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rear brake efficiency

3986 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  donfre
Am not happy with the effectiveness of the rear brakes.Not run in yet so will they improve? From my past experiences that is unlikely. I have never experimented with pads but I can remember many years ago a new Falcon with excellent stoppers just ate the first set of linings because they were 'soft' I wonder if softer pads are available , I would be quite happy to replace pads more often if they worked better than current set.
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Same here. When I use the rear brake alone, it barely feels like it does anything.
I use the rear back as a habit not a requirement... it does very little.. and if it were 'required' I am thinking that the abs would be kicking in.
I tried HH pads. Don't remember the brand but made no difference.
The brake has some issues.

The first thing that will help is to remove the return spring. Ours is super stiff and works against pushing. This helps a lot, and is free. You can find a weaker spring, or just leave it off. Your brake will work if you do just this.

Next step is decent brake pads. I'd recommend galfer "GG" rated. HH is to grabby, out back, and has poor feel. Galfer Semi Metallic Rear Brake Pads for Z1000 10-13 - SoloMotoParts.com

A big problem is the rear brake clevis. Thats the piece that connects the brake pedal to the master cylinder.

Sit down, beside the bike, and push the rear brake pedal. Notice how much it moves before the master cylinder rod moves. A billet clevis will stop that, and the pedal movement will apply the brake. Something like this:

Red CNC Rear Brake Clevis Honda CR80 XR50 CRM250 CRF250 XR250 TRX Motard | eBay

There are only two sizes of this clevis. They dotn really offer them for street bikes, so you have to match up a dirt bike with the correct size.
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The brake has some issues.

The first thing that will help is to remove the return spring. Ours is super stiff and works against pushing. This helps a lot, and is free. You can find a weaker spring, or just leave it off. Your brake will work if you do just this.

Next step is decent brake pads. I'd recommend galfer "GG" rated. HH is to grabby, out back, and has poor feel. Galfer Semi Metallic Rear Brake Pads for Z1000 10-13 - SoloMotoParts.com

A big problem is the rear brake clevis. Thats the piece that connects the brake pedal to the master cylinder.

Sit down, beside the bike, and push the rear brake pedal. Notice how much it moves before the master cylinder rod moves. A billet clevis will stop that, and the pedal movement will apply the brake. Something like this:

Red CNC Rear Brake Clevis Honda CR80 XR50 CRM250 CRF250 XR250 TRX Motard | eBay

There are only two sizes of this clevis. They dotn really offer them for street bikes, so you have to match up a dirt bike with the correct size.
Thanks rcannon for such a detailed 'fix it' answer.My last recent and current bike have either linked brakes or superlative rear brakes which puts me on the spot now if I am not careful. Truthfully I was surprised at their ineffectiveness, more so when ABS would over come a problem with over effective brakes.

.
Another question for you rcannon relating to Galfer Pads, on their website the ones quoted/advertised are to fit 2010 2013 Z1000s. Do they fit 2016 models as well? Thanks for info.
I dont believe theres been a change to the caliper. Often times it takes galfer 4-5 years to update their site.

I dont much care for their pads, up front, but this rear pad is good.

Seriously, remove that return spring and see if you like that, first.
The clevis, is there a measurement of this anywhere, so one could order without double teardown?

I have noticed the lack of rear brake efficiency. I would hate to have to rely on it in a pinch.
I dont believe theres been a change to the caliper. Often times it takes galfer 4-5 years to update their site.

I dont much care for their pads, up front, but this rear pad is good.

Seriously, remove that return spring and see if you like that, first.
Will do a soon a s I can . Thanks.
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