Brakes
Some bikes suffer from very poor brakes whilst others have no problems. Small calliper bikes are improved by using large master cylinder from later model and bevel series. Modifications to improve standard system include Goodridge hoses, Teflon calliper pistons, stainless calliper pins, discarding front splitter unit and doubling brake hoses to master cylinder, bleed nipple at master cylinder banjo bolt (ignition key clearance problems when using this), drilling hole to link cavity present at calliper joint to hose entry. Brake pads recommended are Brembo soft compound, Ferodo,EBC, Vesrah (available via the club). Failure of the friction material has been reported due to rust forcing material off backing plate after machine has been used in bad weather. Regular checks are advised. Brake discs rust overnight and can contaminate pad friction material. Poor brake performance has been improved by soaking discs with acetone to remove grease and oil contamination. Cadmium plating of discs has been done to stop rusting. Regular checks advised on disc surface condition and size. Some discs are very close to minimum tolerance from new, making remachining difficult. Extensive drilling has been done to lighten discs on one machine without adverse effect on reliability. Existing holes can be opened slightly. Radially drilled holes in outer edge of disc have been used to lighten and create turbo cooling. Noise from rear brake when bike wheeled slowly is caused by calliper mounting plate vibrating, cured by a small wooden wedge on one machine! Permanent cure found by floating the calliper with mounting arm attached to crankcase.
Rusting of discs seems to cause problems with contamination of the friction material and significant decrease in braking capacity. Original brake hoses caused very spongy lever. Goodridge hoses provided much better feel, but very hefty squeeze required to stop hard.