dont have that problem I have liitle travel in pulling the lever befor it starts grabbing...

Dec 22, 2006 | 02:49 PM

#13

BATwingMAN

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Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 15

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From:

RE: Crappy brakes

What I mean is, the actual lever pull to stopping power ratio. Brembo brakes are well engineered and have a very positive feel when engaging. I don't know if they are available for HD but would definitley be worth looking into if I had to replace mine.

Dec 22, 2006 | 02:51 PM

#14

skid jackson

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 216

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RE: Crappy brakes

Quote:

ORIGINAL: nightglide

are you talking about when you pull the front brake handle it damn near hits the grip befor grabbing? I have noticed this on alot of my buds bikes and on my brothers as well... for some resone I dont have that problem I have liitle travel in pulling the lever befor it starts grabbing...

Thats what it was like when i first got the bike. After the 2nd bleed is is a little better. Front brake will not lock up at all no matter how hard you squeeze. I have had two semi panic stops an the front brake doesn't seem to stop the bike worth a damn.

The brakes on my dirtbikes were/are always right there. Got excellent feed back and could feel what hte front tire/front end was doing.A handful offront brakecould easily toss you over the bars. I like brakes that work with excellent feed back. A handful of mush doesn't cut it when yuo really need brakes!! I'll go with better brake pads and SS brake lines next spring and see how that works. Guess it's time to head off and buy some xmas goodies for my HD!!

Thanks for the replies

Dec 22, 2006 | 03:02 PM

#15

Gutman

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 1,227

Likes: 3

From: Central Illinois

RE: Crappy brakes

Don't sound like you don't know too much about those "Harley things." These are the best brakes Harley has ever had. Atleast they are not the religious brakes we used to have on the Evo's. The ones that when you applied the brake you started praying "Oh God Please stop me."
Check front brake piston travel while lever is applied. The two inner pistons are "slave" pistons and recieve pressure after the outer pistons are pressurized. Sometimes these pistons travel differently and can causethe lever to come completely to the grip. This is because the outer pistons are further out than the inner. Warranty will pay dealer to fix, if you want to DIY it's easy. Remove the calipers, using some light grease lube expsoed piston and seal, then retract all four pistons . Re-install calipers and pump up brake. You will feel the difference. Stock padsare sinister semi metallic pads that provide average braking in all conditions. There are four different brake pad materials used in street / performance. Since you are such the track and motorcross guy you should know which ones will work best for you.

Dec 22, 2006 | 06:55 PM

#16

skid jackson

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 216

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RE: Crappy brakes

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Gutman

Don't sound like you don't know too much about those "Harley things." These are the best brakes Harley has ever had. Atleast they are not the religious brakes we used to have on the Evo's. The ones that when you applied the brake you started praying "Oh God Please stop me."

your right I don't knw much about HD's,This one ismy first. .
Thanks for the low down on the calipers. I'll check it out.
And actually I don't know alot about brakes as the previous bikes didn't require too much fuss. Change the brake fluid a few times a year and brake pads when worn and i was pretty much good to go. Guess I'm gonna be learning a bit more if I hang onto this bagger LOL!!

Thanks again for the reply!

Dec 22, 2006 | 08:41 PM

#17

mrsr71

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 2,661

Likes: 1

From: Santa Clarita

RE: Crappy brakes

Mine stops on a dime and gives you 9 cents change

Dan

Dec 22, 2006 | 09:22 PM

#18

Longtimegone

Road Captain

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 554

Likes: 0

From: Citizen of the Republic of Texas, now in GA

RE: Crappy brakes

Skid, Set your handlebars so the reservoir is level. Loosen the 2 screws on top of the reservoir. Pull your brake lever back as far as you can pull it and tie it there with a wire strap to something. Leave it overnight and see how much brake you have the next morning. Works wonders if you not getting good bleeds on it.