Freewheeler rear brake question
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Montana
Freewheeler rear brake question
I am currently experiencing rear brake issues with my freewheeler. Bike is up at the dealers to be fixed .
They have tried everything and when using the rear brake (which is linked to the front) the back right rear wheel locks up badly and pulls the bike to the right.
Technically since the front and rear brakes are linked via the rear brake pedal they should not do this. Also locks up enough to smoke the rear tire. The demo model that they had just started doing it as it got more miles on it but not nearly as severely. Apparently mine locks up pretty badly compared to most.
The HD tech people were called and ideas were exchanged . So far a solution has not been found. Was told the main HD corporate head trike tech guy retired recently. My question is:
Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so . How did your dealership fix it. ?? Thanks for your time.
They have tried everything and when using the rear brake (which is linked to the front) the back right rear wheel locks up badly and pulls the bike to the right.
Technically since the front and rear brakes are linked via the rear brake pedal they should not do this. Also locks up enough to smoke the rear tire. The demo model that they had just started doing it as it got more miles on it but not nearly as severely. Apparently mine locks up pretty badly compared to most.
The HD tech people were called and ideas were exchanged . So far a solution has not been found. Was told the main HD corporate head trike tech guy retired recently. My question is:
Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so . How did your dealership fix it. ?? Thanks for your time.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 435
Likes: 11
From: Colorado
If I nail the brake pedal on my Tri, the right rear locks up first. I don't consider that a problem, just behavior I need to be cognizant of.
My emergency braking protocol involves pedal and lever.
I don't like your signature. Sue me.
My emergency braking protocol involves pedal and lever.
I don't like your signature. Sue me.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Montana
The freewheeler has linked brakes , which mean the rear brake pedal operates both front and rear brakes simultaneously. The lead mechanic at the shop I go to and Harley them selves have told me there is no way the bike should be locking up like this.
I always use front and rear brakes and both front lever and rear brake pedal to emergency brake. The problem lies in that my rear tire locks so hard when I use the rear brake the tire smokes and bike pulls hard right so I cant use the rear brakes to slow in a turn and on the trike that is where my main braking source is. And it does not take much to do this. Harley told my shop to tear the rear end apart and check it out . They have done so. They just cant figure out how to get the brakes to work properly. I was looking for possible solutions to fix this or see if any one else had experienced this problem. I do appreciate your input. In my particular case its not just that the trike is doing this but how badly its doing it.
I always use front and rear brakes and both front lever and rear brake pedal to emergency brake. The problem lies in that my rear tire locks so hard when I use the rear brake the tire smokes and bike pulls hard right so I cant use the rear brakes to slow in a turn and on the trike that is where my main braking source is. And it does not take much to do this. Harley told my shop to tear the rear end apart and check it out . They have done so. They just cant figure out how to get the brakes to work properly. I was looking for possible solutions to fix this or see if any one else had experienced this problem. I do appreciate your input. In my particular case its not just that the trike is doing this but how badly its doing it.
Last edited by missedem; Apr 11, 2015 at 02:34 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Ohio
Well, I have a 2015 Freewheeler and I am glad to report that I have not had this experience. However, if I do, you will hear about it, I promise.
I have limited experience on my FLRT, still under 2K miles on it; but, I have learned that when I do break, I always apply the rear first and then the front - totally opposite of the way a was generally breaking on two wheels - so, I understand your dilemma.
I hope you can get this resolved and quickly.
Springman
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A thought. Waaaaay back when as a kid I used to have problems with my old 1950 Ford. If I hit the breaks hard it pulled hard to the left. Problem was the RIGHT rear break cylinder. If your right rear is locking up, could be that your left rear isn't doing it's job, you stomp harder and lock up the right. There is a differential valve that puts about 70% break to the front. I'm definitely not a mechanic, just speaking from experience.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: North Dakota
A thought. Waaaaay back when as a kid I used to have problems with my old 1950 Ford. If I hit the breaks hard it pulled hard to the left. Problem was the RIGHT rear break cylinder. If your right rear is locking up, could be that your left rear isn't doing it's job, you stomp harder and lock up the right. There is a differential valve that puts about 70% break to the front. I'm definitely not a mechanic, just speaking from experience.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!