Page 2 of 2

Re: Best possible front drum brake options?

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:31 am
by robert
jjwithers wrote:Are you guys talking about the two 'arm' levers that the cable connects to on the hub?
If so, how would you lengthen them?
I supposed you'd have to have them replicated by a machinist and made a bit longer...
Unless there is a similar part out there already that can be cross referenced? I initially thought a rear lever might work but they have different teeth diameter, a bend to the arm, and a much larger set of hoops for the brake rod (vs brake cable).

I machined mine from solid 6061 t6 stock and made a spline forming tool from an extra /5 brake cam.

Re: Best possible front drum brake options?

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:42 am
by vanzen
My regular MC is a BMW R1200S – it has REAL brakes.
The following opinions are being posted in consideration of that perspective:

My experiences with BMW drum brakes and with (for e.g.)
the drum brakes that were OE on the Moto Guzzi Ambos and Eldos of '71 vintage
just does not result in such a favorable opinion of the BMW binders as has been posted above.
Even if they will be defined within the appropriate historical context
of the antique / vintage / classic "drum brake era" –
BMW front drums were only adequate at best.

Obviously, if the quest is an accurate restoration – the old BMW drum binders are de-rigeuer.

However, if braking performance is to be rationally and objectively evaluated,
one must also consider contemporary braking performance standards and criteria –
BMW front drums might then be described
as inadequate to the task of regular and safe road usage.
Consequently, the statement:
'The /5 front brake has so many things going for it that I think it deserves to be kept and improved.'
can only be valid IF performance expectation will be restricted by the temporal confines
of an antique / vintage / classic – historical context.

Having said that, Vintage Brake provides the correct strategy
to make the old things "be all they can be".