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Post by philip on Jan 26, 2020 3:30:21 GMT 1
Just been reviewing Classic Bike (February 2016) which featured a Benelli 750 six cylinder with a Yamaha TZ drum brake in the front wheel which set me to thinking the first model RD’s disk brakes were very poor in the wet.
My own RD350LC brakes are only adequate and are now very wooden the disks/pads may need a good clean with fresh brake fluid.
Has anybody considered fitting a front drum brake on the LC Yamaha remembering there is also a drum brake on the rear, Yamaha fitted this brake due to the poor response on the RD400 model.
An LC Yamaha with a front drum brake would sure look unique.
Philip
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Post by earthman on Jan 26, 2020 9:54:56 GMT 1
No, I think that going back to a drum brake would be a bad idea, there's really nothing wrong with the standard twin disk set up in my opinion.
You haven't actually had yours apart, gave them a good service I take it? Braided hoses and EBC pads are the only upgrades I've ever done.
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Post by nobby62 on Jan 26, 2020 10:10:58 GMT 1
Some of those large twin leading shoe drum brakes do look good..... but they suit an older style bike imo, something from the 70’s or earlier... plus they don't stop very well.. A set of upgrade calipers might be a better option.... although a big drum conversion would be a bit different to the norm...
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Post by JonW on Jan 26, 2020 13:11:00 GMT 1
In good nick with maintenance the LC brakes are ok for the era, but not 'modern'.
Part of the LCs charm is that fact its engine overpowers the frame, brakes and tyres and you get to feel like youre out of control at sensible speeds. strengthening the frame, fitting modern suspension and wheels and tyres and modern brakes makes for a different bike and one that is more capable, tho lacks the wayward 'punk' nature of the original at highway speeds.
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Post by bare on Jan 29, 2020 4:30:30 GMT 1
Main reason that LC brakes are crap as OEM is that Yamaha traditionally fitted too large a bore Master cylinder... resulting in hard to fully use 'wooden' brakes.
Find/fit the MC off an LC 250.. Norbo has them.
Massive differences.. proven the first time you squeeze the brake lever.
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Post by earthman on Jan 29, 2020 8:41:06 GMT 1
Main reason that LC brakes are crap as OEM is that Yamaha traditionally fitted too large a bore Master cylinder... resulting in hard to fully use 'wooden' brakes. Find/fit the MC off an LC 250.. Norbo has them. Massive differences.. proven the first time you squeeze the brake lever. I'm wondering if my bike came with one of those fitted,....any way to tell the difference between the two without taking them apart?? |
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Post by midlifecrisisrd on Jan 29, 2020 9:58:05 GMT 1
Main reason that LC brakes are crap as OEM is that Yamaha traditionally fitted too large a bore Master cylinder... resulting in hard to fully use 'wooden' brakes. Find/fit the MC off an LC 250.. Norbo has them. Massive differences.. proven the first time you squeeze the brake lever. I'm wondering if my bike came with one of those fitted,....any way to tell the difference between the two without taking them apart?? If you look on the master cylinder on the side facing the bars it will have the cylinder bore size on it 350 was 5/8, 250 was 1/2 The smaller cylinder will give more travel but more power Steve |
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Dave B
Drag-strip hero
Posts: 240 
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Post by Dave B on Jan 29, 2020 10:28:08 GMT 1
I had a T500 ex racer with a twin leading shoe front brake. Once warmed up it was OK, but there were two problems, cold and at low speed, it was dangerously snatchy, and it was totally useless when you were going backwards, or holding the bike for a hill start. Since I lived at the top of a very steep hill at the time, I was glad to change to a disk.
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Post by philip on Feb 2, 2020 11:06:20 GMT 1
Thank's guys, I still would really like to fit the Yamaha TZ front brake but they are too expensive now, l can remember the days when all the racers were converting their front end to disk brakes mostly using the Yamaha XS 650 disk and caliper and you couldn't give away the four leading shoe brake and front wheel.
Just purchase twin disks with predrilled holes from China to try.
Thanks again
Philip
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Post by veg on Feb 2, 2020 13:14:52 GMT 1
This place has a whole range of drums available but they start at £650 and go up to £2000 then you have to get the rims spokes wheels built bloody expensive for an inferior brake www.discovolantemoto.co.uk/brakes-55-c.asp |
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