VTX 1800 - take front caliper off rear brake circuit? Rear Brake job. Quickstop shoes
EDIT! Changed the title to better reflect thread drift.
On the Honda VTX 1800, the brakes are set up different than I have been used to.
The front calipers have 3 pistons, two large one small.
The hand brake activates the two large pistons in each cylinder.
The REAR brake circuit activates the rear brakes AND the small piston in the front calipers. I am guessing that was their solution to riders that never use the front brake - make it mandatory.
Well.... I did a HARD braking event yesterday. Had the front tire on the edge of lockup, and applying the rear harder and harder. Applying the rear brakes made the front wheel lock up with the additional pressure! I was 'Glee on Three' having that stability, and lucky we did have a safe runout area. I basically missed our turn, and was trying to brake hard to make it. First time braking REALLY hard since I got the trike. IMO, it should have been able to slow enough to make it.
Now I do know I need to replace the rear cylinders. I was a dumbass and IDIOT for even riding until they were 100%. Parts are going on before next ride. The leading shoes are not activating, only trailing.
BUT... I still dont like idea that the brakes are linked. The service manual shows the rear master cylinder is 14mm bore, and that should be great with the two rear cylinders. There also is (per manual..) a proportioning valve also.
I wish to disconnect the front brake lines coming from the rear master cylinder so the rear brakes are ONLY the rear brakes. Prolly take the proportioning valve out of the system, as it might not work correctly with no front line pressure to 'proportion' to. Probably leave the lines on, and just plug the end. That way it can be reversed if necessary or desired. And will look stock. If it is still there... almost think a proportioning valve for a rear disc brake on a single wheel should be different than one for my twin drums and fatter tires anyway...
The hand brake alone puts plenty of pressure on the front brakes top lock the wheel up. No lack of force there. I want the same ability in the back, and NOT have it affect the front. I should have it able to lock front or back wheels using their respective cylinders.
Wanted to run this by the community for other views. Any opinions?
THANK YOU!!
EDIT! Changed the title to better reflect thread drift.
On the Honda VTX 1800, the brakes are set up different than I have been used to.
The front calipers have 3 pistons, two large one small.
The hand brake activates the two large pistons in each cylinder.
The REAR brake circuit activates the rear brakes AND the small piston in the front calipers. I am guessing that was their solution to riders that never use the front brake - make it mandatory.
Well.... I did a HARD braking event yesterday. Had the front tire on the edge of lockup, and applying the rear harder and harder. Applying the rear brakes made the front wheel lock up with the additional pressure! I was 'Glee on Three' having that stability, and lucky we did have a safe runout area. I basically missed our turn, and was trying to brake hard to make it. First time braking REALLY hard since I got the trike. IMO, it should have been able to slow enough to make it.
Now I do know I need to replace the rear cylinders. I was a dumbass and IDIOT for even riding until they were 100%. Parts are going on before next ride. The leading shoes are not activating, only trailing.
BUT... I still dont like idea that the brakes are linked. The service manual shows the rear master cylinder is 14mm bore, and that should be great with the two rear cylinders. There also is (per manual..) a proportioning valve also.
I wish to disconnect the front brake lines coming from the rear master cylinder so the rear brakes are ONLY the rear brakes. Prolly take the proportioning valve out of the system, as it might not work correctly with no front line pressure to 'proportion' to. Probably leave the lines on, and just plug the end. That way it can be reversed if necessary or desired. And will look stock. If it is still there... almost think a proportioning valve for a rear disc brake on a single wheel should be different than one for my twin drums and fatter tires anyway...
The hand brake alone puts plenty of pressure on the front brakes top lock the wheel up. No lack of force there. I want the same ability in the back, and NOT have it affect the front. I should have it able to lock front or back wheels using their respective cylinders.
Wanted to run this by the community for other views. Any opinions?
THANK YOU!!