Topic: Drums vs. Disc

[MAX1MVS]

I would like to ditch the rear drum brake, but other than aesthetics and the fact that the only other bikes I've ridden have had discs I have no data to go on.  Is it worth the effort to switch it out?

[coma13]

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the rear if it's braking performance you're after. If you want the look or continuity with the front, then it's your prerogative. Your rear brake contributes so little to your stopping power and the stock drum brake is easily more than enough to lock up the rear, rendering it useless.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Or the money? Depends on how much time and money you want the throw at it.
These are 30+ year old bikes and switching to a disk brake on my '73 is something that is not worth my time and money, just like swapping out a modern front end isn't worth it to me.
I ride my CB to have the feel of technology from back then, if I want a more modern bike I just ride my VFR.
 

[coma13]

To clarify, I'm the type of rider who is on the gas until I need to stop, at which point I'm doing so in the shortest distance possible. If you like to fine tune your deceleration then you might get a touch more control out of a rear disc than drum.

[vames]

Sounds like the best bang for your dollars and effort would be to do a dual front disc and just making sure the rear brake is in solid working condition. Those rear drums are all the stopping power you need in a rear brake.

[MAX1MVS]

Cool, thanks for the input.  On my current bike my rear brake hasn't worked in probably 6+ months, unsafe...yes but that shows you how much I use my rear brake.  One more question, would the weight savings be worth noting if I ditched the drum?

[Duke McDukiedook]

Simple answer- No.