- Joined
- Jun 14, 2003
- Messages
- 747
Hi Matt,
I, too, am concerned about front brake lockup. The front wheel serves as a gyroscope, providing stability to the bike as it travels down the road. Now if the gyroscope suddenly stops spinning, as in the case of a locked front brake, the bike will crash quicker than you can blink.
Performance is quite easily enhanced on older motorcyle braking systems. For example, as Derek pointed out, decreasing the pressure area in the master cylinder by mere fractions of an inch dramatically reduces the amount of effort at the brake lever. Stainless steel brake lines, different rotor material, different brake pad material, etc. all will have a very noticeable affect on Norton brake performance.
So, for every modification you make to the brake system, you get instant positive feedback and gratification; unlike tuning carburetors, which can often be frustrating.
Tinkering with brakes is a fun and satisfying experience. But having said that, I don't plan to change the stock brakes on my old Commando; as you said Matt, I'll just bear down a little harder when I need to.
Regards,
Jason
I, too, am concerned about front brake lockup. The front wheel serves as a gyroscope, providing stability to the bike as it travels down the road. Now if the gyroscope suddenly stops spinning, as in the case of a locked front brake, the bike will crash quicker than you can blink.
Performance is quite easily enhanced on older motorcyle braking systems. For example, as Derek pointed out, decreasing the pressure area in the master cylinder by mere fractions of an inch dramatically reduces the amount of effort at the brake lever. Stainless steel brake lines, different rotor material, different brake pad material, etc. all will have a very noticeable affect on Norton brake performance.
So, for every modification you make to the brake system, you get instant positive feedback and gratification; unlike tuning carburetors, which can often be frustrating.
Tinkering with brakes is a fun and satisfying experience. But having said that, I don't plan to change the stock brakes on my old Commando; as you said Matt, I'll just bear down a little harder when I need to.
Regards,
Jason