kenmoore

Ever since I got the Storm, sorry Hawk the one thing that absolutely ***** me about it is the rear brake.

Bled it, fitted stainless line, new pads and still it is week as!

Any suggestions on how to improve it will help no matter how big or small.

Is there a better caliper I can use?

Maybe a different Master cylinder.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I come from a dirt bike background and use the rear brake a lot to correct lines and feel that I am not getting the best out of the bike as the brake is totally useless.

I have other bikes that I ride and just want a brake that actually does something!

It's soooooo bad I rarely use it but old habits die hard and I want one that does something.

Wolverine

Sorry, I can't help. I prefer the slightly wooden feel to my rear brake. It prevents me from using too much and possibly puttin' her down. Just my .02

CrankenFine

I like it the way it is too. I find the stock rear helps me tighten my turns on sharp, low speed maneuvers like U-turns just enough to give me additional control. For that matter, I have no serious complaints about the front brakes either like many seem to.

kenmoore

It's subjective but compared to other bikes I ride on a regular basis the Honda rear is *****!

Just looking for an improvement.

If I am approaching a corner a bit hot I instinctively go for the rear.

Too much dirt riding but it works for me.

There is nothing better that I enjoy than when I smoke some dude on a bike that is much newer and more exotic than the Honda.

They all look at the bike and try and figure out what it is that just surprised them.

I have worked out what it is about this bike and that is that it has useable power where it counts.

Still looking for suggestions cobbers!

Someone out there must have toyed with the back brake.

NZSpokes

This is not the best idea.

Yes I trail ride as well but a rear lockup on the road has bad outcomes.

My system is stock apart from new fluid and a braided line. I only put the braided line on because I had one. I can lock the back with no problems.

jerryh

It feels almost like anti-lock back there to me, so gentle. Combined with dragging her down with the engine it feels alright. Mikster has a gafer for cheap.

sailorjerry

The only thing I can think to tell you is see what other size master cylinders are out there and find one that suits the way you want it to feel.

The rear calipers that were used on period Hondas were all the same rear calipers.

Another thing that is minuscule but does add a little extra is using a quality brake fluid like motul.

And I have to ask, are you still running the DanMoto rear sets? If so I noticed a lot of braking feel lost from them, when running them I had to mash the brake pedal to the pipe to feel good braking from the rear.

kenmoore

Still running them in a modded state.

Even before them the brake was shocking.

It doesn't and won't lock up no matter how hard I stamp on it.

Yes it works, but only just and I feel it could be a lot better.

Front brakes are now great and that really shows how deficient the rear is.

I have lived with it for a long time and I guess it will have to stay that way.

Maybe I will try some different pads.

Thanks for the replies

sailorjerry

Could always try something like this, may have to do a little fab work to get it to fit but a doubt it's too difficult.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BREMBO-4767-...-/161411998232

It is an 11mm piston over the stock 14mm. Which if I remember correctly should give you a little more clamping force at the caliper in transition to the force applied at the pedal.

jerryh

[QUOTE=kenmoore;379198]Still running them in a modded state.

Even before them the brake was shocking.

It doesn't and won't lock up no matter how hard I stamp on it.

Yes it works, but only just and I feel it could be a lot better.

Front brakes are now great and that really shows how deficient the rear is.

I have lived with it for a long time and I guess it will have to stay that way.

Maybe I will try some different pads.

Thanks for the replies[/QUOTE

hmm. My rear will lock. Don't know what it could be

kenmoore

Rode the bike today and stood on the back brake as hard as possible.

No lock up!

Am gunna try some different pads and see what that does.

The pads in there now a eel cheapo flea bay items so will try a brand name set before I worry about discs and such!

thunderbolt

It sounds like something mechanical to me, not hydraulic.

If it were me I would pull the caliper, remove the pistons, new seals and pistons if necessary and make sure everything inside the caliper is moving as it should and then reassemble everything after a decent clean out and a decent set of pads.

sailorjerry

On otherthing to check that I forgot to mention.

When I got my bike I used to leave the caliper on the bracket when changing pads. Well one of the times I took the caliper off the bracket to polish the pistons and clean the caliper out. Turns out the PO had cross threaded the slide pin into the caliper so when force was applied it would bind. Just check to make sure you/ or the PO didn't accidently do this. I know it's a long shot but always worth checking everything.

kenmoore

Thanks, will check it out!

jerryh

I have a caliper you can have if needed.

SIRR1

from experience I have had real good luck using OEM Honda brake pads when it's time for new pads.


They don't grind or make odd sounds and usually give a smooth constant feel when braking hard.


JMO/SIRR1

kenmoore

Thanks Jerry,

I checked the slides etc today and alls good.

Reckon it's the cheapy pads, so will get some Honda genuine and see what happens.

E.Marquez

Then you need to start with fixing what is broke,, as from what you posted above,, yours is broken.


I would start with a complete disassembly of the caliper, new seals, clean the black gunk you are likely to find in the piston bore out...inspect piston for signs of wear or pitting.

Same for the master cylinder

smokinjoe73

You should deglaze the pads. Take them out and sand them with like 120 paper or just rub them in circles on concrete. Get rid of that shininess.

Then clean the disc with brakecleen spray & wipe down with clean paper towel.

If you want to go further, scrub the disc with a scotchbrite or lightly sand it.

That alone should hugely improve the braking power & feel.

Start there & then look for bigger issues.