shaneballance
New member
can you use a master cylinder on the handle bars of a bike as the brake for the vw trike.i really don't want to use the vw master cylinder.so can i use the one on the motorcycle handle bars?
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The handlebar master cylinders do not offer the mechanical leverage needed to operate the rear brakes, as well as not enough volume. The only solution to allow use of only the handlebar braking system is if it were assisted by some type of power steering device in line with the brakes. Rear VW brakes need minimum of a 6 to 1 leverage ratio and ideally more like an 8 to 1 ratio - and that's if using your foot to operate. Handlebar levers only offer about 3 to 1 leverage at best - good for operating a single front brake caliper, but not enough for rear brakes.
How does one ascertain leverage ratio? I have a VW system on the rear of my trike and I'm not happy with the stopping power.
How does one ascertain leverage ratio? I have a VW system on the rear of my trike and I'm not happy with the stopping power.
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