Meziere-Reverser-web-ad-90x750-r3 copy

150 Most Recent Posts

Thread AuthorPostersPost AuthorForumThread/Post Link
Oldman-TriGlide1Oldman-TriGlideHarley Tri GlideOpen or Closed Trailer for 2028 Tri...
RedOregon13Papa ZookHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Papa Zook239SullyNew Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
RedOregon13NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
phillipschuckann7NotgrownupHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
Papa Zook239ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
PKLGW2pawsHonda Trikes2007 gl1800 motor trike
ultrafxr5Papa ZookHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Noodles1072NotgrownupHarley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
ultrafxr5NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Papa Zook239rhino 2New Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
PKLGW2PKLGWHonda Trikes2007 gl1800 motor trike
Papa Zook239skisnow806New Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
Speedy Pete12JTJerseyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Just BOB2Just BOBStallion Trikesinfo
ultrafxr5Longbeard71Harley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5TrampasHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Noodles1072Noodles107Harley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
Speedy Pete12cycle7447New Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
RISal24!12cycle7447New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
phillipschuckann7Papa ZookHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
RISal24!12ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bama boy4Grey_Ghost_27Stallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
phillipschuckann7trike ladyHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
RISal24!12trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Speedy Pete12RustyBNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
RISal24!12Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11RustyBNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12RustyBNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11ZammyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12SullyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12ZammyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Chief80138520fdHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
RISal24!12GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12RISal24!New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
woody19woodyHonda Trikes2019 Goldwing CSC
DK Custom Products362NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideWhat did you do to Your Tri-Glide T...
Bouncer10NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
phillipschuckann7GorillaHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
rjd637brianlHonda Trikes1989 Honda Goldwing trike opinions
DeathBySnuSnu19GorillaVW Powered TrikesVolkswagen Kit Cars
DK Custom Products362520fdHarley Tri GlideWhat did you do to Your Tri-Glide T...
SHARKDIVER4DK Custom ProductsGeneral Harley Chatsuper shox
phillipschuckann7trike ladyHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7ol' schoolHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7rhino 2Honda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7phillipschuckannHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
Bowie11Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
DeathBySnuSnu19DeathBySnuSnuVW Powered TrikesVolkswagen Kit Cars
Bowie11woodyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Just BOB2GorillaStallion Trikesinfo
SHARKDIVER4WindyOneGeneral Harley Chatsuper shox
Bouncer10GorillaHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Just BOB2Just BOBStallion Trikesinfo
Chief80138CagmoHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
PopPop13consitterNew Member Introduct...New Member
TxHarleyRider2Papa ZookHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
PopPop13Pegasus1300New Member Introduct...New Member
Bouncer10NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
PopPop13ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New Member
Bowie11ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Chief80138DOKKHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bowie11trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11GorillaNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11rhino 2New Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11Marc HNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
SaltBushBill11Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member
Bowie11BowieNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Rick Sinacore9RawhidekenHarley Tri GlideTour pack reinforcement
SaltBushBill11Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member
Burnerboy3tommyv333Harley Trike Convers...Hey Bozo (Andrew)
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Noodles1073JTJerseyHarley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Noodles1073trike ladyHarley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Old Aviator5Phu CatHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
SaltBushBill11SullyNew Member Introduct...New member
ronc44242Papa ZookHarley Tri Glidequestion
TxHarleyRider2TxHarleyRiderHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Chappy KC5StrelnikovFrankensteinFrankenstein Kit
jerry1@iw.net4StrelnikovFrankensteinFrankenstein owners
TxHarleyRider2Papa ZookHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Skavoola14SkavoolaNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
Old Aviator5GoldWingrGregHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
El Lobo10El LoboHarley Tri GlideBeen away for a while
SaltBushBill11GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member
cissywalton2GorillaCalifornia Sidecar T...how do I change out the reverse bel...
Noodles1073Noodles107Harley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
SaltBushBill11trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member
ronc44242ronc4424Harley Tri Glidequestion
Old Aviator5SkavoolaHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5rhino 2Honda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
cissywalton2cissywaltonCalifornia Sidecar T...how do I change out the reverse bel...
Skavoola14PosseRiderNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
Skavoola14woodyNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
PopPop13woodyNew Member Introduct...New Member
Speedy Pete12woodyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10woodyNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11woodyNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
SaltBushBill11rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member
RedOregon13NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
SaltBushBill11ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
D'07ShadowAero6ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...My Older and Dear Friends Gideon! M...
SaltBushBill11scuzziNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11SaltBushBillNew Member Introduct...New member
PopPop2Pegasus1300Can Am Spyder Trike...New Member
Vulcanology10GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member
TxHarleyRider2TxHarleyRiderHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Speedy Pete12trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
rjd637trike ladyHonda Trikes1989 Honda Goldwing trike opinions
DrCrazyTrain13Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...Introduction
Vulcanology10Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Speedy Pete12rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10ZammyNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12ZammyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
RedOregon13RKplus10Harley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
SHARKDIVER4DK Custom ProductsGeneral Harley Chatsuper shox
RedOregon13DK Custom ProductsHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
DanTheMan1DanTheManNew Member Introduct...Where Have All The Good Trikes Gone...
RedOregon13ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
RedOregon13David792Harley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
Rawhideken121dn5upHarley Tri Glide2024 Tri glide
rjd637pawsHonda Trikes1989 Honda Goldwing trike opinions
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
Likes Likes:  11
Thanks Thanks:  0
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 24

