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Brake Lever Pressure

  • leachy
    leachy
    6 years ago
    Hi All,
    I have an 2016 Low Rider, it all works well in the breaking department but Im suffering from tendinitis, there's a debate about how that happen between my mates but thats another story. The consequence is that i cant squeeze the lever with a lot of force. Is there a way to reduce the force required on the brake lever?'

    Regards
    Leachy

     
  • speedzter
    speedzter
    6 years ago
    Apart from fitting the touring Brembo brake setup (may not be possible), or larger discs with caliper adapter brackets, you could try a softer compound brake pad.
    Pads can make a difference to brake feel, possibly with the side effect of more dust.

    Another option that can make a big difference is to fit an adjustable lever, to help the lever reach work better with your hand.
    http://www.oberon-performance.co.uk/acatalog/Adjustable_Levers_Harley-Davidson.html

  • leachy
    leachy
    6 years ago
    Thanks for the information.
    Regards
    Leachy
  • Hound_Dog
    Hound_Dog
    6 years ago
    Make sure the angle you are pulling the lever at doesnt put a downward curve in your wrist. I see a lot of bikes with poorly set up controls.
  • John.R
    John.R
    6 years ago
    Using a master cylinder with a different ratio will change the force needed to apply the brakes. 
  • leachy
    leachy
    6 years ago
    Ok Thanks, Im sure there is a way to get the additional pressure at the caliper fairly easily, is not rocket science these days to get good brakes but for some reason it isnt??
    I have set the angles on the leavers to assist.

    Thanks for the input.
  • leachy
    leachy
    6 years ago
    Just for interest sake how many piston are the standard front calipers on a Harley with dual disc?
  • speedzter
    speedzter
    6 years ago
    They have twin 4 piston calipers, for a total of 8.

    Master cylinders and calipers are designed to work with a particular bore size and piston volume.
    You can't just change sizes at will, you will end up with either a hard wooden lever feel, or a soft, mushy lever, and piston/lever travel
    will also be effected.

  • leachy
    leachy
    6 years ago
    Thanks for all the advice, ill try softer pads first seems to be the easiest and cheapest.
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    6 years ago
    you got good info here, the ratio master to caliper helps the most, master has to have enough volume so it can move the pistons without running out of volume.
    but as thats complicated and no way of knowing what force you will need. also this is all in your hands, moto Guzzi use dual brakes so your foot works both front and rear, personally not for me but in your case it could make riding more enjoyable. worth looking at, I think we have some Italian tractor pilots  in here that might be able to advise.