Honda CB250n SuperDream Refurb: BRAKE CALIPER

Saturday, April 07, 2012

BRAKE CALIPER

I know it's a long time ago, but I can't remember the SuperDream front brakes being this crap! I've obviously been spoiled by the modern MotoGP technology of today's sports bikes, but even so, surely they should be better than a mild deceleration?

I decided to strip down the caliper and take a closer look. It had been stripped before obviously, but that was a couple of years ago - maybe something had seized? Well after stripping it down, I could find no problem. Everything was like new and well greased with CopaSlip, so I applied some more and rebuilt it.

Took it on a test-ride and still the same. Odd!

2 comments:

CbDave250 said...: You and me both, you know the haynes manual of doom says that moly grease should be used in the caliper sliders! i striped mine checked everything and they are it's still the wrong side of pants! I'm thinking now it's old cheap pads and a possible dodgy cylinder!.; 8 April 2012 at 13:06
Tom McQuiggan said...: I'm sure CopaSlip's fine for this particular application. I fitted a BRAND NEW master-cylinder to mine and it's still rubbish.

The only thing I can't remember is where I bought the pads from. I just might try some original Honda pads.; 8 April 2012 at 13:40

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IN THE BEGINNING....

Way, way back in August 1980, I was working as a young steel-erector in Newcastle Upon Tyne and around the corner from where I worked was "Ken's Motorcycles" on the West Road. In the window was a brand new CB250N Superdream in shiny black - and I wanted it! So I got got the brochure (shown below), begged my future father in law to act as guarantor and signed on the £820 dotted line.

I loved that bike - it got me back and forth between Bolton and Newcastle with no problems or hiccups and lots of fun. From memory, it did something like 60 miles per gallon and could burn off most cars. What else does a young lad want?

Anyway, 28 years later, I decided to get another one and refurbish it over the winter months. I've done similar projects in the past and really enjoyed them, so I'm hoping that this one turns out as well as the others. Having said that, this project will be a REFURB as opposed to a rebuild.

The donor-bike looked to be in pretty good shape at first glance, but as usual, it all turns pear-shaped when you remove your rose-tinted glasses and start to see what's REALLY there!

The first thing that I want to do, is spend a little time finding out whether or not the engine needs a rebuild. If it doesn't really need it, so much the better. If it does need doing, then there'll be a significant delay as I spend time clearing out the garage to give me a lot more space.

I estimate that this project will take 3 or 4 months to complete but due to other interests/hobbies, it may go longer.

So, I'll start off with a few photos of the bike in its current condition and then log the progress of the refurb as I go along. Please feel free to comment or offer advice. Hope you enjoy!

Tom

http://www.mcqart.com/

SEE ALSO... HONDA CB450 K1.