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    #1

    No Stopping Power

    Hello,

    Working on my first bike, learning a lot but sometimes wishing I got one that works to start with...

    Something I'm working on here: super low stopping power from the front brake on my 83GS400E. No way that I could ever get the front tire to come close to skidding under any circumstances. Maximum braking power from it takes wayyyy too long to stop.

    Took apart the caliper to take a look. While there seems to be a good amount of life life, the pads a full of black gunky grease and the rotor has a good film on it. Is this normal? And, if not, can this be cleaned or should I go with new pads?

    Thanks.
    Tags: None
    #2
    The rotors should be dry, there should be no grease. Maybe the fork leaked oil onto it?
    New pads, clean everything. You really should redo the whole brake system while you are at it. New lines, clean the caliper and master cylinder. It should have the power to lock the front wheel with about two fingers if all is working correctly.
    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

    Life is too short to ride an L.

    Comment

      #3
      Get new pads, clean the rotor(s) with a degreasing agent then use alcohol to clean them again (90%), new brake fluid, probably need new brake hoses as well. Calipers need to be looked at was well if not rebuilt.
      sigpicMrBill Been a GSR member on and off since April 2002
      1980 GS 750E Bought new in Feb of 1980
      2015 CAN AM RTS


      Stuff I've done to my bike:dancing: 1100E front end with new Sonic springs, 1100E swing arm conversion with new Progressive shocks installed, 530 sprockets/chain conversion, new SS brake lines, new brake pads. New SS fasteners through out. Rebuilt carbs, new EBC clutch springs and horn installed. New paint. Motor runs strong.

      Comment

        #4
        What I though.
        Thanks for the fast replies.

        Comment

          #5
          De-greased the rotor, fresh run of brake fluid and new pads. Stops like a champ.

          Comment

            #6
            Great job but best to do as suggested and change the brake lines at minimum. Suzuki calls for replacing them every two years, which obviously is excessive, regardless though, if your bike has the originals lines they are LONG over due for replacement.
            Ed

            To measure is to know.

            Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

            Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

            Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

            KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

            Comment

              #7
              The other thing is you should check and make sure your fork seals are ok and not leaking, as if they are you will have done the brake cleaning and degreasing for nothing.
              1984 GS1100GK newest addition to the heard
              80 GS 1000gt- most favorite ride love this bike
              1978 GS1000E- Known as "RoadKill" , Finished :D
              83 gs750ed- first new purchase
              85 EX500- vintage track weapon
              1958Ducati 98 Tourismo
              “Remember When in doubt use full throttle, It may not improve the situation ,but it will end the suspense ,
              If it isn't going to make it faster or safer it isn't worth doing

              Comment

                #8
                Right. I'm getting ss lines here pretty quick. And I'm pretty sure it was the fork seals that greased up the rotor. The guy I bought the bike off had just replaced them and must have done a messy job. No signs of leaks now.

                Comment

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