- Joined
- Aug 19, 2021
- Messages
- 1,455
The OEM brakes on my '74 MK II left a lot to be desired.
The rear brake was not responsive and even with a lot of foot pressure and pedal travel, it did not seem to be able to lock the rear wheel.. I replaced the OEM rear brake shoes with RGM MZ Gold high friction shoes and had the drum turned to provide an even surface to bed in the new linings. The radius of the linings was not the same as the I D of the drum and there was not room for the steel slippers for the brake cam. At first there didn't seem to be much improvement but I figured that would improve as the lining wore to provide better contact with the I D of the drum. I rode a few hundred miles using the rear brake for 90% of my stopping. Eventually the linings bedded to the point that I could re-fit the steel slippers.
The front brake was rather dismal for a disc brake. The lever was hard and provided little feel. Even with significant grip pressure on the lever, there was not a lot of response as far as stopping.
I rebuilt the caliper with new SS pistons and seals. I replaced the OEM pads with FERODO Platinum. A new 13mm master cylinder with mirror mount was installed and a new braided SS hose was used to connect the components. Since the entire system was new with the caliper thoroughly flushed and cleaned, I opted to use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Even after repeatedly bleeding the system, the lever seemed a bit soft over the first bit of travel but was firm after about 1/2 of the travel. I discovered this to be an asset once I rode the bike.
The performance of the brakes was transformed dramatically.
The rear pedal now seemed to be firmer due to the fact that it took much less foot pressure to initiate rear wheel braking. The rear wheel can now be locked up if enough foot pressure was applied.
It was the front brake however that showed the most dramatic improvement. The seemingly "soft" lever provided (now) much needed "feel" as it took little pressure to get effective brake response. Even with a few semi-quick stopping efforts, I never had to apply more than moderate pressure on the front brake lever.
I now feel that I have brakes that are more than adequate for my riding style. In fact, at normal (legal) highway speeds it would seem like maximum pressure on the lever/pedal might result in putting the bike down if I am not careful. I now feel that I must treat the the brakes with respect as they have reserve capabilities for most of my riding habits.
Now, before everyone starts pointing out that my new found brake performance will not compare to modern standards nor would it compare to the more high $$$ upgrades available, I have to say that I am very pleased. I do not feel like I need more "improvements" over the OEM system.
The rear brake was not responsive and even with a lot of foot pressure and pedal travel, it did not seem to be able to lock the rear wheel.. I replaced the OEM rear brake shoes with RGM MZ Gold high friction shoes and had the drum turned to provide an even surface to bed in the new linings. The radius of the linings was not the same as the I D of the drum and there was not room for the steel slippers for the brake cam. At first there didn't seem to be much improvement but I figured that would improve as the lining wore to provide better contact with the I D of the drum. I rode a few hundred miles using the rear brake for 90% of my stopping. Eventually the linings bedded to the point that I could re-fit the steel slippers.
The front brake was rather dismal for a disc brake. The lever was hard and provided little feel. Even with significant grip pressure on the lever, there was not a lot of response as far as stopping.
I rebuilt the caliper with new SS pistons and seals. I replaced the OEM pads with FERODO Platinum. A new 13mm master cylinder with mirror mount was installed and a new braided SS hose was used to connect the components. Since the entire system was new with the caliper thoroughly flushed and cleaned, I opted to use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Even after repeatedly bleeding the system, the lever seemed a bit soft over the first bit of travel but was firm after about 1/2 of the travel. I discovered this to be an asset once I rode the bike.
The performance of the brakes was transformed dramatically.
The rear pedal now seemed to be firmer due to the fact that it took much less foot pressure to initiate rear wheel braking. The rear wheel can now be locked up if enough foot pressure was applied.
It was the front brake however that showed the most dramatic improvement. The seemingly "soft" lever provided (now) much needed "feel" as it took little pressure to get effective brake response. Even with a few semi-quick stopping efforts, I never had to apply more than moderate pressure on the front brake lever.
I now feel that I have brakes that are more than adequate for my riding style. In fact, at normal (legal) highway speeds it would seem like maximum pressure on the lever/pedal might result in putting the bike down if I am not careful. I now feel that I must treat the the brakes with respect as they have reserve capabilities for most of my riding habits.
Now, before everyone starts pointing out that my new found brake performance will not compare to modern standards nor would it compare to the more high $$$ upgrades available, I have to say that I am very pleased. I do not feel like I need more "improvements" over the OEM system.
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