Hi all
apologies for this, as I imagine it's been gone over many, many times......I am a new member, I have just taken over my father's 1971 OIF Thunderbolt which he has owned since 1978. It's been off the road for many years so i checked over everything, stripped and adjusted the front brake and checked it was free. I was aware of the Conical hub reputation, but having ridden the bike for the first time today-it's just plain dangerous. Even at parking speeds it has no bite at all, and hauling on the lever as hard as I can, just nothing happening. It's simply not safe. The front brake on my wife's FSIE is better, and that's not an exaggeration.
It doesn't seem to be a leverage issue, just nothing happening however much pressure you apply.
hi , i would take the front wheel of and visually check the linings and brake cam movement to start with.
Hi,
Like Eddie says, take the wheel out and inspect the linings and operation. It may be best to change to 'green linings' which offer a great deal more bite than standard offerings. Supreme Motorcycles used to sell them at one time. What ever is done the brake will need setting up correctly and then used to 'bed in' the linings for best results. Best of luck.
Robin
Hi Nigel,
Having had many years of experience with this brake, there are a few things to consider/do. I'm assuming that it's currently set up with the long spring along the cable between the arms etc.
1. Take the brake cable off completely and give it a good oiling, you will probably see lots of rust swilling out of the end of the bottom part of the cable. It's amazing what power a less than free cable will take away from the actual brake.
2. Whilst the cable is soaking and before replacing it, adjust the snail cams with the arms free. Up tight and one click back.
3. Attach the cable and try again.
4. If no change, time to take the wheel out and strip it all down. I would recommend reline or new shoes at this stage as modern friction material with make an improvement - remember to do this in the open air as the old linings and the drum will probably contain asbestos.
5. When replacing the wheel into the forks, make sure you do it to the instructions in the handbook i.e. Brake Torque Stud tight in the fork slider with correct washer first before fitting the axle end caps which you should tighten up evenly. (Check the end caps for any cracks whilst they're off). see attachment
Let us all know how you get on.
Chris