Thread: 2002 Roadhawk questions

  1. #1
    200+ Posts
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    pineville, la
    Posts
    201
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default 2002 Roadhawk questions

    Just bought a 02 Roadhawk and have questions about the brakes. It doesn't have a brake on the front wheel just the rear. It has a very hard pedal and to me the brakes don't work very good. As far as I know everything is stock. I adjusted the brakes the way the VW manual says and it might have helped a little but still not good brakes. I read a few articles on the forum about piston cylinder size of the master cylinder but didn't understand if that helped. Could my master cylinder not be working properly? I talked to the company that sells the Roadhawk. I told them about the brakes and told the guy I don't see how they could sell the trike with inferior brakes and he agreed. He told me to start by readjusting the brakes and agreed I have something wrong. I will keep checking until I get better brakes hopefully. I don't feel safe at any speed. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.
    Also at around 42 to 46 mph I get a vibration from the front then after I get past that it's fine. There are no wheel weights on the rim. I think I will take it off and have dyna beads put in and hopefully that helps. Does anyone else when owns a Roadhawk have any problem with vibration.
    If I can get these two things straightened out I believe I will be really happy. Thanks

  2. #2
    Old Redneck Motorhead
    VW Tech Contributor
    TrikeTalk Moderator
    DeathBySnuSnu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Vicksburg MS USA
    Posts
    1,757
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    What brakes did roadhawk use?
    Disc or drums?
    Vw parts?
    Typically the rear brakes on an car are only around 20% of the stopping power.
    On a trike they are near 100%.
    So normally they should be beefed up from stock automobile units.
    Basic rule of thumb would be....
    Largest bore you can at the wheel.
    Smallest bore you can at the master.
    On a drum brake you usually use a larger bore front brake slave cylinder.
    Then there is many different master cylinder bore sizes. Most people use one in the 5/8 to 3/4 bore range.

  3. #3
    1000+ Posts
    VW Tech Contributor
    stinger608's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Cheyenne Wyoming USA
    Posts
    1,118
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Seems as though RoadHawk used the stock VW type brakes and master. I would look at the geometry of the peddle. Is it too short causing it to be very hard to push?

    Maybe look as something like these to install vs the stock VW master cylinder?

    http://www.pacificcustoms.com/vw-tri...ssemblies.html

    They are a bit pricey but for decent brakes I think it would be worth it.

  4. #4
    200+ Posts
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    pineville, la
    Posts
    201
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default 2002 Roadhawk questions

    Death, I believe all parts for the running gear are VW. I am not sure what year the trans axle is and I assume everything on the trike is the way it came from the factory. It does have drum brakes. I didn't know they ever used disc. I see pictures of some Roadhawks that have a springier front end like mine have a disc brake. Does anyone know who sells a kit for front brakes? I will keep checking and hopefully get it straight.
    Stinger, I measured the pedal and it measures 5 1/4 inches from center of the tube it is welded to to center of the pedal itself if that makes sense. Like I told Death I believe that is the way it came. I would be willing to extend the pedal if that would help. I looked at the master cylinder and pedal set up at Pacific Customs. That is a little pricey but if it helped it would be worth the money for sure. I didn't read but I wonder if it would bolt right up. I'll check in to it.
    Have you heard of anyone with vibration problems on the front? I am going to get the tire balance checked and hope that helps..
    Thanks Death and Stinger.

