Front Brake Problem

Hi everyone, first time poster here. About 4 and a half years ago I purchased an '81 650 Maxim as my first full sized motorcycle. Long story short, the PO ripped me good on ebay and I was too anxious for a new bike. Overall it seems like a pretty good bike. Sounds awesome with the straight pipes. Anyways, the motor has always ran good... just needed a little patience and starting spray every once in awhile, but the electric system is a mess. After a month, my uncle offered me his 1400 Intruder that I couldn't pass up on and I left the 650 to another family member, but it sat instead.

So after sitting about 2 years, I pulled it out last weekend and started when jumping and bypassing the starter solenoid. Was able to ride it around the house without a battery and seemed very crisp for sitting. So right now I'm trying to fix it up enough to make a good bike for someone else, all to help pay for my college. Have some issues right now, and I've heard this is the place to go.

The issue I'm having right now is the front brake. Lever is totally soft and I've bled and bled while trying to use a syringe to suck brake fluid out the bleeder and I still am not getting anything after lots of pumping. I've pulled the line and squeezing on the lever gives pressure and vacuum at the other end. Despite this, several people have told me a master cylinder kit is my solution. I kinda want to think the problem is in the caliper. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

maybe your just low on fluid?

i've had great luck with sticking a clear tube on the bleeder nipple. loosen the bleeder, and hold the tube up (so the fluid doesn't drain out) and squeeze the lever so you can see the bubbles and fluid coming out. before you let go of the lever, tighten the bleeder back up. the fluid in the tube keeps the caliper from sucking any air back in if you let go of the handle first - plus it's easier to see when you quit getting air bubbles. i've found that the clear breather tube that comes with new batteries works pretty good for just this purpose.

teflon tape on the bleeder screw will also help keep you from sucking air back in and/or leaking. be careful not to block off the hole in the screw, though.

some folks also recommend turning the wheel all the way to one side to get the caliper up as high as it will go and letting it sit over night.

course, to do it right you should replace the old rubber brake lines, too.

 

hello i had the same problem, after trying all i removed the bolt on the master and poured fluid in the bolt hole. checked and got great pressure at thumb. reconnected and was on my way.. hope this helps. :idea:

 

I know this sounds gross but try sucking on a clear plastic tube attached to the bleeder nipple. Watch for the brake fluid coming out. Once it's moving, trying pumping the brake lever. It worked for me when I had a similar problem. You can buy brake bleeder kits that have a vacuum pump that sucks out the brake fluid but that's additional money you probably don't want to spend. Try sucking!
thx,
baz