|
|
Post by 90GTVert on Jul 4, 2006 21:25:27 GMT -5
The front brake on the "ABS" models bugs me, and the 250 is heavier, so the braking feels weak to me. I went the more extreme method and removed the "ABS" valve and installed a stainless reinforced brake line directly to the caliper. I've got some serious stopping power now! Stoppies anyone?
For those that don't want the expense of the new SS brake line, the banjo bolt that fits into the "ABS" valve will fit directly into the caliper, so without any modification, the valve could be removed and the OEM hose attached directly to the caliper if you want stronger front brakes. Stan
|
|
|
|
Post by scooterollie on Jul 5, 2006 8:00:58 GMT -5
Stan;
Good idea. In my post on the Roketa 250 I mentioned a "soft" feel to the front brake. Thought it may be air. Probably is the "ABS" damper. Within the last few days I have noticed a weep around the front caliper. Does not seem to be at the ABS or banjo fitting areas. Have checked the torque there. Wetness seems to be at the bottom of the caliper housing. Wonder if I have a leaking seal around a piston?
|
|
|
|
Post by 90GTVert on Jul 5, 2006 8:36:32 GMT -5
That sounds likely, but you'd need to take it off to really inspect it. One thing I noticed when I removed the "ABS" valve was that the adapter they used between the valve and caliper was tighened on the caliper end, but loose on the valve end. This could have caused a leak, or air introduction, but I never had any leaking from it. Stan
|
|
|
|
Post by Jacine on Jul 5, 2006 9:36:04 GMT -5
The valve is really not an abs. No electronic feedback involved. Removing them if possible is generally the best idea for better brake feel and control.
Good Idea
|
|
|
|
Post by scooterollie on Jul 5, 2006 12:37:35 GMT -5
Stan;
Checked both areas of the ABS valve - tight! The one on my 150 was slightly loose at the ABS valve body and started to leak. No problem after a quick twist to tighten. Yea, guess that is the only way to verify. Thought it might be leaking from up top around a fitting and running down to the bottom of the caliper but have checked carefully several times and it is dry there.
jacine;
Thanks for your reply. I know it is not true electronic ABS. I am familiar with this type of "dampening" valve. First I ever saw them was maybe 10-20 years ago for cars before true ABS was just about standard. Offered as "invented" by an American guy. Lot of controversy about them then, as well as now. I installed a set on a GMC FWD motor home a number of years ago, along with an electric-hydraulic boost pump. The GMC had a tendency to lock up the four rear wheels in a "quick jab" hard stop. After installing the ABS dampener, no lockup. Their main purpose on a scooter front wheel, of course, is to reduce the chance of a lockup with a quick, hard squeeze of the brake lever. You probably already know that the degree of dampening is adjustable under the bottom cap. Didn't notice any softness on my 150, but do on this bike - just as Stan also described it. Perhaps tightening the valve would reduce some of the soft feel. May try it. I like the concept behind the device but will admit I don't know if there has been any certified testing of the device on scooters.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jul 9, 2006 15:36:41 GMT -5
I have to say that I prefer the feel of the front brakes on the 150i over the "ABS" brake on the Matrix. Also, I've noticed on the bikes with rear drum brakes that they need adjustment pretty often to remain effective. I'm liking that more models seem to be going to rear disc instead of the drum.
|
|
|
|
Post by scooterollie on Jul 9, 2006 20:08:37 GMT -5
Lee, I agree with your statement about rear discs. I guess the 50cc bikes are OK with rear drums, but I think anything above 100cc should have rear discs. Not only is the need for frequent adjustment eliminated, but the braking is just plain superior. I noticed a few of the 150cc Chinese Phantom clone bikes had rear discs but most just have the drum style. This year seems to be a year of real transition for the Chinese bikes. Just wait until the larger than 250cc bikes are offered!
|
|
|
|
Post by somecallmetim on Aug 23, 2006 19:53:25 GMT -5
The "ABS" gizmos on scooters are a joke. They aren't ABS, just a brake force limiter. These things were around for motorcycles 30 years ago and didn't work then either. They have no ability to sense wheel lockup or adapt to different traction conditions. Back in the days of front drum brakes on motorcycles, some riders who were paranoid about locking up the front wheel and going over the bars used to adjust their brake lever with so much freeplay that it would hit the grip before doing any serious braking (not that those old drums had much capability of serious braking). Those same guys today just avoid using their front brake and crash into things frequently. Yes, the "ABS" is adjustable, but if it starts to rain are you going to pull over and adjust it, then readjust it when the sun comes back out? If you adjust it so you can't lock the wheel on wet pavement, then you won't be able to stop any shorter on dry pavement then on wet. The "ABS" doesn't know that there's more traction available now. Learn to modulate the brakes yourself, it works much better.
"It was a Bad Call, Ripley; a Bad Call...."
|
|
|
|
Post by sussexscooterhead on Aug 23, 2006 20:03:29 GMT -5
I'm all for rear disks, too, but I have to admit the drum on my RX200 works pretty well.
I tossed the 'ABS' valve this past weekend. I was happy to have the chance to replace the brake fluid as the oil in mine looked like something you'd find in the deepfryer at Macdonalds.
|
|
