| Author | Message | ||
     Spike240sx |
Ok so Ive got some issues with the front brake on my 99 X1. The front brake is VERY firm. Almost no linear feel at all. I checked the caliper when I put new rubber on and all the pistons moved smoothly. I bled the brakes today as I was thinking maybe moisture was the issue. It didnt seem to change to me at all. The front brake grabs so instant it damn near dangerous. So any ideas? | ||
| Dynosaur |
Hey Spike! A number of things you can do: Firstly, make sure the pistons are clean to ensure they retract fully (but you say you have done this). Secondly, fit an 1125 brake lever. The stock brake lever has got a lot of span and I find the adjustability of the 1125 lever improves feel greatly. Note that an XB lever will not fit correctly - I will probably get a number of replies telling me it does but look at the play between the heel to piston. Thirdly, you could bleed the brake. The problem is not moisture cos that will make the brake spongey, especially when up to temperature. You may find you have dirt in the system which prevents the piston from allowing fluid to flow back through to the reservoir. Fourthly, and somewhere inamongst the above, you could strip the caliper and master cylinder, clean the pistons, seals and seal recesses, either replacing the seals or reusing if in good, undamaged condition. Reassemble using Castrol red grease on the rubber components. Cheers Tim | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Pad material makes a big difference on these. I like the Lyndall Gold on my bike a lot. Good feel and great general performance for commuter purposes. It's possible your bike has the wrong brake lever if it's new to you. As Dynosaur said the XB levers won't work (some have tried them because they were adjustable). The ratio is wrong and they will cause the brake to lock-up, so maybe that's it. I may have a spare lever with a shaved end in my parts bin that you could compare to your current one if you'd like it. | ||
| Britchri10 |
+1 on swapping the brake lever. I had the same problem. I fixed it by installing the adjustable lever from buell. It doesn't grab & try to throw me off anymore. Chris C | ||
| Spike240sx |
I appreciate the input guys. Ill try swapping a lever off of my 1125 and see how that goes first. | ||
| No_rice |
as has been said, becareful. i know some have tried swapping on levers from one buell model to another with very very bad results. brake lock up and go boom while riding. | ||
| Spike240sx |
Ive got to get the brakes figured out. Gonna turn the X1 Into the gap toy. So brakes need to be optimal! |
