front brake

[oldtuggie]

1976 550 supersport
New master cylinder and new seal on caliper the pads are adjusted as per manual but I don't think the brake is very good.
I have bled the system with no problem several times but there is about 1.75 inch travel on lever and it just doesn't feel very sharp.
I ride a modern bike with dual discs am I expecting too much of the Honda brake.

[hairygit]

You gave the answer yourself, you are expecting way too much from a 1960's designed single piston brake. It was terrific when it hits the market in it's day, compared to the drum brakes of Brit bikes like the bonnie. But for someone used to today's multi piston and disc brakes it is probably as scary as my teenage daughter climbing into my 1958 Landrover with drum brakes and no servo/synchromesh, power steering etc after her driving school modern eurobox!

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[florence]

I'll second that.  Part of the problem is a lack of feel, it is a bit unnerving, seems like nothing is happening.  I ran a test on a quiet road once and I stopped quicker than I imagined.  I put my jacket on the side of the road, went back enough distance for me to get up to sixty, applied the brakes as I passed the jacket, then measured the distance it took to stop.  It restored my confidence no end.

Also, if your pads are new, it takes quite a while for them to bed in and give proper efficiency. Might sound mad but the weather also makes a good deal of difference.

All in all, the brakes are pretty poor; ride accordingly.

[cooleronthecoast]

I'll third it!    I've changed the brake fluid, lubed the pivot and checked the piston for free movement.  Short of experimenting with different pad material theres not much you can do.   

[Bryanj]

Sorry there is nowt wrong with the Honda brakes just stop compareing them to crotch rockets!!

[oldtuggie]

Thanks for the replies

[deltarider]

I advice to leave the pivot alone, unless you notice, it doesn't swing smoothly. For mine's to swing, it only takes me to exhale (heavily) . Then you don't want to mess with it.

[florence]

oh, and if it squeals, that's good!  Mine seems to be working best when it's noisy.  When it goes quiet, it's time to adjust.

[cooleronthecoast]

oh, and if it squeals, that's good!  Mine seems to be working best when it's noisy.  When it goes quiet, it's time to adjust.

Mine's just started squealing.  Perhaps its getting better.   

[Nurse Julie]

oh, and if it squeals, that's good!  Mine seems to be working best when it's noisy.  When it goes quiet, it's time to adjust.

Mine's just started squealing.  Perhaps its getting better.   

Mine 550 does a quiet squeal and she stops perfectly. My 400 does a very, very loud squeal, only at slow speed, but she stops perfectly as well 😁😁😁😁

[Johnwebley]

When you got a new master cylinder. Did you get a twin disc larger bore version?



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[oldtuggie]

got new master from David Silver 14mm piston I believe

[Johnwebley]

When I did my twin disc mod I used a Goldwing master cylinder.

On the cylinder I have its marked 15.8.


You need to push more fluid because you now have double the pistons

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[JezzaPeach]

Just speculating but if not all the air came out, may be worth putting on the side stand so the master is at an angle and pumping to see if some more bubbles come out in the master?
Also I found the EBC semi sintered is good. Has taken 2-300 miles to get to their best, so far.