82 Maxim XJ750 front brakes, problem

alright, well I since I got my bike, I have noticed there isnt a ton of front breaking power or alteast to how much I believe it should have since it is dual front brakes. Anyways, I bled out the system. Cleaned out the MC, it has some good crud in it, and I got it all cleaned up nicely. cleaned all the banjo bolts clean and what not. Then I refilled everything and got all the lines back running again, and it all bled out correctly. But I still dont seem to have much of front brakes. The pads are good. I ordered a MC rebuild kit, and am waiting on it to come, anything else I can look at or for? or what should I do next.

 

I have an 82 XJ750 also and the breaking sucks. My bike only has 1 caliper. I do alot of downshifting to stop.

 

change to S/S lines

 

Rebuild master cylinder and caliper.

Replace the lines; stainless steel are worlds better but anything is better than quarter century old.

Getting the stock rotor drilled helps alleviate fading (once the stock brakes are as good as they get)




Or you can modernize a bit:



EBC floating rotor disc with EBC pads, stock caliper (rebuilt) and stainless lines. WAY better than stock, seriously. I have almost 3000 miles on it now and it really is an improvement.

 

As mentioned, old brake hoses do a fair amount of "ballooning" under pressure, which takes away from brake efficiency. At least a new hose, braided stainless if possible.

I've seen lots of cycle brakes that the pin and sleeve the caliper mounts on are completely cheezed together...the caliper cannot move properly and apply non-piston side's pad if this is the case...so you have roughly 50% loss in brake effectiveness right there.

My XJ650 was VERY hard to stop when I got it...after taking care of the items above, I still wish it had dual discs for more effortless braking, but I can lock the front wheel if I really try...that would have been impossible originally.

 

EBC+Stainless Lines=two-finger braking. Stand the bike ON ITS NOSE with the Avon on the front. Two fingers. Like a modern bike.

 

Spring or sudden cash in-flow, I'd love to redo the entire front brake system... Just for safety

 

alright guys, i'll go for the complete rebuild then. Already sent the message to Chacal, waiting on his response, and then I will order them up.

 

While there is no denying that Stainless Brake Lines will improve the situation; you can still have effective Front Braking if you keep the System free from deterioration and problems causing the Braking to become less efficient.

Rehabilitate the Hydraulic Seals.
Keep good Seals at work for you.

Don't let Brake Pads wear down beyond 50%
When Braking becomes an issue ... Don't live with it.

Maintain the Caliper and all those Parts which need to Pivot, Slide, Float or let some other Part travel.
Use Waterproof Synthetic Grease.

Flush the System keeping Fresh uncontaminated Fluid in the Master, Lines and Caliper.

 

The brake lines still need to be replaced if over 5 years old. Yes you can certainly replace them with new stock rubber lines, and the bike will be safe and once everything else is fixed, will have the original braking power.

Stainless Lines are indeed an upgrade; only recommended because the lines have to be replaced anyway, and the cost differential is not that great.

 

i got the stainless lines