  5. #5
    1000+ Posts
    VW Tech Contributor
    stinger608's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Cheyenne Wyoming USA
    Posts
    1,118
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by starrider1946 View Post
    Death, I believe all parts for the running gear are VW. I am not sure what year the trans axle is and I assume everything on the trike is the way it came from the factory. It does have drum brakes. I didn't know they ever used disc. I see pictures of some Roadhawks that have a springier front end like mine have a disc brake. Does anyone know who sells a kit for front brakes? I will keep checking and hopefully get it straight.
    Stinger, I measured the pedal and it measures 5 1/4 inches from center of the tube it is welded to to center of the pedal itself if that makes sense. Like I told Death I believe that is the way it came. I would be willing to extend the pedal if that would help. I looked at the master cylinder and pedal set up at Pacific Customs. That is a little pricey but if it helped it would be worth the money for sure. I didn't read but I wonder if it would bolt right up. I'll check in to it.
    Have you heard of anyone with vibration problems on the front? I am going to get the tire balance checked and hope that helps..
    Thanks Death and Stinger.

    Wow, at only 5 1/4" I have to think that is probably the issue. If you noticed on Pacific Customs site, the shortest peddle is 12". Maybe you could cut the peddle and put extra length on the one you have? If you could get it around 10" or more I would think that would help a ton.

    I have to believe that the front wheel and tire are in fact out of balance. Not sure on the Dyna beads but you could also take it to a motorcycle shop and have it spun balanced. I am sure it wouldn't be all that expensive. Probably $20 to $30 tops.

  6. #6
    200+ Posts
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    pineville, la
    Posts
    201
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default 2002 Roadhawk questions

    Well if it should be around 12" that could be my problem. I'll get my friend to extend the length. That is going to make it kind of odd to use the pedal but if that helps the stopping power I'll do it. I had no idea it should be that long.
    I just had dyna beads put in the front tire and I can't tell it made any difference. I don't know if the cycle shops here can spin balance the tire and wheel. I was hoping the dyna beads would do it. I wonder if an automotive shop could do it? I am going to jack it up and check and make sure the front wheel isn't bent or anything. Thanks for the advice and I'll keep up the post.
    Quote Originally Posted by stinger608 View Post
    Wow, at only 5 1/4" I have to think that is probably the issue. If you noticed on Pacific Customs site, the shortest peddle is 12". Maybe you could cut the peddle and put extra length on the one you have? If you could get it around 10" or more I would think that would help a ton.

    I have to believe that the front wheel and tire are in fact out of balance. Not sure on the Dyna beads but you could also take it to a motorcycle shop and have it spun balanced. I am sure it wouldn't be all that expensive. Probably $20 to $30 tops.

  7. #7
    Old Redneck Motorhead
    VW Tech Contributor
    TrikeTalk Moderator
    DeathBySnuSnu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Vicksburg MS USA
    Posts
    1,757
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Check your wheel cylinders also.
    If someone who did not know went to the auto parts store and bought vw rear brake cylinders they would have gotten the wrong parts. Would lower the brake power a lot.

  8. #8
    200+ Posts
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    pineville, la
    Posts
    201
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default 2002 rodahawk questions

    So what do I need to make sure I have the right wheel cylinders and everything is right for the rear? You think I need to buy new wheel cylinders? I also looked at the master cylinder. It has one of the old style I think called single circuit master cylinders. It is so small. Basically looks like a tube to me. I don't see how it could be that strong. I am going to check Monday with Pacific Customs. I hope they sell one that bolts right in place without modifications. There isn't a whole lot of room but hopefully theirs will fit. On the wheel deal I jacked the trike up.O
    Quote Originally Posted by DeathBySnuSnu View Post
    Check your wheel cylinders also. On the wheel deal I jacked the trike up and spun the wheel over by hand and I can see some run out in the tire. The rim looks pretty good but I will carry it to the guy here in town that can hopefully fix me up. Don't really want weights on the rim but if that what it takes that's what I will do. Don't like that vibration. Will keep you posted.
    If someone who did not know went to the auto parts store and bought vw rear brake cylinders they would have gotten the wrong parts. Would lower the brake power a lot.
    Last edited by starrider1946; 05-02-2015 at 01:20 PM. Reason: didn't finish posting

  9. #9
    Old Redneck Motorhead
    VW Tech Contributor
    TrikeTalk Moderator
    DeathBySnuSnu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Vicksburg MS USA
    Posts
    1,757
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    It has been more than 30yrs since I have run vw drums. I run disc brakes. I made mine go faster so I gotta stop faster too.
    I might could do the research for you and come up with the bore sizes.

    But what you are looking for is the diameter of the wheel cylinder bore. Would have to actually look at it and probably measure also. Original German parts might have identifying marks on them. But the original parts from Germany are probably long long gone.


