Topic: Brakes - Backsies or Frontsies ???

[ElCheapo]

Now I keep hearing that the orientation of having the caliper behind the fork tube is more effective. It was posed to me if I thought there was a problem with switching right and left fork tubes to change the orientation of the caliper to be rear set instead of front set. Has anyone done this modification? I know there may be some system bleeding issues due to bleeder orientation, but on his a Kawasaki Mach III Triple you could just change the feed line for the bleeder.

I know this can't be done on my CB 500 because the axle has the 71' shouldered axle which is year specific, but I do not know if it is side specific so maybe this can be done.

[ElCheapo]

It appears that I have a stumper and a new project all at once

[bill440cars]

               ElCheapo,  I know that it's been done and I think this is the site that I've seen posts on the
         subject. I'll try to find something on it ASAP but, I'm going to be kinda busy this morning. If I
         remember right, the fork tube/leg assemblies are swapped. the calipers are disassembled and
         there is a procedure that will allow you to swap the bleeder and line connection as well. I hope
         someone, with more knowledge on this subject, will jump in here soon. I hate for you to be
         waiting on me to get the time to try to figure out where I have seen this. Good luck to you and
         I catch you later on today, Bill

[Bob Wessner]

Bill,

I saw this post and it rang a bell with me also. I even thought that at the time I had asked the question as to why putting the caliper in back was worth doing (better braking was the response since disk rotation pressed caliper assembly toward the leg rather than away from it.. makes sence).

Anyway, tried a search using Google for "dual brake" and limited it to this site. Got lucky, here's a pretty good thread including pics. ElCheapo, hope it helps.

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=2579.0

[Jay B]

I remember this mod being done back in the day. As I recall it wasn't done for braking power, but rather for handling. Putting the calipers behind the fork puts them closer to the steering head pivot point, reduces the moment of intertia and lightens the steering a bit.

[crazypj]

I've done it on 550. looks different. Bike has shoulderd axle, put it in from opposite side.
Seems to be slightly better braking, read somewhere there is s servo effect with caliper behind fork (due to swinging caliper on 70's Honda's)
The only problem is the fork oil drain bolts are now 'up' instead of lowest point. Not a big deal as I remove and flush them when I change fork oil.
PJ

[bill440cars]

                  ElCheapo, Check the " Build Update" by mikeb4. His bike has the calipers on the back side.
          You could find out some details from him, unless he bought it that way.  Hope this helps.
                                                                       Later on, Bill

[MRieck]

                  ElCheapo, Check the " Build Update" by mikeb4. His bike has the calipers on the back side.
          You could find out some details from him, unless he bought it that way.  Hope this helps.
                                                                       Later on, Bill

They came that way from the factory.

[bill440cars]

                  My mistake, I didn't pay that close attention, I was just commenting on the fact that they
             were to  the rear. There are several out there though and as mentioned above, I think it was
             for handling more than braking characteristics. If I happen upon 1 or more examples, I'll get
            back to you.   Thanks for the enlightenment there MRjeck.    Later on,  Bill