I'll reply using both emails, since this issue addresses a problem I solved on both my CB-550K and CB-750K...
In each instance I was dissatisfied with the braking available from the OEM front brake. After 'rebuilding' the caliper with new seal and cleaning the pads and rotor, and still not being satisfied, I wound up getting a 'braided stainless' brake hose for each bike. One hose (the 550K) I had made locally, I don't know who did it. The other was made by sending the original to Galfer, they turned it around in about two weeks. I can't remember the cost. In both cases the problem was solved. The front brake (while not up to the VFR dual disk setup) is much more solid and controllable, and probably stops better than it did before. I didn't do any 'before/after' measurements or anything, but it was a noticable difference. I also have Galfer hoses on the VFR, and they are top quality and of reasonable cost. One hint, to help with bleeding the brakes and in regularly changing the brake fluid (very important, I do it once a year on all the bikes) is to use the Speedbleeders on the calipers. This -greatly- simplifies the brake fluid flush! -- Jim Brokaw DoD #1415 SOHC/4 #40 AMA #716223 Santa Clara, CA _________________________________________________________ 1978 CB550K - First Bike 1978 CB750K - Big Brother 1980 CB750F - Money Pit 1994 VFR750F - Fast Bike _________________________________________________________ on 9/1/03 4:41 PM, Dick Seng at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I've thought of this very same thing regarding my '75 400F and am > wondering if the original hoses are deteriorating to the point of swelling > up (like a balloon) when the brakes are applied hard. > I'm seriously thinking of getting a set of 400F specific, made to order, > Stainless Steel lines for the fronts. Maybe from Galfer. > > Dick Seng > Ellington CT > SHOC4 #657 > 1975 CB400F SS > N 41� 55.766 W 72� 26.618 > ================================ > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Fred Pixley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Multiple recipients of list" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 6:28 AM > Subject: front brake performance > > > What could be the cause of an ineffective front brake on a 1974 CB750K? > I've cleaned the caliper and adjusted the clearance. The master was bled of > air. There is no dragging. The lever action feels quite normal, not spongy > or excessively hard either. When I apply the front brake at speed, it > initially starts to bite, but not strongly and increasing lever pull doesn't > seem to increase the braking power. The hoses are original, but appear in > good condition. Any ideas? > > Fred Pixley > Napanee, Ontario > CB750K3,K4 > > >
