It is so weak that I have to almost get off the seat and stand on the pedal to stop the bike rolling on a slight hill start. Why is the rear brake so crap and does anyone have a cure or this?

Russty

Well if you use the brake as its intended its probably good enough. I have stopped several times approaching a car too quickly and the rear brake locked up causing the bike to fishtail. So to me its too insensitive, but in reality it was my skill level that needed to be adjusted. In corners the rear brake is used and you don't want a lot of brake for that. To me front brakes 95 percent or so in straight line.

I confirm Kawnow statements. I have briefly locked the rear couple of time, without even trying too hard. I do use the rear in most of the braking situations, but always very gently. It's there to complement the front braking force. I you can not make the rear to lock, then you are not using the front enough.

* Last updated by: Steven14 on 2/21/2009 @ 12:46 AM *

Thanks for your experiences. That confirms my fears that there is a problem with mine. It is so insensitive to be nearly useless. I typically only use it for low speed manouvres (sp?) like car park u-turns or sometimes to settle the bike when I overcook a fast corner. I agree with you guys, for most situations I rarely have need for the rear brake, mostly done with the front. But I can only dream of having enough braking force to lock the rear wheel. My other ride (98 R1) has what I would consider to be a normal rear brake, almost useless at speed but plenty of power and feel at low speeds.

Rear brake? This thing has a rear brake? I thought that lever was just to turn on the tail light so cagers behind you knew you were slowing down <LOL>... -bg

Rear brake? This thing has a rear brake? I thought that lever was just to turn on the tail light so cagers behind you knew you were slowing down <LOL>... -bg

* Last updated by: DiabloZX14 on 2/21/2009 @ 10:01 AM *

Did you try bleeding it? It sounds like you may have some air in there.

Russty,
If you really want it to work. Try a braided line. I'll be honest. I first started using them years ago just because I liked the looks, but they really do make a huge inprovement over stock. They add better feel and when you step on the peddle....it's stops!

Thanks, braided line are already on there way, for about the same reasons as yours, as well as longevity.

Has anyone changed pads that resulted in a little extra initial bite?

Russty

Hello Russty, The braided lines do make a very noticable difference, especially on the front, but even stock you should have no problem locking the rear wheel, that is usually why no one wants to use it (not me, I use mine often)..I agree with Subzero and there is probably air in your line. Try bleeding it...

I didn't think of bleeding as the pedal feels quite hard, no squish as I'd expect from air in the lines.
Braided lines being fitted this week, hopefully this will fix things.

* Last updated by: russty on 2/22/2009 @ 5:12 AM *

I've found changeing brake fluid and pads really improved things .This applied to my ZRX11,ZZR1200 and ZX14

I rarely used my rear brake until I started to get a lot of chatter from the front brake. Using both cut down on the front chatter. I brought it to the dealer and he "cleaned" the front rotors. Said there was brake dust build-up on the surfaces and in the holes through the rotors. When I got it back, it felt fine, but I'm suspect. But I DO rely on mostly front because the back is weaker on ALL bikes.

Try adjusting it a little with the adjustment screws. I don't use the rear brake (17k and the rear pads have very little wear on them) much and don't like lock ups so I adjusted mine out a little so I can lightly drag it to shave off speed if needed. The rear brake will provide enough braking to lock it though.

My service guy said to try to "get on" the rear brake hard once in a while to keep the pads from glazing. In other words, not using the rear brake is detrimental to the system.

I tend to use the front brake or engine braking too much instead of applying rear brake.

In Australia, don't the wheels go the opposite direction than here in the north land? :)

In Australia, don't the wheels go the opposite direction than here in the north land? :)

I took my bike to get some work done on it. They guys removed the brake line and after putting it back on there was absolutely no brake. It took them 1 1/2 hour to bleed it correctly (too lazy ;to check and do it correctly the first time).

Since then I have learned even a little air in that thing will throw off the usefulness/make it useless. On my bike, propery bled it works fine.

* Last updated by: JDC on 2/23/2009 @ 2:49 PM *

JDC:

Off the subject, but I wanted to let you know that you just posted message number 1,000 to our new forum! After only 21 days in operation... -bg

* Last updated by: bgordon on 2/23/2009 @ 2:56 PM *

Yeah but you are 1/5th of them.

1,000! I win a box of chocolates, then? LOL

1,000! I win a box of chocolates, then? LOL

Use the Contact Us form and send me your address. I'll send you a box of World Famous Enstrom's Toffee, made right here. Tell me if you'd prefer light or dark chocolate. I love that stuff... -bg

I noticed the rear was "weak" at first. It broke-in/seated after a bit it is now fine. I had to get on the rear hard a couple times to get the pad to seat.