Which Brake Setup To Use?

[SkyDiveBlack]

Hi there,

I’ve got a 1977 XLCH motor in a 1981 XLH frame.
I would like to run a rear drum brake, but the bike did not come with any brake hardware/pedal. It didn’t have a sprocket cover either.
I know I will have to switch to a drum rear wheel (currently have the mag/disc wheel, but I have my eye on an invader one)
Can someone point me to a resource for getting the right MC and rod/bracketry?

[bustert]

the drum is inferior in every way. i have a 74ch and the ONLY way to get good, not great braking is to use very aggressive shoe material which leads to accelerated drum wear.
that said, you have to make your own shoe lining. also ditch the rivets and go adhesive.
when the drum id goes out of spec, have it relined or splayed.
you have a morphodite to begin with.

[SkyDiveBlack]

Ok, I hear what you’re saying, I have the caliper bracket to go disc, but would the MC mount up to the XLCH sprocket cover?

[bustert]

a good source of info is the sportsterpedia

[Iron Mike]

Some fab work may be in your future if you’re that determined.

My thoughts from an QUICK overview. Assuming you have the square ‘79-‘81 swingarm still.

Disc:
‘79 XLCH sprocket/kicker cover, ‘79 pipes, ‘79 m/c, pedal and linkage. Disc wheel, caliper ect, ‘79-‘’85 front sprocket. ‘77 kicker arm

Drum:
Rear drum wheel, ‘75-‘77 backing plate w/cable, ‘75-‘77 sprocket cover, ‘75-‘77 brake pedal and linkage, ‘75-‘77 foot peg assembly. Possibly’52-‘57 sprocket. Fab and weld in brake pivot/anchor onto swingarm in alignment. Modify chainguard mounts. Modify and/or add wheel spacers for proper chain alignment.

Forward controls w/cable might get you there faster as it opens up exhaust and sprocket cover options.
Forwards with hyd would be your most direct route.

Unfortunately you’d be left with a Sportster with forward controls.
My $.02

[Iron Mike]

also custom axle, axle adjusters as well with drum wheel on later swingarm.