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Stopping the stupid dragon..

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  • #1

    Stopping the stupid dragon..

    I realize from reading posts here that the xs is not too handy in the braking dept. but am wondering what is "norml" (pun intended)
    I expected sorta lame stopping power but my front brakes are really soft feeling...got new pads, bled out... etc....The brake hoses appear to be ok..ie; not weathered or cracked..didn't get up the nerve to try and actually get the front to skid but experimenting with it has had the brake lever pretty close to being at "full pull"...Is this normal?..The feel is mooshy but liveable. Lemme know...
    '81 sh " Maime" The Nature of The Beast
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  • #2
    Re: Stopping the stupid dragon..

    Originally posted by schpiff
    I realize from reading posts here that the xs is not too handy in the braking dept. but am wondering what is "norml" (pun intended)
    I expected sorta lame stopping power but my front brakes are really soft feeling...got new pads, bled out... etc....The brake hoses appear to be ok..ie; not weathered or cracked..didn't get up the nerve to try and actually get the front to skid but experimenting with it has had the brake lever pretty close to being at "full pull"...Is this normal?..The feel is mooshy but liveable. Lemme know...
    I have a 79 Special and I can't stand mine on its nose. I tight grip up front bottoms out and causes rapid breaking, but not a skid. I have new pads, new stainless hoses, and have blead. I too suspect that I should be getting a little better response from my brakes.

    -J
    1979 XS1100 Special with 81 carbs

    Richmond, Virginia, USA

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    • #3
      Hi Risky
      thanks for the input. I was hopin (in a bad way) that I messed up with something..I REALLY dont wanna lock up the front..but when the lever is almost "to the floor" I get nervous...
      '81 sh " Maime" The Nature of The Beast

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      • #4
        The brake hoses might appear to be Ok to the naked eye, but I can assure you on the inside that they are far from good. Consider the fact that these are 20+ years old. They are starting to break down on the inside and are also swelling when you apply the brakes, stealing a portion of your braking power.

        You will almost never be able to do a "stoppie" on one of these bikes.. bike is too heavy, and yes, brakes are not adequate on the front. To maximize your braking power, steel braided brake lines are highly recommended. In fact, other then ensuring that your pads are good and the master cyl. and calipers are clean and free it's the only thing you can do to improve the braking.
        Brian
        1978E Midlife Crisis - A work in progress
        1984 Kawasaki 550 Ltd - Gone, but not forgotten

        A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people
        remembering the same thing!

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        • #5
          Thanks xssive
          I was/am thinking about upgrading the front lines to braided steel, Having raced for a few years in the "hobby stock" class (73 monte carlo) I do have some expirience with old lines, (look good but wont release pressure .etc.)
          Hoping someone can give me a "good" comparison betwwen new rubber lines vs;braided steel..
          '81 sh " Maime" The Nature of The Beast

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          • #6
            I have changed to stainless steel brake hoses. The orignal hoses looked absolutely fine on the outside. Then just check on what I have read on this site, I cut open the old hoses and sure enough the insides were cracked and had an accummalation of 'quishy' stuff lining the inside.
            Braking has definitely inproved. Will never be able to do a 'STOPPIE' as the bike is to heavy. The brakes have a firmer feel and the the lever is about 25mm clear of the grip at maximum pressure.
            I saved a small fortune by buying all the components separately and making up my own hoses.
            I bought the clear PVC coated stainless steel hose as it is easier to clean.
            Good luck, you will not regret the change.
            Blaise.

            May the road be long and wide.

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            • #7
              Hey schpiff check you the article about SS break lines here in the forum.

              Stainless Steel Break Lines

              This should shed some light on the subject.

              Ride Safe.
              [b][size=4][font=times][color=#BD0062]Wayne[/color][/font][/size][/b]
              [b][size=4][font=times][color=#095de5]TeXSive forever[/color][/font][/size][/b]
              The best alarm clock is sunshine on chrome.

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              • #8
                The SS lines are well worth the price, My brake lever moves less than half an inch at the end to apply full brakes. They are awesome (for an XS!!)
                Gary Granger
                Remember, we are the caretakers of mechanical art.
                2013 Suzuki DR650SE, 2009 Kawasaki Concours 1400, 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille Tuono

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                • #9
                  Again a big thanks to sixty six, and all

                  I am definately gonna look into the braided lines. (as swmbo rolls her eyes and points/shakes the checkbook at me ) i knew the old rubber lines were qustionable..but wasnt sure what normal lever feel was like..THANKS AGAIN ALL OF YOU!!!
                  And just maybe when this crap weather quits.. maybe it will finally warm up here in wis. (think warm )
                  '81 sh " Maime" The Nature of The Beast

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