2008 Suzuki M50 Rear-brake Lock-up

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by SilverBlueM50

Also, to comments that I need to take a more "active" roll in taking care of the bike - true.

That may be true.....but the comment that I made that sounded something like that really had a different point in mind.

What I was trying to say is: At the first hint of something REALLY out of the ordinary, like smelling smoke......you should stop IMMEDIATELY (as soon as it is safe) and inspect things to see what is wrong. From your original story, I got the impresssion that you might have been just a few minutes....or seconds....away from a rear lockup and a disaster.

You should NOT continue to ride when something isn't right.

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

That may be true.....but the comment that I made that sounded something like that really had a different point in mind.

What I was trying to say is: At the first hint of something REALLY out of the ordinary, like smelling smoke......you should stop IMMEDIATELY (as soon as it is safe) and inspect things to see what is wrong. From your original story, I got the impresssion that you might have been just a few minutes....or seconds....away from a rear lockup and a disaster.

You should NOT continue to ride when something isn't right.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

You should NOT continue to ride when something isn't right.

Maybe I should finish the story; don't think I've told it here before.

Last year, coming back home from Atlanta, I was cruising along about 60 when I heard a rather loud pop. It sounded like I ran over something like a flattened beer can.....but couldn't see anything in the mirror on the road.

I continued to ride but just 30 seconds or so later, I heard and FELT another jolt. This time I pulled off immediately. Damn good thing I did. Both noises had been made by a loose luggage strap that was wrapping around the back sprocket !!!

It had actually snapped the strap twice. I was VERY lucky that it didn't lock up the rear and throw me off. When I saw nothing laying in the road.......I should have stopped right then for an inspection.

In addition to learning that valuable lesson, I also learned to secure my straps better, check them more often and cut OFF any excess that isn't really needed.