    The master cylinder would be a single circuit because that is all you have, a single circuit, *rears only. So yes it will be a simple tube shape. The smaller the bore the better.*
    I would be willing to bet that originally it had sufficient brakes and that something has been changed to a wrong part or that your axle seals leak and the shoes are soaked with oil.
    With as short of a lever as you have the bore diameter would have to be small. Look for it to be 5/8 to 11/16 (15 to 17mm). The common vw single with the built on reservoir is a 7/8 (22mm). That one would be wayyyyy stiff to push.

  10. #10
    Old Redneck Motorhead
    VW Tech Contributor
    TrikeTalk Moderator
    DeathBySnuSnu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Vicksburg MS USA
    Posts
    1,757
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Ok the std rear drum brake wheel cylinders are 17mm bore.
    They should be swapped to super beetle front drum brake cylinders that are 22.8mm bore.
    Changing piston area from 227 Sq mm to 445 Sq mm. Effectively doubling the force applied.
    I would think a commercial builder knows this. But if somewhere over the years someone walking into the auto parts store and said "I need wheel cylinders for a beetle rear end" then they got the wrong thing and it now takes twice the pedal force to stop.

    Same thing about the master, if it has been changed to the wrong one then it could be the problem.

    Also check for the obvious.
    Worn out shoes.
    Leaking seals / oily shoes.
    Collapsed rubber lines.

  11. #11
    200+ Posts
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    pineville, la
    Posts
    201
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default 2002 rodahawk question

    Thanks so much for the info. I think as a start I will get the super beetle brake cylinders. Put new rubber lines on and extend the length of the brake pedal unless Pacific Customs has a master cylinder that I can just bolt right on. I will call them Monday. I'll do this and see what I have.I didn't finish my post awhile ago about the front wheel. I am going to a place here in town that can spin balance the front wheel, get that done and hope that fixes my problem. I'll probably go ahead and have the rears done also. I'll keep you posted and let you know the outcome. Thanks again.
    Quote Originally Posted by DeathBySnuSnu View Post
    Ok the std rear drum brake wheel cylinders are 17mm bore.
    They should be swapped to super beetle front drum brake cylinders that are 22.8mm bore.
    Changing piston area from 227 Sq mm to 445 Sq mm. Effectively doubling the force applied.
    I would think a commercial builder knows this.

    But if somewhere over the years someone walking into the auto parts store and said "I need wheel cylinders for a beetle rear end" then they got the wrong thing and it now takes twice the pedal force to stop.

    Same thing about the master, if it has been changed to the wrong one then it could be the problem.

    Also check for the obvious.
    Worn out shoes.
    Leaking seals / oily shoes.
    Collapsed rubber lines.

  12. #12
    Old Redneck Motorhead
    VW Tech Contributor
    TrikeTalk Moderator
    DeathBySnuSnu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Vicksburg MS USA
    Posts
    1,757
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    The super beetle front wheel cylinders are not a direct bolt on to all rear mount plates. Some backing plates need the holes enlarged or slotted for the bolt holes.
    Of course I am working from old memories from 30 plus years ago.
    Good luck

  13. #13
    200+ Posts
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    pineville, la
    Posts
    201
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default 2002 roadhawk questions

    I will check these things out and check on the 22mm wheel cyclinders.If the line would connect right up it wouldn't be bad jus to enlarge the mocunting holes.Thanks again for the help.
    Quote Originally Posted by DeathBySnuSnu View Post
    Ok the std rear drum brake wheel cylinders are 17mm bore.
    They should be swapped to super beetle front drum brake cylinders that are 22.8mm bore.
    Changing piston area from 227 Sq mm to 445 Sq mm. Effectively doubling the force applied.
    I would think a commercial builder knows this. But if somewhere over the years someone walking into the auto parts store and said "I need wheel cylinders for a beetle rear end" then they got the wrong thing and it now takes twice the pedal force to stop.

    Same thing about the master, if it has been changed to the wrong one then it could be the problem.

    Also check for the obvious.
    Worn out shoes.
    Leaking seals / oily shoes.
    Collapsed rubber lines.

  14. #14
    1000+ Posts
    VW Tech Contributor
    stinger608's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Cheyenne Wyoming USA
    Posts
    1,118
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DeathBySnuSnu View Post
    The super beetle front wheel cylinders are not a direct bolt on to all rear mount plates. Some backing plates need the holes enlarged or slotted for the bolt holes.
    Of course I am working from old memories from 30 plus years ago.
    Good luck

    You, my friend, have a good memory. I believe that is completely correct.

