Harri

Cheers Bob. When I apply the rear brake there isn't any noticeable difference no matter what speed I'm doing. I can apply the rear brake at a standstill and I'm still able to push the bike forward! When I took the GSX for a spin the rear brake definitely made a difference bringing me to a standstill. Brake cylinder kit sounds a good move if new pads don't change anything. Barcud

Right, so -Prime - before you start the engine. Then - on - when the engine is running? Would it make a noticeable difference if you kept it on prime when you were riding the bike? And so, no 'off' position? Barcud

Looking at the petrol valve positions, On = on. obviously. Res = reserve. Pri - ? Barcud

Okay, had a spin around the block and the rear brake is the same, useless! So, Brake fluid replaced, piston cleaned, new seals fitted, bolts greased. The next cheapest thing is the pads. These though may not be here until after Xmas now because of the time of year The next cheapest thing to change if pads make no difference is new cylinder kit. The final thing would be the disc. How about the adjustable linkage from the brake pedal to the cylinder? Could this make a difference? Barcud

Cheers guys, I uploaded the test pic from my computer and that worked okay. I'll see into the other places you guys ahev mentioned too. Then I might get around to posting some pics then Barcud

Thanks again chaps. The guy that sold me the bike must have had the same problem And to honest if for some stupid reason I was going full pelt and tried to stop in a hurry the front brake would probably have put me over the top in an effort to come to a halt mmmmmmmm. Not good.

I removed 2 bolts that hold the caliper on to the bracket. The only other pin goes through the top with what looks like a straight screwdriver head. I greased these bolts when I replaced them. One goes through a rubber sleeve. If the pads are worn I would expect a squeal when the brake is applied.

Hi, I didn't remove any pins! On a diagram I can see a shim. Looks like it is between a pad and the piston. I don't remember seeing a shim of any sort? Wotcha think?

There is the one piston. There is hardly any marking on the disc from pads is something else I've noticed.

Float? The caliper wasn't solid, there was a little movement. Could be as simple as pads so have ordered some. Garryflex? No heard of that one. Barcud

Hi guys, where are you guys uploading pics to be shown on the forum? Barcud

Thanks guys, very helpful. I will get around to carb balancing a little further down the line as all seems okay at the moment. Barcud

Hi again. Well I removed the caliper and the piston didn't take too much pressure from the brake pedal to come out. So that seems to move freely enough. I gave it a rub clean and replaced it with the new cylinder seals. There seemed to still be a bit of meat on the pads though I couldn't see any marks to indicate excessive wear. How would you clean the disc, wire wool maybe? I was gonna give the brake a try out but the battery appears to be flat! Though as before the brake does bring the bike to a halt when the bike is pushed from a standstill. Barcud

Hi all. My xf650 single cylinder has twin 32mm mikuni carbs. Is there any particular reasoning behind twin carbs on a single? Wouldn't just one carb suffice? Batcud

Does Deeside Motorcycles have mechanics or just sales ? Barcud

I've ordered caliper seals for when I take the rear caliper off. I should be able to check out and clean the caliper pistons then. I might need pads if they check out no good. Is it best to renew disc as well if it doesn't look too good? If all fails at this end I will get a master cylinder kit. Does this sound like a logical plan? Barcud

Shit ... I watched this playlist instead https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE6nJsctLpTsH-erPVqYuLFQ3Ga9pEUYx Barcud

Cheers Stu, that's the next job on my list. Barcud

Hi Stu, so just go for a caliper rebuild. Basically take it apart, clean cylinders and renew seals. I will renew the disc I think as it is looks quite grubby. So is my shopping list, new seals, brake fluid and disc? The brake lever seems to work so that should be okay. Is there any benefit from renewing brake hoses or replacing with braided? Cheers.

Hi again guys. Everything seems to work as it should on my XF650 ... at a standstill. On the move all is okay so far with just a run of a mile or two. BUT, the rear brake is useless I said at a standstill because the back brake does bring the bike to a standstill from a roll. But on the road ... it was only when I used the back brake on its own without the front brake that I discovered it wasn't doing anything to slow the bike down ! The front disc looks quite shiny and is obviously working fine. The rear disc on the other hand looks a bit rusty and doesn't look as if it is being used by the pads. New disc, pads and fluid? Or is there something I can do or look at to see what is going on? And then take it from there. Barcud

Okay, I only have half the fairings off. I started the engine, held in the clutch, let down the side stand, and the engine ....... ....... stayed running So, that would point to a bulb failure or wiring problem ? Wotcha think ? Barcud

I'll try my local bike shop for a bulb tomorrow and take it from there. That's if I can get to it cheers all.

Okay stu, I should have posted in pitstop. Is it a bulb change first then do you think? And then a clutch cover removal? Not sure what this means Stu - but you can check the voltage at the connectors to see if it changes when shifting through the gears to verify that it is actually working as it could just be neutral thats not been picked up which isnt a big problem Barcud

So I need to source a clutch cover gasket first. And not ride the bike until then? p.s. are pattern gaskets as good as genuine? Barcud