SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400

Shitty front brake.

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ComfySofa:
Hi there, not been on for a while. Still got the bike, doesnt get used much atall but its my old man's bike so its not going anywhere in the near [or far] future....anyway...ive resto modded mine a little bit [all documented somewhere on here] - as above the front brake is pretty shit....is there an alternative, resto mod or something from another model which does the job a bit better....i have changed the master cylinder for something a bit newer (i had to as i switched all the switch gear to motogadget).

If not its not the end of the world, just wondered...ironically the rear drum brake is fucking awesome...

Bryanj:
Only easy mod is complete front end  from a 400 twin, the 400 is the odd ball for front end among the fours, its the same as the 250/360 G5

taysidedragon:
My 400f front brake is OK. It'll never be the same as a modern opposed piston, double disc brake. There is a good long thread on here about improving the front brake, worth a read.

Basically, overhaul the front caliper, make sure that the piston, seal and bore are all clean.
Clean the friction surfaces of the disc with fine emery cloth and wipe after with white spirit and dry. Reassemble with good brake pads such as EBC Organic or Brembo. Braided brake hoses expand less than old style rubber hoses so give more bite, IMO.
Adjust the brake pivot as per the manual. Test ride, find a quiet road and bed the new pads in.

Should be a better brake than you have now.

McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
Yes the single front disc brake on a 400 is never going to feel like a modern twin disc set up with multiple caliper pistons.

That said with correct adjustments, free pivots plus modern friction materials they can work satisfactorily.
I guess most owners of older bikes have developed appropriate riding styles with anticipation skills to match the  older braking ability. I found the DS master cylinder improved the general feel of the front brakes with much reduced free play.

TrickyMicky:
When you say that you changed the master cyclinder for something newer, did you check that the bore size is the same as the original?  If the bore size is bigger, then it will need more lever pressure to achieve a brake force.  If you apply 50lbs force to a piston of 1/2 sq. inch you will get a line pressure of 100PSI.  If the piston has an area of 1 sq. inch then you will only get line pressre of 50PS!.

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