Tight rear brakes

[grayman]

Hi folks, seeking your wisdom.

Firstly, apologies for the lame title.

For some time I've not been happy with my rear brakes. When I took ownership I found they badly needed bleeding, which was sorted without issue.

However, the rear brake is not progressive at all. There is maybe 3-5mm of brake pedal travel before the calipers are engaged, so I'm wondering if this is normal for a TRX. I'm probably more concerned because there is not enough travel to bring the brake lights on. I've adjusted both the lever and the switch today and am not happy with the results; by the time the lights come on, the brake is well and truly engaged, probably to the point of locking the wheel.

My other bikes (CBR250 and GR650) have somewhat "soft" rear brakes (ok, the GR has a drum brake, and all it does is keep the bike still on a slope when stopped), and in my noobish style of riding I like to be able to use the rear brake for cornering around town.

Hope my description makes sense; any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

personally I only use the rear brake when stopped. I found theres enough rear braking using engine compression .. I think you'll find this is one of the common questions when first jumping onto a TRX... So don't streass to much..Feel your way around it and rely on the motor compression...

[Mincehead]

Yes the TRX rear brake is notoriously `wooden` in feel before the bastard locks up on you!
Engine braking is pretty good on a TRX but I tend to trail a little rear brake into corners if I`m licking on a bit. I`m going to be fitting a Fazer thou blue spot one of these days though. There`s some Fazer thou brake caliper / mounting plate modifying to be done but it`s not too difficult.
Plenty of folk go down the R1 rear blue spot route too, especially if they have used the YZF750 swingarm and rear wheel.

[grayman]

Thanks chaps.

As you've said, I've been finding that the engine braking great and relying on the rear brake less.

I guess my worry is the lack of movement in the pedal and getting the brakelight to come on nice and early.

Would the R1 unit give more feel?

Thanks.

[Mincehead]

Definately more feel, although if you want more travel on the pedal you can fit a master cylinder with an adjustable operating rod like this one.
Obviously fitment depends on the bolt spacing and fitment bolt diameters:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/REAR-BRAKE-MASTER ... 2a0d532ac1

3092_12.jpg

An R1 rear caliper or Thunderace bluespot would give better feel too but you`ll need to modify an R1 or Thunderace mounting plate to fit the TRX spindle etc, it involves a bit more work.
By the way, you do know you can adjust the brake light switch to come on with the lightest of touch on the brake pedal don`t you?

[grayman]

By the way, you do know you can adjust the brake light switch to come on with the lightest of touch on the brake pedal don`t you?

Sure do...but have run out of thread on the switch; I'll try a shorter spring, 'cos I do prefer the lights to come on as soon as I push the lever - to warn followers I may be up to something...possibly anything

I am finding this bike quite different to others I've ridden: the throttle demands the lightest of touches, the brakes just the slightest of caresses...loving it! I have had to adapt my style and thinking in riding this bike and I'm beginning to think I'll be a better rider for it.

I appreciate the advice so far, but yet another question: the rear master cylinder is a brembo unit - are these a stock fitment?

[Mincehead]

Indeed they are, and by the way, Yamaha now OWNS Brembo and Marchesini I believe:

http://www.brembo.com/NR/rdonlyres/E86E ... /BF710.pdf

Someone can inform me if I`m mistaken, you know you want to

[M.V.]

Thanks chaps.

As you've said, I've been finding that the engine braking great and relying on the rear brake less.

I guess my worry is the lack of movement in the pedal and getting the brakelight to come on nice and early.

Would the R1 unit give more feel?

Thanks.

You can adjust the spring that activates the brake light to come on pretty early, I'd start there.

I use the rear brakes a lot when commuting, it's good for low speed stability & when splitting, I've never had any major problems with it.