Ironhead Unbelievable

[Andy Hog]

Hi all,

Yesterday I sorted the creeping clutch problem. I took the bike out for a test ride. The bike was working brilliant. On my way back to the garage, the front brake locked up on the disc and through me off the bike. I was trapped under the bike but luckly a guy walking by helped get the bike off me and up on it's wheels.

The damage, the left side forwards took the brunt of the fall. I had to kick them straight so I could use them. I had taken some tools with me just in case. Took the bolts off the caliper but it was stuck solid. I loosened the banjo bolt to release the pressure and the caliper came off. It was scorching hot, wrapped it in a rag and cable tied it to the bars.

It was very interesting riding with one brake. Got back to the garage to find the gears don't work. I can't believe it, I was already to take it for an MOT. This bike just doesn't seem to want to be on the road. Every time I fix a problem, wallop up pops half a dozen more.

What could have made the brake lock on? New master cylinder kit and new Goodridge hose fitted.

Will take the clutch and gear box a part later this week, after the stiffness eases up.

Andy.

[Machinist Mike]

Damn, Sounds like you have a bad brake caliper.

[runingmouse]

The caiper got ya.When they sit the piston will corrode(makeing a spot so piston won't return all the way). Rebuild the caliper (cleaning piston real good). Use dot 5 only.

Sorry to hear you were tossed. I have had my break stick too. Ended up changing master,hose,caliper,fluid all new. The PO was nice enough to use dot3 3 and 5 don't mix.

[Chris B.]

son of a b, glad your ok man.

[Ivan RoachCoach]

...to the bike.
Do you mean that you re-built the m/c?
If so, go back and take a second (and third and fourth) look at what you did.

Most mechanical problems are owner-generated and looking back at the prior work done on a specific component will usually reveal this.

[Andy Hog]

Hi,

I am fine was stiff for a couple of days. There is a small hole in the MC that allows the fluid to return. I am going to check that sucker tomorrow to see if it is blocked.

Not looking forward to seeing what has happen with the gear box.

Andy.

[ericfreeman]

Had a similar problem with my newly-acquired Honda CBX. Rebuilt both front calipers and the MC. On first ride, front brakes began to lock up. Fortunately, it was a gradual lockup and I was able to pull over with smoking brakes and relieve the front line pressure by cracking the lines. Turned out to be a very small bleed hole in the MC that was plugged with a tiny bit of junk preventing pressure from relieving in the lines/calipers. Once cleaned out, all is perfect again.

Eric

[Schutzhund]

WIth regards to the spill youare a lucky SOB. The mechanicals of the machine not so much.