On the brake; block up the front end so the wheel is off the ground. Spin the wheel and apply the brake. Release the brake. Can you spin the wheel ? Answer this first before anything else. The clutch; how much free play is there ? Where does the clutch grab ? Close in to the bars ? all the way out ? This will determine the course of action. You've spent a good deal of time on this project, take some more. All good questions you've asked. Given it's condition as you got it , you have every right to suspect something. They're very pleasant when everything works as it should.
--- On Tue, 9/29/09, JP <[email protected]> wrote: From: JP <[email protected]> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Stiff front brake & clutch To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 8:41 PM hey folks just wondering if anyone has any insight on what I can do to loosen the front brake on my '83 CB650 SC? I bought it as a learning project and so far I've gotten it from dead to running.. fixed electrics.. fixed carbs.. but I am sort of clueless on hydraulic brakes & clutch. The clutch has a really short engagement which feels twitchy.. I am okay with that, but ideally would like to smooth out the feel of the pull on the handle. It feels pretty stiff. The front brake I am really unhappy with. I can barely pull the handle in more than a couple cm (about an inch) and it's fully engaged. I also think it's the culprit of some squeaking noises I hear when rolling the bike in neutral. When I bought the bike I was told the brakes were brand new.. but considering the complete monkey job I saw in the carbs (all jets completely closed, set fully lean, spark plugs were burning white hot,) I am feeling like I need to take a look at this. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
