C50 Brakes

[Boulevard Billy]

This is the first bike I have owned and while it is new, I would like to know more about the braking system on the bike and its maintenance. Lots of info on the web but nothing specific to the C50. How long between brake adjustments? How long on a set of brakes? The adjustment on the drum; how is it set? I know the front caliper should be self-adjusting. Do you adjust the tightness/ response by setting the right hand control?

I have the bike shop check the brakes at every 3,000 mi maintenace but I never trust my brakes to anyone else. I've had no problems stopping and the high compression motor is better than a Jake brake but the brakes are soft and I would imagine fade quickly from heavy use/ heat.

The problem I have is that I could drive this bike in non-urban areas and never apply the brakes. As a result of never having to stand on it you don't realize how far out of adjustment they have become until an emergency situation arises. Any information would be appreciated.

[92Notch]

Originally Posted by Boulevard Billy

This is the first bike I have owned and while it is new, I would like to know more about the braking system on the bike and its maintenance. Lots of info on the web but nothing specific to the C50. How long between brake adjustments? How long on a set of brakes? The adjustment on the drum; how is it set? I know the front caliper should be self-adjusting. Do you adjust the tightness/ response by setting the right hand control?

I have the bike shop check the brakes at every 3,000 mi maintenace but I never trust my brakes to anyone else. I've had no problems stopping and the high compression motor is better than a Jake brake but the brakes are soft and I would imagine fade quickly from heavy use/ heat.

The problem I have is that I could drive this bike in non-urban areas and never apply the brakes. As a result of never having to stand on it you don't realize how far out of adjustment they have become until an emergency situation arises. Any information would be appreciated.

i'm not sure you can adjust anything on the brakes... watch the pad thickness on the front, keep an eye on the wear indicator on the rear and make sure the brake fluid is good. .... there probably is a way to adjust the rear brakes, but i've never don it on the bike (I pretty much do not use the rear brake).

[tlwisner]

The brake maintenence and adjustment details are in the owner's manual.