Sooo my brakes are terrible...

[Domiken]

Hi All,

So this is my first vintage bike, and I've only ridden it a few times, about 20 mile trips here and there, and I can't help but complain about how terrible the front brake is on my 74' Suzuki GT250, using both brakes to stop, it feels like 30% front/70% rear braking power, is this normal?

The bike has a new master cylinder, HEL lines, new brake pads and the front caliper was rebuilt professionally. I figured I would ask here, the bike feels like an old bike I had which had the fork seals broken and the fluid leaked onto the pads and it barely brakes. Thinking of cleaning the rotors and putting new pads in, but I figured I would ask here first.

Cheers.

[pearljam724]

Hi All,

So this is my first vintage bike, and I've only ridden it a few times, about 20 mile trips here and there, and I can't help but complain about how terrible the front brake is on my 74' Suzuki GT250, using both brakes to stop, it feels like 30% front/70% rear braking power, is this normal?

The bike has a new master cylinder, HEL lines, new brake pads and the front caliper was rebuilt professionally. I figured I would ask here, the bike feels like an old bike I had which had the fork seals broken and the fluid leaked onto the pads and it barely brakes. Thinking of cleaning the rotors and putting new pads in, but I figured I would ask here first.

Cheers.

I don't know much about 250's. But, I do know bikes. I also know that these bikes are very heavy for one front caliper. Let alone two. But, I also feel that one good properly functioning front caliper is plenty of braking power for even these bikes. If bled properly you should have ample braking power. I also feel that some riders are too reliable on braking power. When you can rely on engine braking to share a lot of that braking load. I've read a lot of comments that these old brake systems are horrible. I don't disagree that they are shy of great. But, they function perfectly fine if they are bled properly. The 550 is fairly heavy with one front caliper and I feel it has plenty enough braking power for the speed and performance that suits the bike. Have you looked at the pads ? It's also possible that your rotors are glazed. Try a vinyl paint remover bit on a drill to ruff them up a bit. I would look for air in lines first.

[jabcb]

My GT250 has HEL brake line and rebuild master/slave cylinders. Went with new aftermarket pads rather than NOS pads. Have a used slotted GS rotor purchased from eBay.

My front brake is fine. Not up to modern performance levels but generally fine for front-brake-only stops.
Did the upgrade a few years ago. I think it took some miles for the pads to wear in & work well.

Suzuki used two different brake rotor sizes with the GT250 having the smaller rotor.
The GT250 is a lot lighter than the GT550.

[markush]

Hello!

The original brake is sufficient. However, you must run the break pads so that they fit well to the brake disc. And one has to pull really on the brake lever. Braking effect can be described by the value of the braking deceleration. (= Negative acceleration in m/s²). At the GT250 with front+rear brakes, a value of 11m/s² can be reached (e.g.: one can stop from 80km/h within 22m), and may be compared well with current brakes.

bye
Markus

[Coyote]

My GS1000 weighs 507 pounds and has a single front rotor and caliper. It will throw you over if you get too vigorous with it. You mu still have some air trapped in the system.
Let the bike sit overnight. Not running, pull the brake a single time. Then a second and third time in rapid succession. With each pull does the lever stay further away from the grip? If so, you still have some air in the system. Spongy first pull and stiffer second and third pull = air.

[Suzukidave]

Is the replacement master cylinder stock ?

[oldjapanesebikes]

... I've only ridden it a few times, about 20 mile trips here and there, ....., new brake pads .....

20 miles isn't far enough to bed in the new pads - assuming that the lever is not spongy as others have suggested above, then I would not get too excited about it till after you start your second tank of fuel. If they still feel the same, then you can change the pads for something more aggressive. Sintered pads (if you can get them - check EBC) have more bite than the Suzuki ones which are typically organic.

[Alan H]

Also remember that the bike was designed in the 70s for a 70s rider doing 70s riding.
Take it a bit easier and you might find they're just fine.

[Domiken]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I did 185 miles on Saturday, and the bike is running perfectly (except it shuts off sometimes at red lights, need to adjust the idle a bit higher).

I am anal about brakes, so I know the fluid, master, and lines are in perfect condition. The brakes are in no way spongy, they are solid and feel great. I guess I need to stop comparing them to my R6 and SV1000S.

The master cylinder was purchased from Dime City Cycles brand new earlier in the year matching the factory piston diameter.

I guess I need to ride a bit more to get the pads seated properly as mentioned before, they did feel a bit better on Saturday. I'll look into that rotor upgrade.

Here's a picture:

[drewboy]

Dom..you gotta put the Ram Air covers back on. It will look way better and help with the breaking too.

[oldjapanesebikes]

......... they did feel a bit better on Saturday........

Good to hear ! They will never be as good as modern brakes - but they will be good enough for most situations.

[Alan H]

Dom..you gotta put the Ram Air covers back on. It will look way better and help with the breaking too.

How would the Ram air shroud help with braking (breaking???)?
It's for cooling the cylinder heads while the bike is being ridden.

[Domiken]

Dom..you gotta put the Ram Air covers back on. It will look way better and help with the breaking too.

I will, if I can find them. I took them off to polish them and just moved and have no idea where they are. They will turn up eventually, will be my first polishing job.

......... they did feel a bit better on Saturday........

Good to hear ! They will never be as good as modern brakes - but they will be good enough for most situations.

I hear you on that, I will keep riding it and hopefully they will get a bit better.

Dom..you gotta put the Ram Air covers back on. It will look way better and help with the breaking too.

How would the Ram air shroud help with braking (breaking???)?
It's for cooling the cylinder heads while the bike is being ridden.

More drag...jk

You missed the sarcasm

[Barry S.]

You can wet sand and polish those foggy speedo and tach faces back clear as well.

[Domiken]

You can wet sand and polish those foggy speedo and tach faces back clear as well.

I bought some glass lenses from Cole Palmer some other forum member suggested. I will be replacing them this winter.

I think my speedo is off by 15mph, but then I don't really check my speedo when I ride so who cares.