making a custom framer style brake setup for my DTX bike was an absolute game changer for me. It was literally a back marker to class champion level of difference. I have a replaced right ankle (thanks road racing!) so I need to run it crazy low, and the new lever has a much higher lever ratio so there's lots of travel in it to help modulation with my fake ankle.
Great topic! Thanks for bringing these nuances out in the open for discussion. I’ve studied the brake lever positions on many bikes in the pits and it’s interesting to see the variety of modified and stock positions seen. What’s even more interesting is that you cannot predict the speed of the rider based on this specific characteristic. It really is a preference, and probably dictated a lot by the geometry of the bike relative to the pedal, and the rider’s leg and foot. Fascinating stuff!
I don't know if you watch this anymore being a year old. But when I made my bike back in the 70's, a 350 Bighorn, champion frame, 19" rims, I don't remember the brand of rear brake but I used a Kawasaki front brake lever from a street bike and was able to make that work very well. I built my own brake lines using translucent tubing from a go kart and bled the lines. Interestingly I found leaving a single small bubble in the line worked best. Have you seen others use the right handlebar location rather than the right foot? I found it a lot more controllable and natural. I will say that I road raced and rode on the street so I was very comfortable with the brake in that position.
Interesting! I've used the air-in-the-line trick on 1000cc Supersport roadrace bikes where the rear brake was only used for wheelie control. As far as flat track, I've been using my right foot so long, I haven't consciously thought about it in decades. It works great for me.
@@FlatTrackFactory Never could get used to the brake on the right along with the shifting. As a side note, I am 69 and thinking of building another flat tracker. Silly don't you think? Lodi is just 90 minutes from here, sooo. Hey, I've won there before.
Love the channel! So many great story's and info! Building a hooligan bike and always wondered why everyone runs conventional style forks over inverted forks in flattrack? Thanks!
The fact that m/c's lean to corner makes the suspension spring and damping package lose it's ability to do its' job the more the bike leans. At full-lean angle the rigidity of the fork becomes a large percentage of the suspension, as the are supplying suppleness through flexing sideways. I find upside down forks feel odd, and make the contact patch less communicative. Take a look at the videos here on FTF w/Davey Durelle. He touches on that bit I think. Here's one: ua-cam.com/video/dRIpubXTJ0I/v-deo.html
making a custom framer style brake setup for my DTX bike was an absolute game changer for me. It was literally a back marker to class champion level of difference. I have a replaced right ankle (thanks road racing!) so I need to run it crazy low, and the new lever has a much higher lever ratio so there's lots of travel in it to help modulation with my fake ankle.
Right on
Waits till I sell flat track bike, puts out tons of brake info...... well played sir ;-)
Your actions were a personal affront. This is my revenge. In fact, I may have to add one more vid in the series.
@@FlatTrackFactory I may make a few wildcard appearances
Great topic! Thanks for bringing these nuances out in the open for discussion. I’ve studied the brake lever positions on many bikes in the pits and it’s interesting to see the variety of modified and stock positions seen. What’s even more interesting is that you cannot predict the speed of the rider based on this specific characteristic. It really is a preference, and probably dictated a lot by the geometry of the bike relative to the pedal, and the rider’s leg and foot. Fascinating stuff!
Great point!
I don't know if you watch this anymore being a year old. But when I made my bike back in the 70's, a 350 Bighorn, champion frame, 19" rims, I don't remember the brand of rear brake but I used a Kawasaki front brake lever from a street bike and was able to make that work very well. I built my own brake lines using translucent tubing from a go kart and bled the lines. Interestingly I found leaving a single small bubble in the line worked best.
Have you seen others use the right handlebar location rather than the right foot? I found it a lot more controllable and natural.
I will say that I road raced and rode on the street so I was very comfortable with the brake in that position.
Interesting! I've used the air-in-the-line trick on 1000cc Supersport roadrace bikes where the rear brake was only used for wheelie control. As far as flat track, I've been using my right foot so long, I haven't consciously thought about it in decades. It works great for me.
@@FlatTrackFactory Never could get used to the brake on the right along with the shifting.
As a side note, I am 69 and thinking of building another flat tracker. Silly don't you think? Lodi is just 90 minutes from here, sooo. Hey, I've won there before.
Love the channel! So many great story's and info! Building a hooligan bike and always wondered why everyone runs conventional style forks over inverted forks in flattrack? Thanks!
Thank you!
The fact that m/c's lean to corner makes the suspension spring and damping package lose it's ability to do its' job the more the bike leans. At full-lean angle the rigidity of the fork becomes a large percentage of the suspension, as the are supplying suppleness through flexing sideways. I find upside down forks feel odd, and make the contact patch less communicative. Take a look at the videos here on FTF w/Davey Durelle. He touches on that bit I think. Here's one: ua-cam.com/video/dRIpubXTJ0I/v-deo.html
@@FlatTrackFactory thank you!
Awesome stuff! Better than good!!!!!
Another great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Pᵣₒmₒˢᵐ 😊