Brake Lever Mushiness?

[Dagny_Taggart]

So, with only 20 miles on her, the only disappointment is the front brake lever. I'm used to BMWs and sportbikes which have 2 finger brakes. The Super Tenere reminds me of the older generation of Kawasaki Concours - takes four fingers and is not crisp. The back brake feels appropriate.

Most of the reviews want to talk about the lack of a ABS switch... and I feel like this would have been worthy of mention. Anybody want to compare the way their front brake lever feels versus a modern sportbike or a GS?

Thanks in advance,

Dagny

 

[roy]

Mine does not exhibit this. Two finger stops with only the front brake. To me the rear brake is a little twitchy in that I mean the slightest touch and it's on full force. I like the brakes so far. I didn't think I would like the unified braking system but so far it seems to be okay. Maybe they let of the caliper pistons go to far out before the caliper was installed on the bike. Easy for some one to accidentally do since the lever was dangling before and during installation. It may just need to be bleed a little.

 

[Dagny_Taggart]

Thanks

 

[bloke]

both the super 10s ive ridden had great brakes, nothing compares to the GS set up if it had servos (best brakes ever on a motorcycle) or a true sport bike with radial calipers and master cyl the other big differences are the GS has tele lever front suspension and sport bikes have a lot less travel making the brakes appear to be stronger (think about it)

 

[Koinz]

Give the brake pads a little time to "seat", New brakes often exhibit a soft feel, they should harden up as the pads seat. If it goes too long , have the brakes bled.

 

[3putt]

I use 2 finger braking. The brakes are weak when new. Treat them easy for first 200 miles. I have little over 350 miles and they are much better now and I expect them to get better. Going for 250 miles today and do my oil/filter FD oil changes.

Speedo is off like 9%, 66 mph = 61 mph. Speedohealer here we come!

 

[rem]

I haven't paid any particular attention to the braking, but think I would have noticed if they felt inadequate in any way. The braking is like everything else on this bike .... smooooooooooth. R

 

[20valves]

My experience is that you should bleed the brakes and fill them with fresh fluid. For some reason, OEM fluid becomes contaminated very quickly but after it's changed it usually looks good for about 2 years. Maybe it's that long boat ride in the moist ocean air that does it. Anyway, a good fluid service will usually restore the system to that nice, firm feel at the lever.

 

[Kevhunts]

I would suggest informing your dealer. Might of had a trapped air bubble during assmembly? Perhaps a quick re-bleed is in order.

 

[Koinz]

Speedo is off like 9%, 66 mph = 61 mph. Speedohealer here we come!

Who the heck needs a speedometer anyway ???
Jusk kidding, I've been getting used to using my GPS for a more accurate read on how fast I'm going ;D

 

[troll]

About 1500km on the clock and from day one the brakes have felt very good. If I compare this to my Harley - they are unbelievably good. I never touch the rear brake on the SupaT. This thing stops...

 

[rem]

I am not finding any mushiness either. There is a tiny bit of slack in the lever, but when the brake makes contact, you know it. Brakes on my bike are fine. R

 

[Dagny_Taggart]

Thanks for all the perspectives. Up to 80 miles and they are feeling better. I can see getting some stainless steel braided lines in the future.

 

[jly51]

Did the set up guy`s clean the brake rotors before setup.I cleaned mine my self as soon as they pulled the cardboard off.If not your pads could be contaminated with the oily protectant the bikes come coated with. Oily brake pads don`t stop to well.

 

[warnabrother]

Did the set up guy`s clean the brake rotors before setup.I cleaned mine my self as soon as they pulled the cardboard off.If not your pads could be contaminated with the oily protectant the bikes come coated with. Oily brake pads don`t stop to well.

^^^^ that's it

bet the pimply shop gimp knows no better )

 

[fredz43]

Did the set up guy`s clean the brake rotors before setup.I cleaned mine my self as soon as they pulled the cardboard off.If not your pads could be contaminated with the oily protectant the bikes come coated with. Oily brake pads don`t stop to well.

That is a good point. The setup instructions specifically tell you to clean the brake rotors. I doubt that all of them receive this treatment.

 

[Kevhunts]

Never heard of contaminated pads giving a mushy brake lever feel. I think contaminated pads would give you either a fade sensation requiring more effort to stop or perhaps a grabby sensation. The mushy or spongy feel still sounds like air in the system to me.

 

[Dagny_Taggart]

Got 140 miles and it feels almost normal. I go with the contaminated rotors mostly because they effort required to stop is getting less and less. I called it mushy because it required a lot of strength for little bit of slow.

Another few miles and everything will be okey dokey. I LOVE THIS BIKE!