Looking on ways to make the rear brake even a little better on the bike I did have a 748 yrs ago and I’m sure I fitted a 848 rear master cylinder to fit.. has anybody done this to theres..? If I mind right it made a difference to the brake performance.. Or any other upgrade that folk have made will help..??
i dont think the later models master cylnders are much better tbh. the problem with 749 -998 is usually an air bubble appears in the loop of hose over the swing arm which is hard to bleed out manually without removing the caliper and suspending it higher, (or lower) so the hose is straight and the bubble can move to the master or the caliper so it can be bled out
Best rear brake upgrade I have done was start using dry chain lube and clean off the conventional wax/lube that covers the rear of the bike, one tiny spot of the conventional lube renders that side of the disc useless. Try cleaning the disc and pads with brake cleaner then clean the chain and relube with dry. Also OEM pads give the best feel for road use IME, particularly if you have a pillion onboard.
Thanks for the reply’s.. I’ve start with a strip down and good clean.. some need pads and fresh fluid and go from there then..
I agree with Denzil. Use a bit of corrugated box as a shield to prevent overspray when using chain lube (I like Wurth best). You can sort of jam the shield in and still spin the wheel.
fauldsy - I've had my 748 over 23 years now. Most of my 48000 miles have been with a pillion, so balanced braking was always incredibly important to me. This works for me: Be certain that there's NO air in the rear circuit - be certain there are NO contaminants on the disc [use brake cleaner]. Fit EBC HH pads (higher coefficient of friction than OE) and bed them in exactly as per instructions. I use this set-up today. Not night v day transformation but I now have a rear brake, there is sufficient 'bite' and you will notice this. I'm still on rear disc #2 ! * Never try to beef up the rear pedal by dialling-out a little free play at the slave cylinder - I did this, and thermal expansion will lock the rear brake on - the free play is there for a reason!
I've seen cable operated options from a lever on the bar to an extension out back of the brake pedal - motocrosser/enduro use apparently. See Ox Brake. Looks like a simple adaptation, low cost.
