sportster brakes sucks?

[jiffylube]

has anybody changed out there brakes to something else and if so, what? and is it much better? This morning I was riding to work and hitting red lights light crazy, and everytime I applied the brakes it doesn't feel like it can stop on time and it would screech the tires everytime, of course this is done when iam trying to stop when i am doing 50, but still it doesn't have a smooth stop. i get off the throttle, slow down, down-shift and brake with both front and back and my tires would still screeeetch to a halt.

[Wardog]

has anybody changed out there brakes to something else and if so, what? and is it much better? This morning I was riding to work and hitting red lights light crazy, and everytime I applied the brakes it doesn't feel like it can stop on time and it would screech the tires everytime, of course this is done when iam trying to stop when i am doing 50, but still it doesn't have a smooth stop. i get off the throttle, slow down, down-shift and brake with both front and back and my tires would still screeeetch to a halt.
With the slow down/breaking sequence you are following it seems to me that either you are doing it too quickly(?) or something is wrong. I am inclined to believe that there maybe some mechanical problem. Also I am not expert on mechanical things just my opinion. Hope you solve the problem.

[xl1200r]

Never had my brakes lock up. What sucks about the stock brakes is the feedback, usually pretty spongy feeling. Maybe you have an issue somewhere...

[sportsterrific]

Consider changing out your brake lines for Stainless Steel lines, they give better feedback. Check your pads for wear, check your tires for wear and correct pressure. These can all affect braking qualities.
Practice your braking technique in a parking lot.

[Broncodog]

I'd check the rotor and pads first, any burn marks, groves etc.

[gamhill]

You didn't say how many miles you have on your brakes, or if this is the first time you've had this problem.

Stock pads tend to be on the soft side, soft pads tend to make less noise, wear faster, make more dust, but also tend to fade when they get hot. Since you were doing a lot of stop and go, maybe this was a factor.

I don't understand how Stainless Steel lines would help. I've seen a couple of other posts that have suggest this. The brake system is based on hydraulics, since the fluid doesn't compress as air would, it simply transfers the force from the master cylinder to the caliber. Rubber brake lines are pretty stout, not much flex in them.

I've been happy with my stopping performance, never have locked up a wheel. I locked up wheel is useless when your trying to stop.

[skratch]

>>>I don't understand how Stainless Steel lines would help. I've seen a couple of other posts that have suggest this. The brake system is based on hydraulics, since the fluid doesn't compress as air would, it simply transfers the force from the master cylinder to the caliber. Rubber brake lines are pretty stout, not much flex in them.


stainless lines help with feedback because more of the hydraulic pressure is being exerted on the cylinder, and less on the walls of the hose. especially if the stock hose is a couple of years old.

[DaddyJay]

Thats correct. Rubber brake lines flex and stretch a bit when the brakes are applied. You may think that the rubber line is stout when you try to squeeze it with your fingers, but it sees hundreds of pounds per square inch when the brakes are actually applied. The stainless steel braid restricts the amount of stretch of the inner rubber line. This means that mostly all of the hydraulic pressure applied is closing the caliper instead of stretching the line.

[missyd]

a) stainless steel brake line at front and rear!
b) 2nd front break disc!
c) better break calipers! I swapped the original '00 break caliper for two of the older pre98(?) round ones. BIG DIFFERENCE.
d) Better fork like the one from a Sportster Sport (pre'04).
;)

[engine]

I have a tendency to lock up my rear wheel, I might be stepping on the pedal too hard (from flying around in the camaro...) Then again, my rear tire is hard as a rock, needs to get changed...

[pilot]

a) stainless steel brake line at front and rear!
b) 2nd front break disc!
c) better break calipers! I swapped the original '00 break caliper for two of the older pre98(?) round ones. BIG DIFFERENCE.
d) Better fork like the one from a Sportster Sport (pre'04).
;)


I agree with you on 3 points, but weren't the pre 2000 calipers a 2 piston design whereas the newer ones are 4 piston? If so, why is that a better set up?

[txsporty]

I have a '03 and have Locked up the back wheel more then once!!! :yikes

Going to go with dual fronts SOON!!! :D

[74FeHeadXLH]

I wish I have the braking power you guys have...try out a single disc front with single piston caliper, and an almost useless drum rear ( well it's good for engageing the brake light )...it's too expensive to convert to disc rear brake, but I can swing dual disc up front.....even with that Evo's will brake better

[RedRider]

I'm satisfied with the triple discs on my scoot. I can bring it to a nice quick stop when necessary.

The last metric cruiser I had came with a single disc front and a drum rear, and I always felt like it needed more stopping power.

I think we all tend to overlook the importance of our brakes.