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How much play should be in brake lever???

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by kcoop99, Jun 10, 2010.

  1. kcoop99

    kcoop99 Member

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    I recently had a friend lay his bike down due to a lady pull out in front of him (he is ok, road rash of course) and we were talking about our brakes. He was saying how he locked his up and of course really slowed him down before laying it down. I took apart my MC tonight and cleaned it really well then bled them and got it all back together. My question regards "play" in the lever. They are firm and I can get the lever just past half way pulled in and that is when the front brake is "locked up". You know, when I am stopped and if you drag the bike backwards the front wheel skids (am I making sense???) ANYWAY......anyone have any thoughts? I know this will never be like a brand new bike but I want some good stopping power! Thanks!
     
    kcoop99, Jun 10, 2010
    #1
  2. Metal_Bob

    Metal_Bob Active Member

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    I'm FAR from an expert but that sounds to tight. Don't think you should be locking up at 1/2 squeeze...
     
    Metal_Bob, Jun 10, 2010
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  3. kcoop99

    kcoop99 Member

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    Its not locking up so much as just when tire grabs....
     
    kcoop99, Jun 10, 2010
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  4. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    It all depends on how your Bike is equipped.

    Some Bike only got Plain Vanilla Brake Levers.
    No adjustments of any kind.
    If that's what you got; you have no choice.

    There are some options available:
    Brake Levers with Adjustable "Play" options.
    The Lever has a threaded bolt and locking nut that you can use to adjust for your individual hand "Grip" strength.

    You can get Levers that are "S-shaped" and bring the whole Lever closer to the Grip.

    The Gospel on locking-up the Front Brake is:
    You hope and pray you don't really need too.
     
    RickCoMatic, Jun 10, 2010
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  5. Erman

    Erman Member

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    I can't say what laws apply in the US, but here in Norway, the law says that the brakes should apply full force when pulled 2/3 in. On my bike, the front brake has a play of about 2-3mm (same for the clutch), and the rear brake has a play of 4-5 (it's more worn down and probably ready for a change).
     
    Erman, Jun 11, 2010
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  6. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    With Stainless Steel lines, the amount of play is entirely up to how much slack you adjust into the lever; otherwise it's almost like grabbing a rock.

    With the stock Yamaha lines, even with brakes in perfect condition, you still have about 1/3 or more of the lever travel available in "squishiness" once the brake is engaged.

    I had to add slack to the levers on both of my XJs once I went to SS lines.
     
    bigfitz52, Jun 11, 2010
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