Does this sound like a brake or drivetrain issue to you?

[madmax-im]

Alas, I do not play guitar. I would like to learn, though. Maybe next summer (this summer being, of course, "buy a motorcycle", "learn to ride a motorcycle", and "learn to fix said motorcycle").

I've got the rear MC pulled apart as much as I can, reservoir, drain plug, and all. All the wires I was using were either too large, too weak (they bent), or both. I'll give the needle a try, I think. In another first, I actually used the tech section article BEFORE asking a question!

I used the wire inside of a garbage bag twist tie..strip off the outer coating and the bare wire was strong enough and the right diameter to go thru the spooge hole...

[Lucien Harpress]

Well, the garbage tie trick worked- I was able to clear the hole out a little.

My NEXT question- how deep should I be able to get the wire in? It bottomed out after about 1/8 inch. Is this normal, or is there something stuck in there worse than I know?

[thewiz]

Good Job, Lucien ..

I would like to learn, though. Maybe next summer

Looks like you're in cold country .... If you're not too busy with school or skiing or ... perish the thought, work .... ssshhhh, winter is a good time to start playing ... riding and wrenching is limited then too.

[oseaghdha]

Well, the garbage tie trick worked- I was able to clear the hole out a little.

My NEXT question- how deep should I be able to get the wire in? It bottomed out after about 1/8 inch. Is this normal, or is there something stuck in there worse than I know?

You need to get all the insides out of the M/C, then blow brake cleaner thru the hole. Make sure it comes out somewhere else, which is on the other side of where the piston seal sits. That is what relieves the caliper pressure when you release the brake.

[thewiz]

Didn't mean to ignore this either, L ..

- how deep should I be able to get the wire in? It bottomed

IIRC, if the hole is clear, and with the plug out, you should be able to see a speck of daylight when you sight down the bore.

[Lucien Harpress]

SUCCESS! I hope...

Between the spooge hole and frozen-up calipers, I think I solved the problem. Got it all back together and on the bike, did a bit of brake line bleeding (after spending about 15 minutes trying to remember how), and the brakes seem to me working like they should. The wheel FINALLY spins nicely, and the brakes seem as grabby as they can be during a bench test. They also release just as nicely.

Of course, I'll know if I need to re-do anything once I get it out on the road. Which means I need to get it running. Which means I need to tear into the carbs- AGAIN. Thankfully, my replacement float needles just got here today. After spending all my time and energy on the brakes, though, the carbs will have to wait until tomorrow.

I've said it before, I'll say it again- thank you everyone who participated. I would be up a creek without a paddle without this site. Thanks.

[thewiz]

know what you're sayin',

there brother. Felt that way many times myself.

creek without a paddle without this site

[xswilly]

once you get it on the road
a good way to see whats going on
is to put a mile or two on it
coast to a stop, without using the brakes
then put your hand on the disks to check for heat
careful they could be hot
if they are too hot to touch, you may have a brake shoe dragging