What are the advantages of upgrading to Hydraulic Braks

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Frank Miller

While someone contested about the motorcycle being a direct comparison it was a 750 Shadow street bike. My point was that his technology has not been abandoned. And it is funny because you will see most dirt bikes running hydraulic discs.

Frank,

That was me. I agree that the technology isn't abandoned and that's odd that a 750 street bike would have mechanical brakes still. Not doubting it, just find it odd.

I've been out of the bike world for a bit. Is the Shadow a lower level Honda?

Agreed most dirt bikes have gone all hydraulic; especially racers. I think Honda introduced hydraulic rear brakes with either the '86 or '87 CR line and started to introduce them into the lower level dirt bikes afterward.

On a racer, I think it has to do with reducing unsprung weight since the hub is lighter when using a rear disc.

For a racing (which a did a bit in the 125 class), I guess it's because you use the brakes a lot. It's more a feathering of the brakes, so maybe the thought is just a light squeeze of the lever brings the brakes on and the rider has more "feel" or "control" over the amount of braking. On a 2 stroker, it's not uncommon to be feathering the front brake while giving it throttle out of a turn to get back into the powerband.

That said, all of my boy's beginner bikes (all under 100cc) had mechanicals front and rear, but these were entry level bikes.
Interesting question.

[Frank Miller]

I was surprised to find it there as were you for me to mention it.

[FlatheadTed]

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[al's28/33]

It just doesn't seem safe to run these 80 year old plus cars at modern highway speeds or up and down steep grades. I take my "A" or V8 out on sleepy back roads when traffic is light and only when weather conditions are clear and I drive under 40mph. There are always modern cars tailgating, so I'll pull over and let them pass. I do not drive at night and I do not expect everyone else on the road to stay 20 feet away from me, but I maintain my original 6-volt systems, generators, steering worm gears and mechanical brakes and my cars never fail me.
You just have to be safe, think safe and act safe.

[rotorwrench]

Converting to Lockheed style hydraulic brakes is only a moderate improvement over a well tuned mechanical brake system. The Bendix types like the Lincoln cars had do have a definite braking advantage due to the floating shoes and how they react with primary and secondary shoe action. Modern reproductions of the Lincoln style Bendix brakes are available now. I wouldn't bother to convert unless I put Bendix type brakes on there. The Ford drums work with them so the major cost is for the backing plates, spindles if an early model, and shoe assemblies. A person can even put auto adjusters on there if they can find a set up for the 12-inch brakes.

Most folks that do this are either going for a resto-mod or a vintage type hot-rod. Street rods go with front disks minimum with either disk or drum rears depending on the builder.