Where are the brakes???

[Montreux_Blue]

If you see them let me know!

[BlackD1114]

They're called "Fintstone Brakes"

[DiverRay]

SMALL drum brakes in the rear. NO FRONT BRAKES!!
OH, wait, it's a HD! It doesn't need brakes except on the downhill roads!

[Ivan]

The rider is to apply the sole of his boot to the tread of the tire, similar to the friction brake on old go-carts. In a panic stop, the rider would simply place his toes in the spokes and let them gently ride against the back of the forks. For this reason, forward controls are installed to reduce reaction time in heavy traffic. Indeed, some discomfort may be encountered from this new form of anti-brake locking system. It is thus recommended that the operator wear heavy shoes or boots. Stiletto heals are not recommended due to the possibility of puncturing the tire, and getting caught in the forward controls thereby increasing reaction time. Also contraindicated is the use of steel toe footwear. Steel inserted in the spokes may cause deformation of the wheel, resulting in a sudden out of balance feel, which must not be mistaken for the normal and pleasant jackhammer like running of the two cylinder radial engine. More over, steel can cause the Bolt-a-Chrome@ finish to be cracked. In this event Harley-Davidson will assume no responsibility for emotoional distress resulting from having less Bolt-a-Chrome@ than other Harley riders.

Further precaution must be taken when applying the rear brake. When applying one's rear, be sure to have, in the least, denim trousers. Leather, while more durable, has a foul odor when heated. Of course, synthetics are not recommended as they melt, and could create a seal causing extreme constipation, which Harley-Davidson will not be financially, emotionally, or aesthetically responsible for. Harley-Davidson offers custom mass produced short fenders for the rear, for those riders who's rear is not big enough to be used as a break. The short fender allows more surface contact, and the option to sit further down for better clamping action. Care must be taken as to not use one's genitails as part of the braking system, in such event, Harley-Davidson will take no responsibility for your inability to act like you have a pair. However, Harley-Davidson will be more than happy to provide assistance should you decide you would like more children. One of our representatives will assist your wife with impregnation upon obtaining legal indemnity of financial responsibility for the resultant offspring.

Thank you again, for buying one of our mass produced custom motorcycles. We are sure that you will have an enjoyable experiance looking at it in your driveway.

[The Lorax]

Does it go fast enough to need brakes? have a nice day and ride safe

[Wildkat]

and here I was thinking that yet another piece of your bike had come off...
lol



Ivan... LMAO

[John]

You don't need brakes on a trailer queen.

[xs11jack]

I knew

that harley rider look was caused by constipation!!! And now Ivan confirmed it!! Man, I learn more interesting things here than I did in all 3 years of the second grade!

[fredintoon]

If you see them let me know!

Hi Jeremy,
peer through the spokes on the back wheel and you can see the inner face of the rear drum brake.

[Trainzz]

Wowser!

And here I thought that the look on H-D riders was just factory issued with the attitude. The possibility that it has a basis in mechanical rather than spiritual properties never was considered. Shoot, I may now have to rethink my entire world view.

Thanks heaps, Ivan.

[Montreux_Blue]

Hi Jeremy,
peer through the spokes on the back wheel and you can see the inner face of the rear drum brake.

So they put the drum brake behind the sprocket, how convenient!

[fredintoon]

Quaint old-fashioned QD wheel.

So they put the drum brake behind the sprocket, how convenient!

Hi Jeremy,
it don't need prescience to spot that drum/sprocket combo, you just need to have owned a BSA. The BSA QD rear wheel was stock from the 1940s on. The sprocket bolted to the outside of the brakedrum which was on it's own stub-shaft & bearing. The wheel fitted onto a spline on the end of the stub-shaft. To remove the rear wheel put the bike on it's centrestand, loosen the rearmost fender stay bolts, swing the back of the fender up on it's hinge,
Unscrew the main axle, drop out the spacer sleeve, pull the wheel off it's spline and roll it out to fix the flat. Takes about three minutes and leaves the sprocket, rear chain & brake linkage undisturbed. Sometimes progress works backwards.

[b.walker5]

.... Sometimes progress works backwards.

....and here I was thinking progress was a Shaft Drive, with no messy chains and sprockets, .. and a 1940's beeza? just how old are you Fred..?

[fredintoon]

....and here I was thinking progress was a Shaft Drive, with no messy chains and sprockets, .. and a 1940's beeza? just how old are you Fred..?

Hi Brian,
the earliest shaftie that comes to mind is the 1906 NUT (that's Newcastle Upon Tyne and I saw it in a museum, Mr Cleverdick) so a shaftie is difference, not progress.
Although our beloved XS11s have a QD rear wheel in that it splines off the rear drive you still have to remove the brake caliper to get it out of the bike. And no hinged rear fender neither so you have to wiggle the wheel out sideways.
If I can mention Royal Enfield without getting hints of senility, the RE's entire rear fender & subframe lifted off with 4 bolts since the 1930s and I think the India-built RE Bullets still have that feature.
FYI, I will be 72 this August 21st. Gifts gratefully accepted. PM me for postal address.

[b.walker5]

ouch



Thats me shot down in flames