What brakes!!!

[chris801]

Took my 550 for a spin today for the first time since buying it, im quite supprised how well it rides but the brakes are just completly useless, i knew they would be bad but i thaught they would be enough to stop it, so im wondering if i have got problems or are they all like it?

[SteveD CB500K0]

"They all do that Sir..."

Basically a poor design with inferior materials. You can get them as good as they are ever going to be by making sure that the pivot and piston are kept clean and dirt free and that they are bled thoroughly and adjusted properly.

Some people drill the discs - I did in the 70's but don't think that it actually made any difference.

Some fit twin discs - but really just more of the same.

[Bryanj]

OK they aint as good as todays bikes but for their time were better than adequate.

rear drums tend to rust and go oval and front pivots sieze allong with pistons, some say the goodriche brake hoses make a difference but basicaly a well maintained system should have the front forks nearly bottoming but wont squeel the tyre

[SteveD CB500K0]

Basically a poor design with inferior materials.

Sorry Bryan. I should have added "... compared to the modern equivalent"  !!   

[matthewmosse]

Set up right, my bike is single disk with braided lines and it will lock up the front wheel, so they can do the job. The rear is just fine even with a chair fitted I've never had a 550 or 500 without braided lines

[florence]

I have a drilled disc in my workshop but I never put it on.  Does anyone know if they make any difference?

[SteveD CB500K0]

In the good old days (70's) they made a bit of difference.

Don't forget that sintered pads were a mere twinkle in the eye of a Ferodo engineer at the time.

They helped in the wet - I guess anything that broke up the smooth stainless steel surface helped.

With modern pads - I'm not so sure.

They do look nice though!

[florence]

Thanks for that, on it will go then next time I have the front wheel off.

[Dave M]

Mine works fine.

[Bryanj]

Now I say this from experience

" Who the hell wants a brake that locks in the wet!!!!"


Twin stainless, pissin rain, 3" standing water, R/H bend+ Old biddy not looking=

New:-

Bottom yolk
Bars
R/H Headlamp bracket
R/H indicator

[matthewmosse]

In the (really) wet they arent much good unless you feather the brake a good bit before you actually need to use it to scrub the water off. Accept the bikes limitations and ride accordingly, eg slow in the wettest weather, after all, the tyres grip less too in these conditions whatever the vehicle