Second Service

I just had my 4000 mile service done at the local dealer. It took an
hour and was $85.63. I did the first oil/filter change myself at 600
miles and wanted them to check everything out this time.

I mentioned it sounded like the front brake was scraping a little (like
it had grit in it) and for them to check that too. It doesn't scrape
now but it seems they adjusted it "looser" and I have less front brake
now when I apply it alone. Works fine when both brakes are applied. I
wanted to know if this is normal before I take it back and make a fool
out of myself.

How can I adjust it myself if I would like it tighter?

RobinC,
I'm not the expert here but I can't think of any way to "adjust" the brakes looser or tighter. Do you have the big thick maintenance manual? There is a procedure in there for brake system checks.

But quickly, just in case"

Assure bike is setting level in an upright position. Check brake fluid levels. If either of the levels is at or near the "lower level" then check brake pads for wear (you have to look right down at the edges of the pads in the brake calipers); there are wear indicator indentions molded into the pads. If you're at the bottom of the indentions, the pads need replacing.

With bike on center stand, jack bike up to free front wheel. Actuate the left, rear, brake handle and try to move the front wheel in forward motion. Wheel should not move. With lever still firmly applied check that no air has entered system (lever pressure will feel soft or spongy... requires air to be bled from system). Why not the right lever too?? Well because we've got this fancy combined system that actuates front and back at the same time... that just now dawned on me.

Other than the emergency brake check and adjustment, my manual doesn't say anything else on brake system adjustments. 'Course I haven't read the 'entire' book. Anyway, hope this gives you some direction. Good Luck. I'm sure others will have more to offer.

Thanks DickO. I will check those things out.

It just seems that the right brake lever doesn't have the "stopping power" as it did before I had them check it out.

Which is the front brake? I was thinking it was the right lever like on my harley.

RobinC wrote:

It just seems that the right brake lever doesn't have the "stopping power" as it did before I had them check it out.

Troubleshooting:

Brake lever soft or spongy
* Air in the hydraulic system
* Low brake fluid level
* Clogged fluid passage
* Contaminated brake disc/pad
* Warped/deformed brake disc
* Worn brake/disc/pad
* Sticking/worn master cylinder piston
* Contaminated master cylinder
* Contaminated caliper
* Caliper not sliding properly
* Leaking hydraulic system
* Worn caliper piston seal
* Worn master cyliner piston cups
* Bent brake lever

You may want to take it back and ask them.

RobinC wrote:

Which is the front brake? I was thinking it was the right lever like on my harley.

Right lever is front brake by regulation.

See, Robin?? I knew one of our pros would come through. And he's right. Brakes are critical so if you "think" you have a problem, better get them checked at your dealer or some other knowledgeable shop.

I notice that when I use only the right lever I get a weak braking response. This is abnormal to every other bike I've owned. When I use the left only lever I get tons of braking. I thought the you got all three pistons when you applied the right lever and two of the three when you applied the left only. I read that somewhere I'm sure.

That's exactly what mine is doing. The right brake just seems weaker than it did before the service.

I can not speak to RobinC's latest post.

Regarding the number of caliper pistons activated via left and right levers:

The right lever is for the front brake only, and activates 2 pistons of the front caliper.

The left lever (rear primarily) activates the Combined Braking System CBS, which means the rear caliper pistons and one of the front caliper pistons is active.

When I was out riding yesterday I tested the front brake again. This time I gave it a hard squeeze and I got pretty good response. But I did have to squeeze hard. Best is to use both levers in stopping, I think.