Front brake effectiveness?
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
Front brake effectiveness?
I have just over 200 miles on my 07 FLHTC and the first thing I noticed from previous bikes is the front brakes are very soft. Has anyone else noticed this on Harleys compared to metric bikes or should I take it to the dealer for a check up?
I remember front brakes being the most effective brake and find these the opposite, maybe I just need to get the feel of them....
I remember front brakes being the most effective brake and find these the opposite, maybe I just need to get the feel of them....
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Western Washington State
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
Have it checked to confirm it is working properly. The lever effort may be higher than you are used too due to the additional weight of the HD over the metrics. Consider the front brakes on your FLHTC aren't any larger than those on similar metrics but the HD weighs 100lbs or more usually.
FBL
FBL
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 513
Likes: 74
From:
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
I have the same bike w/100 more miles than you. I almost posted the same issue. During my first few rides I was shocked at how much more effective the rear brake was than the front. I think mine fixed itself or I got used to it, as I can now stop very quickly. Maybe ride 100 more miles and see how it feels?
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, Ca.
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
ORIGINAL: Earlman
I have just over 200 miles on my 07 FLHTC and the first thing I noticed from previous bikes is the front brakes are very soft. Has anyone else noticed this on Harleys compared to metric bikes or should I take it to the dealer for a check up?
I remember front brakes being the most effective brake and find these the opposite, maybe I just need to get the feel of them....
I have just over 200 miles on my 07 FLHTC and the first thing I noticed from previous bikes is the front brakes are very soft. Has anyone else noticed this on Harleys compared to metric bikes or should I take it to the dealer for a check up?
I remember front brakes being the most effective brake and find these the opposite, maybe I just need to get the feel of them....
You got over 200 miles now, so they're broken in... nows the time to go "get used to them".
Find a road thats condusive to panic stops and work up to giving yer front brake lever the big squeeze. I think you'll find that the dual rotor brake setup on the touring models are quite effective. I take exception with your comment above (in orange)... Don't ever think the rear brake on any motorcycle is the more effective one. On the backroad, the test is: How quickly can I stop with out locking em up!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Ga
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
My 06 RK Classic has a great front brake. Real stopping power.
Just wondering, could one of you brake calipers be "lazy" or not being applied with the same force as the other?
Hack
Just wondering, could one of you brake calipers be "lazy" or not being applied with the same force as the other?
Hack
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,391
Likes: 10
From:
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
I have owned a few metrics and I have always used the front break more. Maybe because when I need to stop quickly, my hands squeeze the clutch and brake faster than I can move my foot to the rear brake lever (I am tall and use my highway pegs all the time). On my rk custom, when I first got it, the front break noise stopped me from using it much, so I relied mainly on the rear. After fixing the noise, I find myself using them fairly equally. In fact, the two times on my harley I needed to stop NOW, I have locked up the rear and slide sideways both times.
So far, I have handled that without a problem or a wreck, but I wonder in the future if that will be the case. I ride very fast, but am always looking far ahead and trying to anticipate everyone elses actions. I always do the same in the truck. My wife is always amazed how many times I have avoiding accidents, and the police, by being observate of my surroundings. I now drive the speed limit everywhere in the cages I own. But just can't seem to let off the throttle on the bike.
In any event, these bikes are heavy. All I can say is to do like unclekunkleand practice a little more. People say 'practice makes perfect', I say- ONLY PERFECT practice makes perfect!
So far, I have handled that without a problem or a wreck, but I wonder in the future if that will be the case. I ride very fast, but am always looking far ahead and trying to anticipate everyone elses actions. I always do the same in the truck. My wife is always amazed how many times I have avoiding accidents, and the police, by being observate of my surroundings. I now drive the speed limit everywhere in the cages I own. But just can't seem to let off the throttle on the bike.
In any event, these bikes are heavy. All I can say is to do like unclekunkleand practice a little more. People say 'practice makes perfect', I say- ONLY PERFECT practice makes perfect!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
The lever is soft because of the expansion of the stock rubber brake lines when the brake is applied. Easy fix, a set of steel braided brake lines and thoroughly bleed the system of all air bubbles. Better pads such as the Lyndall Racing Z pads make a big difference in stopping power and brake lever feel, also.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 70
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From: Middle TN
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
I installed Lyndell pads, s/s braided lines, and floating rotors. Made a huge difference.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 2
From: Monroe, Louisiana
RE: Front brake effectiveness?
I have not noticed any problem with the front brake. It seems to be very effective to me. The back brake will lock up and has taken some getting used to for me. On my last bike (VTX 1800) I could stand on the pedal hard and not lock the back wheel. The back was linked to the front sending patial stopping power to the front wheel. I use both brakes every time I stop. Definately gotta be carefull not to lock the rear on the SG. I've made one semi emergency stop and the back did'nt totally lock up but it was barking.