digest number 11734

[onlyshlomo]

Hello from BC Have a 2001 model. Lately I noticed that the front brakes are not responding as they should. Maybe it's because I had a spin on a buddy's Versys and his front brakes were super responsive & sensitive or maybe it is after a "winter break" syndrom... My KLR front brakes seem to be "not grabbing". The rear ones are providing BETTER braking. A mechanic suggested that there might be some oil or grease on the pads, so I removed the pads, cleaned them (I even gave the a light sanding) and re-installed them no change. Wondering if anyone experienced a similar issue. Best, Shlomo

[Eddie]

After you sanded the pads, did you sand the rotor, too? Some 100 grit in a circular pattern to scuff the "shine" off the surface may help the pad reaquaint itself with the rotor. The "bite" won't return immediately. But, you could see some improvement. If not: replacement pad time. =( eddie

> [Original Message] > From: onlyshlomo > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> > Date: 5/23/2011 1:47:25 AM > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Front Brakes slow response > > Hello from BC > Have a 2001 model. > Lately I noticed that the front brakes are not responding as they should. > Maybe it's because I had a spin on a buddy's Versys and his front brakes

were super responsive & sensitive or maybe it is after a "winter break" syndrom...

> My KLR front brakes seem to be "not grabbing". The rear ones are

providing BETTER braking.

> A mechanic suggested that there might be some oil or grease on the pads,

so I removed the pads, cleaned them (I even gave the a light sanding) and re-installed them no change.

> Wondering if anyone experienced a similar issue. > Best, > Shlomo > >

[Fred Hink]

Do you have a fork leaking oil? This could have gotten on your rotor and then on your brakepads. Brakepads with oil on them can never be brought back to like new. You will need to replace your pads. Be sure to clean your rotor and your forks are not leaking first or you will be doing this again. Fred http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com From: onlyshlomo Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 11:47 PM To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Front Brakes slow response Hello from BC Have a 2001 model. Lately I noticed that the front brakes are not responding as they should. Maybe it's because I had a spin on a buddy's Versys and his front brakes were super responsive & sensitive or maybe it is after a "winter break" syndrom... My KLR front brakes seem to be "not grabbing". The rear ones are providing BETTER braking. A mechanic suggested that there might be some oil or grease on the pads, so I removed the pads, cleaned them (I even gave the a light sanding) and re-installed them no change. Wondering if anyone experienced a similar issue. Best, Shlomo [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Fred Hink]

DOH! Do you see the error of your ways? Don t reply to the whole digest. Fred http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com From: Mike Hilton Sent: Monday, May 23, 2011 8:25 AM To: No Reply ; DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Digest Number 11734 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Bill Ahrens]

I just went through the same thing. Brake lever actually touched handlebar, with little effect. Did the following; Installed aftermarket SS brake line. (From Fred) Switched to Galfer green pads from generic EBC s Refilled, bled, now have lots of pedal and can actually stop. Bill Ahrens Race Chairman Emeritus Tucson Sailing Club _____ From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Fred Hink Sent: Monday, May 23, 2011 7:33 AM To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com; onlyshlomo Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Front Brakes slow response Do you have a fork leaking oil? This could have gotten on your rotor and then on your brakepads. Brakepads with oil on them can never be brought back to like new. You will need to replace your pads. Be sure to clean your rotor and your forks are not leaking first or you will be doing this again. Fred http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com From: onlyshlomo Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 11:47 PM To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Front Brakes slow response Hello from BC Have a 2001 model. Lately I noticed that the front brakes are not responding as they should. Maybe it's because I had a spin on a buddy's Versys and his front brakes were super responsive & sensitive or maybe it is after a "winter break" syndrom... My KLR front brakes seem to be "not grabbing". The rear ones are providing BETTER braking. A mechanic suggested that there might be some oil or grease on the pads, so I removed the pads, cleaned them (I even gave the a light sanding) and re-installed them no change. Wondering if anyone experienced a similar issue. Best, Shlomo [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] _____ size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#9d9da1" align=center> No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1375 / Virus Database: 1509/3654 - Release Date: 05/22/11 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jim Tegler]

Howdy Listers, I feel like I should call the rest of the group educators because I learn so much from reading the posts. Anyway, I wanted to comment on the weak front brake issue raised. I haven't been thrilled with my front brake and don't know if it is the noted characteristic of pre-08 KLRs but, mine has usually seemed weaker than I want. I would like someone else familiar with KLRs to ride it for a bit and give me their opinion regarding this and other things. I wonder if it's got a normal amount of power for a KLR? Does the handling feel at all odd? It's hard to judge these things when you have experience with only one bike. Back to lurking. Jim A5

[Jeff Khoury]

Where are you located? -Jeff Khoury From: "Jim Tegler" To: "dsn klr650" dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Monday, May 23, 2011 10:04:23 AM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Front Brakes slow response Howdy Listers, I feel like I should call the rest of the group educators because I learn so much from reading the posts. Anyway, I wanted to comment on the weak front brake issue raised. I haven't been thrilled with my front brake and don't know if it is the noted characteristic of pre-08 KLRs but, mine has usually seemed weaker than I want. I would like someone else familiar with KLRs to ride it for a bit and give me their opinion regarding this and other things. I wonder if it's got a normal amount of power for a KLR? Does the handling feel at all odd? It's hard to judge these things when you have experience with only one bike. Back to lurking. Jim A5 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]