I need to improve the brakes on my 1500 GL / Watsonian Oxford outfit. A sidecar brake would help but I was thinking of fitting a brake servo to the brake pedal circuit. I haven't found one to measure yet but remote servo, as fitted to MGB's, might just fit in the space between the bike and the sidecar.
Sid
Several people simply used a seperate pedal and maincylinder for the sidecar break. that way they are able to modulate break force al gusto.
This week I have visited a local spare shop for chineese bikes and got ammazed about the viarity of designs and low prices that were available.
For a sidecar you do not need a high power high $$$ break. Probably the single disk, main cylinder and and caliper for a 250cm would do good enough.
Sven
The GL1500 brakes work great stock, You are not running a sidecar brake at this time, I would start by adding a sidecar brake. I would tie it to the front brake on the GL1500 but as the GL1500's front master does not have enough capacity for a second brake I would change it out to one off of a GL1800. If still not good enoght, figure out what is wrong with your GL1500. You can up grade to different pads, rotors and hoses. If you really want power assist on the brakes which I think would be a bad idea you can use an electric power brake unit made for the hot rod industry. We are using one of these units on a special rig we are building for some one to ride while seated in thier wheel chair. We went this way on this bike as all 4 brakes had to work from a single hand operated lever.
I ran a GL1500 with an Oxford and also towed a tent trailer. I found the brakes to work fine.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Do these updated brake pads have name? My brake lines are in good condition, I've changed the fluid, renewed the seals in the rear master cylinder, calliper pistons move smoothly, the callipers move smoothly on their slide pins, pads and discs are in good condition.
To achieve anything like an emergency stop I have to stand on the brake pedal and a death grip to the brake lever.
Sid
No idea what year model your bike is, but very old brake hoses can have a real negative effect on stopping power. Problem is the hose sidewalls become weak and actually expand out under hydraulic pressure, instead of transmitting that force to your brakes. Others will probably have suggestions on what the best replacement is if yours needs them. Of course be sure to use the proper brake fluid and don't mix # types.
I recall buying a used Honda CB750 Nighthawk back in the late 1990's. Similarly, braking took lots of squeeze & push,but minimal braking force even with lots-and-lots of effort. After replacing the pads/shoes with EBC products and cleaning the rotor/drum + bleeding the line(s), normal braking effort & force were restored. Although the original pads had plenty of thickness, the material surface had grown kinda hard/slick (glazed?). Unfortunately, I don't recall which type of brake pad/shoe I installed. As a sidenote, the Nighthawk was a simple, reliable, dull yet competent motorcycle, but one of my favorites -- one I shouldn't have traded off.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
One of my rigs is a DR650 with Ural sidecar for rough road and off roed use.
On these type surfaces it is a great help to be able to vary the influence of the sidecar brake.
The bike has a hydraulic disc on the rear wheel.
The sidecar has a mechanical drum brake.
I fabricated a bar that connects the bike brake pedal with the bellcrank that operates the sidecar brake.
There is a pad welded in the middle of the bar.
If I press near the bike, I get a lot of rear wheel brake and a little sidecar brake.
If I press the pad in the middle, I get about equal amounts of each.
If I press near the sidecar, I get a lot of sidecar brake and very little rear wheel brake.
If going down hill and needing to turn right, I use the sidecar brake to assist the turn.
If turning left, bike brakes allow the sidecar momentum to assist the turn.
On level ground and needing to turn right sharply I use sidecar brake and throttle to sharpen the turn.
Having the option to vary the amount of sidecar brake makes this a highly maneuverable rig.
The connecting bar needs to be able to flex at each end to do this.
Nice set up Phelonius but my sidecar is on the left which rather ruins that idea. Believe it or not although I've been riding outfits for over forty years I've never had a road outfit with a sidecar brake, they were never that popular.
Sid