  15. #15
    5+ Posts
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Lakewood, Colorado USA
    Posts
    6
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Questions

    Quote Originally Posted by starrider1946 View Post
    Just bought a 02 Roadhawk and have questions about the brakes. It doesn't have a brake on the front wheel just the rear. It has a very hard pedal and to me the brakes don't work very good. As far as I know everything is stock. I adjusted the brakes the way the VW manual says and it might have helped a little but still not good brakes. I read a few articles on the forum about piston cylinder size of the master cylinder but didn't understand if that helped. Could my master cylinder not be working properly? I talked to the company that sells the Roadhawk. I told them about the brakes and told the guy I don't see how they could sell the trike with inferior brakes and he agreed. He told me to start by readjusting the brakes and agreed I have something wrong.

    I will keep checking until I get better brakes hopefully. I don't feel safe at any speed. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.
    Also at around 42 to 46 mph I get a vibration from the front then after I get past that it's fine. There are no wheel weights on the rim. I think I will take it off and have dyna beads put in and hopefully that helps. Does anyone else when owns a Roadhawk have any problem with vibration.
    If I can get these two things straightened out I believe I will be really happy. Thanks
    For what its worth; I, too, purchased an '02 Roadhawk about a year ago. Of course it was used. So I don't know what modifications had been done to it. When I bought it, I considered it to be in fair condition.

    But since I got it at a very good price, I decided to take a chance, and make it a project. Here is a couple things I found out that may be of help.
    1. Mine has Disk brakes on all Three wheels. But the front brake did not function at all. The problem turned out to be that the Piston on the front master cylinder was frozen. I found that the front break is from a Harley Sportster. So a rebuild of the Master cylinder took care of that.
    2. The entire front end is from a Harley FX Springer. I knew that because I used to have that model Harley.) Because a Springer front end is heavy, the Goose-Neck bearings wear out more frequently.

    That might be causing the Vibration.
    I am told that the remainder of the Drive train is VW. Now my motor is a 2333cc. I am also told that its kind of a modified Volkswagen engine, and it was the engine used in the early Porsche's. And with that, that's another issue I have. Since its sort of a Hot rod, it runs ruff at low RPM's. I don't particularly like that, but again, "Its a project".

  16. #16
    1000+ Posts
    VW Tech Contributor
    stinger608's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Cheyenne Wyoming USA
    Posts
    1,118
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by KaySea
    modified Volkswagen engine, and it was the engine used in the early Porsche's


    Na, if its a stroked and large bore VDub engine it was never used in a Porsche. Porsche had their own design of engine that had different cylinders, heads, intake, and cooling fan system. The mid 70 Porsche 914 used an engine that was later used also in the VW vans.

    Unless that is the type of VW engine your running and not the original type 1 engine.

  17. #17
    850+ Posts vwbug72501's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Batesville, AR. 72501
    Posts
    714
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default 2002 roadhawk questions

    Do the exhaust ports come horizontally out of the front and back of the cylinder heads or vertically out of the bottom? Horizontal = type 1,2,3 (bug, early van, ghia, squareback). Vertical = type 4 (Porsche 914, late van). Post a picture.

  18. #18
    1+ Posts
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    Columbiaville, Mich. U.S.A.
    Posts
    2
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Definitely change over to rear disc brakes and a hydraulic brake unit. I had the same problem with the drum brakes on my Kharman ghia trike conversion. You will be much happier and safer. Also, have the problem with the front end shake. A new tire and balancement {this is a must}will go a long ways to remedy this but you may not get it all out. Been riding mine over 10 years.

  19. #19
    100+ Posts roadhawk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Bakersfield, Ca. USA
    Posts
    121
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    My 99 Roadhawk came with drums, totally worthless when pulling a trailer. <br />
    Installing the EMPI disk brake conversion was the best thing I ever did to it.<br />
    No front brake and still have plenty of stopping power.

  20. #20
    1000+ Posts
    VW Tech Contributor
    stinger608's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Cheyenne Wyoming USA
    Posts
    1,118
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by roadhawk View Post
    My 99 Roadhawk came with drums, totally worthless when pulling a trailer.
    Installing the EMPI disk brake conversion was the best thing I ever did to it.
    No front brake and still have plenty of stopping power.

    Yep, I did the same thing to my trike. Best braking power available. And pretty reasonable priced as well.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Roadhawk Trike
    By bigjoey38 in forum Other Brands Trikes
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-05-2014, 06:03 AM
  2. 99 roadhawk rebuild
    By reno69694 in forum VW Powered Trikes
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-17-2012, 12:20 AM
  3. roadhawk fender bra
    By 2blackbelts in forum VW Powered Trikes
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-23-2012, 11:41 PM
  4. Roadhawk upgrades done
    By 2blackbelts in forum General Discussion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-15-2012, 05:25 AM
  5. Roadhawk
    By jlberkey in forum VW Powered Trikes
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-05-2010, 12:16 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •