[Cruise2Live]

Maybe it's just the way my bike was put together - or maybe it's the difference between drum and disc brakes. Whatever the reason, the rear brake on my M50 feels like it has a lot more play in it and a lot less stopping power than the front one. I know the whole 70% / 30% thing, but this seems to be something else.

Has anyone else had any concern about a spongy rear brake? Or are they biting for you all? I'm about ready to bring mine back to the dealership to get them to adjust it..

Thanks! :!:

 

[golftee]

if it doesn't feel right take it back....mine seems fine but each person use there breaks differently.

 

[tlwisner]

If it feels spongy, it probably needs to be adjusted. It should be able to brake hard enough to lock it up.

 

[Cruise2Live]

If it feels spongy, it probably needs to be adjusted. It should be able to brake hard enough to lock it up.

That's my feeling, and I appreciate your confirming it. As is, the back brake definitely CANNOT lock it up. I will take 'er in.

Thanks for the input, guys.

 

[JRW_Assassin]

yep - sounds like it needs a little tightening... but there is a big difference in drum and disc brakes!

 

[farmbone]

I can't lock my rear brake either. I tried yesterday (on purpose). No can do!

 

[sachmo]

I had to tighen the back break it really felt like it was not grabbing at all.

 

[farmbone]

How do you tighten the rear brake?

 

[sachmo]

Check out page 7-24-25 in the owners manual, would hate to type it wrong.

 

[Pinhy]

mine was same when i got it....hard to push it all the way down it was so soft and went so far. at 600 mile service (about 10 days) i had them tighten it up...very nice now!

but yes it is also in the manual, but i figured let them do it free ;-)

 

[sachmo]

After reading and riding I think I'm going to take my bike in to the dealer tomorrow to have them check it out. For us newbies it is hard for us to tell what is right or bad. At least for me.

Got to say that I'm also looking for reasons to ride so the 30 miles down the freeway to the dealer is even better. Only problem is, they asked me to bring it in around 8:45 in the morning, man that's early!

I didn't mean to be smart about the manual, I just wouldn't want to tell anyone how to do something at this stage in my riding career.

 

[farmbone]

The manual talks about adjusting the brake lever. Does this mean that the lever adjustment will increase the braking abililty of the bike? The manual talks about Pedal Height and Free Travel. If anyone knows how this works please let me know.

 

[Pinhy]

in my case, when i first got the bike the pedal had a lot of travel before it started braking well, and i had to really move my foot a lot to get it all the way down. now that it is tight, it travels a lot less and braking pressure can be achieved with less ankle movement.

bike seemed to stop much better over all too...more brake pressure total.

 

[sachmo]

I made the trip to the dealer this morning and they did adjust the brakes but just a little. They were real nice about it and got it done really quickly for me. It was good for me to have someone else say this is how they should feel. Seems to stop better but I don't see you being able to lock the rear wheel up without stand straight up on the pedal. Nice ride this morning, good thing it was away from town so the traffic was the other way.

 

[mxrcr4]

Maybe we should consider this built-in ABS?!? No, really, if you lock up the back wheel you will no longer be able to control the bike, and with most of your effective braking being done with the front disk, this not overly strong rear brake may be somewhat of a blessing in disguise......

 

[farmbone]

I stopped by my car mechanic after work. He is an avid motorcyclist (Harley guy). He adjusted a nut by my rear brake. At first, it was sticking. Then he let off some of the turning he had done. Now it is great!! I can stop on a dime if I wish!! It is like at the MSF course I took where I had to show I can come to a sudden stop. Now with the brake adjusted I have confidence that I can stop!!!!!! I know locking the rear brake can cause problems if you lock and release. They teach if you lock the rear brake , stay locked unless on sand. Locking is not good . But being able to have a brake that can grab as much as you like is nice.

 

[The BeatKat]

My rear brake is also set kind of loose from the factory..I adjusted the nut up a few turns as I like a positive feel at the top of the pedal stroke too....I'm also getting a tick,tick,tick when braking with the rear like something inside the rear hub...the dealer said to just ride normally and if it's still doing it at the 600 mile checkup they'll investigate. No prob braking though, plenty of grab....not sure I could lock it up either but I tend to look at it like mxrcr4...kind of a poor mans ABS!....the bike stops plenty quick under hard braking.....haven't experienced it 2 up yet though...anyone else had rear braking noises?

 

[tlwisner]

Seems to stop better but I don't see you being able to lock the rear wheel up without stand straight up on the pedal.

That sounds good. Your brake should be adjusted so you can apply maximum force rear braking - but not so that it locks up easily.

See MSF for proper braking skill development and practice! 8)