Topic: Thoughts on mystery braking

[simplesimon]

Hello everyone.  I joined awhile ago, but unfortunately haven't had much time to pay attention to my bikes.  Hopefully that will change this winter.  Onto the mystery braking.

I purchased a 1973 cb350f about five years ago and noticed from the get go that the front brake seems to engage when the handlebars are turned.  It doesn't do it consistently, and it's doesn't always do it on both sides.

I've been told that I need to install new wheel bearings, but I thought I would check with this community first.  Probably should put them in anyway.

[The_Crippler]

Could be calipers locking up or that the brake line has a problem.  More often on turns, you see issues with cables being the wrong length and pulling the clutch/revving the throttle.

Check your calipers for wear and and corrosion and check the rubber of your brake line.  Start there and see if you find anything out of whack.  If not, at least we've eliminated those two things.

[MCRider]

Since its a hydraulic brake, turning the steering shouldn't affect it much if at all. A cable brake could feel funny if the cable was getting stretched or kinked thru the range.

Caliper maybe. It floats (I think) so should resist being affected.

With the wheel bearings the wheel could be cocking ever so slightly as it turns back an forth. The disc would tilt in the caliper and possibly bind against the puck(s). A very slight tilt at the hub would be magnified by the diameter of the disc.

Five years? Ride much?   

[lone*X]

Yes, the mystery braking could be from binding of the wheel or rotor if the bearings are worn and may not be from the caliper being applied by hydraulic force.  By all means check the entire braking system to ensure it is functioning properly,  in addition to the rolling stock for play.  

[Duanob]

Make sure the hydraulic brakeline isn't being pinched somewhere when the wheel is turned.

[simplesimon]

Five years? Ride much?   

Funny you mention that.  I used to ride a lot more, before I became a Honda Field rep.  Now that I'm no longer a rep I'm finding time for "my" bikes again.  This one has been a project from the beginning.  My original idea was to make a replica gp machine like Terry Naughtins "Team Hansen Honda" Hailwood project. 

http://www.teamhansenhonda.com/hailproj.htm

However, in five years I've moved the bike four times through four states and now I just want to get it back to being roadworthy.  I might get a little creative with it over winter if I can free up some money.

[MCRider]

Five years? Ride much?   

Funny you mention that.  I used to ride a lot more, before I became a Honda Field rep.  Now that I'm no longer a rep I'm finding time for "my" bikes again.  This one has been a project from the beginning.  My original idea was to make a replica gp machine like Terry Naughtins "Team Hansen Honda" Hailwood project. 

http://www.teamhansenhonda.com/hailproj.htm

However, in five years I've moved the bike four times through four states and now I just want to get it back to being roadworthy.  I might get a little creative with it over winter if I can free up some money.

You know the old saying, "the cobbler's kids have no shoes".  always doing it for someone else, no time for yourself.

Get that thing sorted and go ride.

[RatBikeRandy]

I had the same issue with mine.  Would bind when turned to the left, but not the right.  Had some gunk behind the caliper piston and the problem cleared up when cleaned completely.  A year later I have a little binding again, but not as much as before.