| Author | Message | ||
     Poppawheelie |
Rear brake rotor howls when i am running the engine hard, is the exhaust causing this, anyone else have this problem? i talked to my buddy who works at the H-D stealership and said that they have seen the problem before, is it a warranty issue? its fine when cool. | ||
| Mikellyjo |
No Brake issues here...but My 1125r has been a statistical anomaly. My wife's XB12r on the other hand howls like a werewolf...but she really rides that rear brake. | ||
| Dannybuell |
90% of any vehicle braking is done on the front. The rear brakes on sport bikes are of little use. The fluid may be over filled and heat expansion in the system may be causing the pads to drag? | ||
| Jbarron |
It is due to the exhaust. Mine stopped doing it after changing the exhaust to not leave crap all over the rotor and wheel. | ||
| Cherry_bomb |
mine did not stop after exhaust-change. but some copperpaste between the pads and the small plate behind them fixed the problem. | ||
| Mikellyjo |
"It is due to the exhaust" This is a broad statement that, if true, every 1125 made would have squeaky brakes. Mine did not squeak with the original exhaust and has continued to not squeak with the FMF...all after a mere 12000 miles on the original pads. There are too many variables, humidity, heavy foot, brake fluid temp, manufacturing defect, to make a statement like that.   | ||
| Craiga |
Poppa- Did you replace the rear pads? | ||
| Poppawheelie |
no Craiga but unlike most riders i actually use the rear brake when riddin wheelies, keeping the front wheel planted in a corners and to keep rpms up while maneuvering thru heavy 5 oclock traffic to mention a few, i find it so interesting that most riders say the same thing about using the rear brake, to me its like riddin with one arm tied behind your back sure it can be done but why? | ||
| Chevycummins |
My rear brake started to howl a couple months ago. What I found was my brake was stuck on a little bit heating up the rotor. The master cyl was getting stuck internally causing the problem. I took it apart and cleaned everything and now it works ok again with no howl. The bike only has 8,000 miles on it and on its second set of rear pads. I use my rear brake. If it does it again get the rear tire off the ground and give it a spin, mine had too much resistance and was worse when hot. | ||
| Poppawheelie |
thanks Chevy i'll try that! | ||
| Aseecobra |
I have two 09 CRs in the household, both have done it. It did it when the ambient temp is cool like fall, winter or spring when the brake is used for the first time during the ride. When the ambient temp is hot and I used the brake heavily it howled also. Checked for drag on both bikes, none found. Has anybody considered pad compound and tried a different comp? The XB9S that was in the family never howled. If I recall correctly, the piston size and pad area were of similar size and the rear brake on that bike had much more stopping power. | ||
| Eweaver |
Mine does it when its cold. | ||
| Poppawheelie |
well it sounds like a lot more than a fluke, a lot more than just a few people are definitely having this problem, ill try all the suggestions and let you know what happens, thanks again! | ||
| Jdugger |
> i find it so interesting that most riders say the same thing about using the rear brake, > to me its like riddin with one arm tied behind your back sure it can be done but why? The argument comes as a response to those who suggest the rear brake is for slowing the vehicle. These are the riders that can't stop their bikes. Like you suggest, wheelie control and slow speed maneuvers are two things a rear brake does well. | ||
| Mountainstorm |
Mine started doing that after I put in some EBC pads. Close inspection showed me that one of the wire clips was malformed and the pad had a lot of play. Howling brakes are going to mean something is up with the pads...they are loose, or chattering or sticking. It's not happening on all the bikes and I do not think it's anything to do with the exhaust. | ||
| Cravacor |
Some kids say you just have to stomp on it to get it to quit. I have found that it is almost a way of the bike telling you to give it more rear brake. I know it is loud 'cuz my riding buddies can hear it from a distance. Maybe I will try putting some lube on the pad back sides like someone here said. Mine seems to have too much rolling resistance when the rear is off the ground too. | ||
| Thedavyboy |
Mine makes noise when hot as well, to the point where it is embarrassing when stopping at lights . Sure it has to do with the hot exhaust . | ||
| Dannybuell |
Jdugger - Exactly as witnessed just one post up. :0) | ||
| Gofastalot99 |
Mine does during the first rear brake application when it is very humid or just plain wet. It normally doesn't after that. I did notice once after a 30 minute highway ride the entire rear brake system was extremely hot. I think the exhaust plays a big part. I just installed the RT-1 so I will check again. I assume it will not get as hot without the hot exhaust gases directed right at it. | ||
| Poppawheelie |
well i am rather sure its the exhaust, i took the advice from a few posts earlier and jab the brakes kinda hard for a second and that seems to quiet it down, i guess i have been soft pedaling it a bit. | ||
| Poppawheelie |
 Just an update, I recently adjusted the rod from the brake pedal to the master cylinder so that the brake requires far less pressure and travel to engage, I rode hard 65 miles to work and didn't hear the howl, fyi. |
