Same here. When I use the rear brake alone, it barely feels like it does anything.
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.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.
Will do a soon a s I can . Thanks.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.