Over recent years, a lot of research, time and technology has been put into making motorcycles safer whilst enhancing performance. The conscientious motorcyclist will be aware of upgrades that can improve safety, and generally be aware of how motorcycle technology has progressed over the years. It is worthwhile to keep in mind that bike technology is constantly improving, and after just a few years some can benefit from having parts such as brakes upgraded
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Many early motorcycles used drum brakes in order to stop – a shoe would be pushed up against the inside of the drum to cause friction and slow the bike down. Although this method was effective – and is still used on smaller bikes – it became apparent that stronger, heavier bikes needed something different. Drum brakes are prone to overheating, especially on larger bikes, and need adjusting quite regularly.
It wasn’t until around the 1970s that disc brakes began to be used, although today the majority of bikes will use this system. Motorcycle brake rotors increased in popularity because they overheat less easily than drums, do not require frequent adjustment and are also more pleasing to look at. Initially disc brakes had one major flaw – they were much less effective in wet conditions as the moisture reduced the friction between the pads and rotors. Cross drilling was initially used for racing car brakes, but drilled and slotted motorcycle brake rotors were soon introduced. Both cross drilling and slotting enable water, gas and heat to escape easily, enhancing braking performance. Today, some bikes even have ABS.
Maintaining motorcycle brakes is of great importance. Check your motorcycle brake rotors and pads regularly, and if brakes do not seem to be working correctly it is best to have them looked at by a professional. Replace brake pads when they are worn down, if they are left too long they can cause scoring on the motorcycle brake rotors, meaning that these will need replacing or fixing as well, this can increase the cost quite considerably. Ensure that you use the correct kind of brake fluid for your bike, if in doubt seek advice. Brake fluid should be checked regularly and may need bleeding. When doing this try to avoid spilling the fluid as it can damage metal and paintwork. Check the condition of front and rear callipers and see if they need cleaning and if dust and piston seals need replacing. Some riders are confident to perform checks and general maintenance on their own brakes, if you are uncertain, take your bike to a professional.
Thre’s no doubt that owning a motorcycle can be a dream come true, whether a bike is your first vehicle or whether you have used a car for years and just purchased a motorbike for use at weekends. Some people spend a large part of their spare time travelling across states on their bike. No matter why you own your motorbike, keeping it properly maintained and roadworthy is essential. Knowing you bike is in good working order can mean you enjoy your time on it all the more. |
