KymcoForum.com

Scooters - 125 to 300 => Downtown 300 => Topic started by: kneeslider on May 27, 2016, 03:18:55 AM

Title: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on May 27, 2016, 03:18:55 AM
Hi all,

For those that have changed their brakes, as in replaced parts due to wear such as brake pads, rotors, calipers, piston seals, brake pumps, fluid, hose, banjos etc.

I don't think I left anything else out.

But my scooter has done 30,000kms. In that time it has gone thru 3 sets of front pads, 1st set was the original factory fitted set, 2nd set were Goldfren AD pads and now the 3rd is Goldfren S-33 (HH rated) pads.  The rear pads were replaced 8000kms ago.

My front rotor now needs replacing, anyone has alternative options for this or original Kymco is still the best? Also I will be using Vesrah Organic Pads (WD-156) with the new rotor.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: mousejunks on June 12, 2016, 12:42:36 PM
My DT '11 has 42,000km and only brake pads and fluid have been replaced. I used the vesrah sintered type and it's fine.

As for the rotor, go for the original Kymco part.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: wheels on June 22, 2016, 11:22:24 PM
I am at 17K miles and the front pads are at 50% rear is 60%.   I don't drive much in stop and go.  Do you use your rear brakes as part of braking procedure ?
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on June 23, 2016, 05:51:33 AM
Yes I do esp to stabilize her when I am in the corner, or when I need to shave of some sleep while being in its side.

I am at 17K miles and the front pads are at 50% rear is 60%.   I don't drive much in stop and go.  Do you use your rear brakes as part of braking procedure ?
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: CROSSBOLT on June 23, 2016, 01:11:29 PM
Yes I do esp to stabilize her when I am in the corner, or when I need to shave of some sleep while being in its side.

Huh?
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on June 24, 2016, 01:01:52 AM
Whoops. typo:
Yes I do esp to stabilize her when I am in the corner, or when I need to shave of some sleep SPEED while being in its side.

Huh?
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: MJR on June 24, 2016, 01:19:28 PM
Whoops. typo:
Yes I do esp to stabilize her when I am in the corner, or when I need to shave of some sleep SPEED while being in its side.

Extra sensory perception, how does that work? :)
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on June 27, 2016, 04:20:26 AM
Well, If you are in a corner and need to shave off some speed, application of the rear brake will help tighten your line. It wil also 'calm' her down.

If you use the front brake, it will tend to stand the scooter/bike up, screwing up your line and also introduce the risk of a low side.

Extra sensory perception, how does that work? :)
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on June 27, 2016, 10:36:28 AM
Well, If you are in a corner and need to shave off some speed, application of the rear brake will help tighten your line. It wil also 'calm' her down.

If you use the front brake, it will tend to stand the scooter/bike up, screwing up your line and also introduce the risk of a low side.

Or off the right shoulder into gravel or sand.....or the Armco.
My instructors repeatedly emphasized that the tires have more grip than you imagine. ..
lean and go on around the bend.
I guess if you put full leathers on and can practice this on a closed course......
Stig
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: TANWare on June 28, 2016, 12:45:25 AM
I can attest to the fact you can really pitch these bikes pretty far over. I have done so recently. Where as with some other bike there was a real scary feeling this bike felt quite secure. The only insecure feeling was using the throttle to roll out of the turn as the CVT delay takes getting used too. Direct gearing will let the torque immediately upright the bike with throttle and visa versa.

I ride with as little brake usage as possible. I try and rely on them to stop only. This not only saves fuel but seems to keep me further away from trouble. I am sure people following are in a hurry to get there just to wait for traffic to start back up but I am not, you just have to watch for the traffic behind you though.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on June 28, 2016, 01:31:10 AM
At low and mid speeds yes, her weight keeps her stable, but at high speed sweepers, she will wobble due to a flexible chassis and bounce due to cheap shocks.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: TANWare on June 28, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
Too chicken here to pitch it way over at high speed. Same here with any bike to be honest. I like the idea at higher speeds to have that extra lean if need be.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on June 29, 2016, 02:08:21 AM
When I say high speed, I meant 127km/h indicated on her speedo, It's probably only 110km/h on GPS. That's as fast as she'll go.  But it is enough for her to wobble and bounce due to the reasons I already mentioned.  And that's with the rear shock dialed to max - No.5.

 

Too chicken here to pitch it way over at high speed. Same here with any bike to be honest. I like the idea at ihgher speeds to have that extra lean if need be.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: TANWare on June 29, 2016, 05:45:10 AM
WOT leaned over, not me that is for sure. So I will take your word on that one.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on June 29, 2016, 06:47:53 AM
I won't do it too if the road is really bumpy.  ;)
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: TANWare on July 03, 2016, 04:18:32 PM
At almost 7,500 miles I just had to do the first emergency stop on the bike. This was from 45 MPH and a car pulled out in front of me. I am quite impressed by the stock brakes on these, even my non-ABS model.
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on July 03, 2016, 05:57:21 PM
Yep - my LIKE200i will fairly toss you over the bars if not careful. Brakes seem big and powerful for this weight bike.
Stig
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: CROSSBOLT on July 03, 2016, 06:31:13 PM
I never realized how marginal the brakes of the sixties were until I experienced the disc brakes of today, especially on the Kymcos!

Karl
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on July 04, 2016, 02:03:00 AM
To be honest, the Kymco brakes are pretty rubbish compared to what motorcycle brakes have evolved to.

The DT has a sliding caliper on the front, that's pretty basic in terms of caliper design and technology.  The master pump also is built on a budget. And it's not radially mounted.

The basic standard this decade is radially mounted calipers, 4 pot with a radial master pump.

The top shelf stuff would have you lift the rear wheel with a single finger pull with plenty of 'feel' back to the lever.

Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: CROSSBOLT on July 04, 2016, 11:12:45 AM
Ya gotta point there, knee! Shows how marginal the brakes were in the 60's though, even Honda's twin leading shoe design. And you are right about the ultra-refined disc systems on motorcycles of today. Well, maybe someday the tech will trickle up to the scoots!

Karl
Title: Re: Brakes.
Post by: kneeslider on July 05, 2016, 04:03:23 AM
They have!

Just look at the Yamaha T-max and BMW C600 Sport.