harley brakes

birdseye · Sep 4, 2014

Am having to seriously look at changing from my 1200GS to a cruiser - I wont go into the reasons here but its on backchat and bollocks if interested. Anyway I tried a fat boy today and it solved my major problem but gave me another. The brakes are unbelieveably bad after the GS requiring the grip of a gorilla rather than one finger. Problem is my right hand has arthritis as well as other issues so I ended up with real hand pain after just an hour.

What can be done to give a fatboy decent light brakes. The dealer seemed to think there was nothing that could be done because of the abs. Though how anyone could pull hard enough on the brakes to trigger the abs I do not know.

jackassdave · Sep 5, 2014

just brake earlier than you normally would you will get used to it

Fenlander Strasse · Sep 5, 2014

It's the single disc up front, just not good enough. Have a go on a 2014 Road King - that's got bloody good brakes. My 2011 RK brakes feel better than the ones on my Triumph Explorer as well.

twizzle · Sep 5, 2014

If you are buying new, HD have just released 2015 model information with the Softail Range having a new braking system with 40% less leverage required..... As mentioned it’s the single disc..

Have a look at the Dyna Fat Bob, double discs there and when i test rode, seemed ok...

Davel · Sep 5, 2014

Find mine pretty good with a dab or right foot!

Seawolf · Sep 5, 2014

Harley Brakes

I've moved from a GS Adv to a HD Tourer this week. I've ridden it about 600 miles (in Wales mostly) and found their new linked brake system to be very good. I haven't felt they needed any more hand/foot pressure than the GSA.

Riders in Bristol offer HD rentals which might be worth thinking about if you want an extended trial on something.

Deleted account 230523001 · Sep 5, 2014

I have several different bikes, all with different braking....I never give it a thought, I just ride each accordingly.

Just how fucking cool is that

daveg · Sep 5, 2014

att said:
I have several different bikes, all with different braking....I never give it a thought, I just ride each accordingly.

Just how fucking cool is that

Nice one, spot on. :thumb2

Nice 'n' Fat · Sep 5, 2014

You should try a conical hub front brake on an early 70's Triumph if you want to scare yourself shitless

Mutley · Sep 5, 2014

I'm guessing you are expecting the front brake to do all the work, like a normal bike? :blast

Harleys have much more of a rear weight bias and, due to the rake, don't dive much under braking. You'll find you can use a LOT more rear brake than on other bikes. In fact, unless it's wet or you have absolutely no feel, it's quite difficult to lock the back up at all :thumb2

Rushy · Sep 5, 2014

Mutley said:
In fact, unless it's wet or you have absolutely no feel, it's quite difficult to lock the back up at all

Just like the front then

Steptoe · Sep 5, 2014

birdseye said:
Am having to seriously look at changing from my 1200GS to a cruiser - I wont go into the reasons here but its on backchat and bollocks if interested. Anyway I tried a fat boy today and it solved my major problem but gave me another. The brakes are unbelieveably bad after the GS requiring the grip of a gorilla rather than one finger. Problem is my right hand has arthritis as well as other issues so I ended up with real hand pain after just an hour.

What can be done to give a fatboy decent light brakes. The dealer seemed to think there was nothing that could be done because of the abs. Though how anyone could pull hard enough on the brakes to trigger the abs I do not know.

On a harley try using the rear brake.

Bendy toy · Sep 6, 2014

Have you tried a K16

ZED 1000 · Sep 6, 2014

We have a Fat Bob pre abs done the alps two up the twin fronts are fine
I tried a fat boy before I bought the Fat Bob loved the look hated the brakes and poor ground clearance , so my compromise was to buy the bob fit single 7" head light fat boy bars and plain leather rigid HD pannier bags.
The Bob is a lighter better handling far better stopping bike than the Fat Boy.
Get yourself a test ride you will probably be shocked at the difference.

Lord Snooty · Sep 6, 2014

Why does it have to be a Harley; there are plenty of other models out there and most will be better made than Harleys - Victory, the new Indians, the Jap cruisers, Moto Guzzi - it's only a problem if you are brand fixated and are looking to buy yourself a "lifestyle".

birdseye · Sep 8, 2014

The lifestyle bit is the thing I most dislike about Harley. I wouldnt consider the jap alternatives simply because they are imitation harleys.The guzzi is on my list as are the Triumphs. Tried the diavel and didnt think much ofthatat all.

Fenlander Strasse · Sep 8, 2014

All motorcycles are lifestyle purchases. The GS is heavily sold on it's lifestyle as well.

Mutley · Sep 8, 2014

birdseye said:
The lifestyle bit is the thing I most dislike about Harley. I wouldnt consider the jap alternatives simply because they are imitation harleys.The guzzi is on my list as are the Triumphs. Tried the diavel and didnt think much ofthatat all.

Because there's no 'lifestyle bit' with Guzzi & Triumph

gpwheels · Sep 23, 2014

I have a Harley and don't like the HOG lifestyle that others get involved in, so i don't. I just treat it as another one of my bikes and forget about all the lifestyle bollocks, just ride and smile!

longdog · Sep 23, 2014

gpwheels said:
I have a Harley and don't like the HOG lifestyle that others get involved in, so i don't. I just treat it as another one of my bikes and forget about all the lifestyle bollocks, just ride and smile!

+1 on this :beerjug:

harley brakes

Registered user

Well-known member

Registered user

Devil may care...

Well-known member

Active member

Registered user

Well-known member

Well-known member

Registered user

Well-known member

What a waste.

Registered user

Active member

Well-known member

Registered user

Registered user

Registered user

Member

Well-known member

Similar threads