


We also have educational videos on brake topics like when should I change my brake pads and which brake pads are best for my vehicle. Check out our brake system diagram to learn about the various brake components, most common brake problems, and possible causes. A good time to inspect the drum brakes is during a tire rotation. The rear end of the bike has a stock length stretch hardtail and and loads of custom fabricated parts. Since drum brakes are mostly enclosed, they are less prone to coming into contact with debris, but still should be checked periodically. To maintain the brakes on a vehicle it is necessary to make sure the brake fluid is clean and topped-off, change the brake pads or brake shoes when needed, and keep the brake calipers and brake hardware clean and free from corrosion. These components are powered by the master cylinder, which pressurizes the brake fluid that runs throughout the braking system. Drum brakes use a wheel cylinder to push the brake shoe out against the inside of the drum to stop the vehicle. Disc brakes use brake calipers to squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotors when the brake pedal is depressed. However, some models still use front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. There are two types of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes. It may also cause the brake system to overheat, which could result in a loss of braking power. Improper care of the brake system is not only a safety risk, but may lead to brake component replacement and repairs, including grooved or warped brake rotors and worn out brake pads. For more info, visit our disclaimer page.Ĭopyright 2014-2022 brakes are one of the most important safety features of any vehicle, but this system is easily neglected and taken for granted until a problem arises. This site participates in several affiliate programs. Related Articles: Motorcycle Frames and Suspensions Wide Glide Conversion How To Polish Aluminum Motorcycle Parts Motorcycle Quotes and Sayings Properly designed and constructed, they will handle as good, if not better, than any other motorcycle front end. Pound for pound, they will deflect less than other types of front suspensions. Girder front forks were used on motorcycles for many years. Generally, average trail length on a motorcycle front end is between 3-1/2 to 6 inches. Too much or too little makes a bike hard to control. The importance of trail is often overlooked. Trail is measured in inches, and should always be a positive number. Rake is measured in degrees, which means the larger the angle, the further out the front wheel will be.įront-end trail is the distance between a vertical line from the center of the front wheel's steering axis, to where the tire makes contact with the ground. The angle of front-end rake is formed between the frame's neck and a vertical line. In 1948, a Vincent Black Lightning (Black Shadow racer) with a "Girdraulic" front end set a new world record of 150.313 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats.
