Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech 07' speedy front brake issue

I am hopeing for some sound advise.

I've read a bunch of threads on the speedy front end issues and I'm trying to pin point what exactly my issue is so that I can move forward with a plan.

I'm still under war but my dealer has already changed my break rotors last year with an improvement but it's still present. I brought it back again and they claim they checked the parameters of the rotors and that they are in spec and not wharped...I question that.

I am getting a wiggle in the front when I break whether lightly or in a panic stop. It is to the point that I am using my rear break to compensate which we all know is not good.

I DO get a bit of a wiggle at high speed and I believe that is nothing more then a bad tire or a balancing issue. I'll deal with that when I change the front tire. My main concern is the front brakes.

I am mainly interested in ways that I can pin point the problem. Is there a way to determine whether one of the calipers are dragging? how do I check for warping? etc.

The dealer thinks there isn't an issue. It is certainly there though. It IS far better after the caliper change but it's still present. If they can't find a fix I'd rather just replace the rotors with floaters and eat the cash. I just want to hear what you all think.

You can use a dial indicator or even a pencil taped to the fork to check for true. Jack the wheel off the ground and slowly spin it while watching the indicator/pencil. Move the indicator/pencil to appropriate points to check the discs, rim, or tire.

ok....I'm gonna try it.

Any thoughts on checking the calipers? If they are sticking the I'd have excessive heat correct?

also, would slightly low tire pressure cause a BRAKING wobble? I know it would cause a high speed wobble but how about braking?

thanks for taking the time to post.

Triumph have been replacing the rotors in the UK under warranty, even when the warranty has expired. I have had mine replaced more than once when I was running with the stock wheel on my America. I would get on to the dealership and push for replacements. If no joy you could always contact Triumph in the UK.

Warranty manager at Triumph Hinckley
Mark Swepson
Tel +44 (outside UK)1455 251700
Fax +44 (" ")1455453005

Triumph Motorcycles Limited
Normandy Way
Hinckley
Leicestershire
LE10 3BZ
United Kingdom

I cannot see how Triumph can ignore such a problem with braking issues or is just the dealership that cannot be bothered to file the paper work ???

thank youfor the post.....will the manager in the uk help with an issue in the us, I wonder?

Anyone have an email or 800 number for Peter in the US?

I see his name pop up in posts but never his contact info.

I am going to check if the rotors are warped for sure but would like to have his number. I would rather deal with someone at Triumph rather then my dealer. They are a VERY busy smaller dealer and (like everyone else) I don't want to be with out the bike any longer then possible.

Triumph Motorcycles
Attention: Mr. Peter Carleo
385 Walt Sanders Memorial Drive
Newnan, GA
30265
Sorry, no Phone #

If its the rotors, one or both are probably not warped but have some areas thinner than other but not out of spec. I had the same issue with my Speedy (got totalled later). My mechanic spent half a day measuring mine with a micrometer and dial gauge. Finally they told me to ride it and eventually they would smooth out.

When I got my America to replace the wrecked Speedy, it shortly developed the same problem. I went to an EBC floating rotor from newspeedmaster.com and haven't looked back.

To test your calipers, if I recall correctly, the main line from the master cylinder is connected to the left hand caliper with a double length banjo bolt. The line to the second caliper is attached to the first caliper with the same double length banjo bolt and to the second caliper with a single length banjo bolt.

In order to test a single caliper, remove the line that connects the two calipers. Using the short banjo bolt connect the main line from the master cylinder to the caliper you wish to test. Completely remove the caliper that is not being tested from the fork leg it is attached to. Bleed your line, fill your reservoir and take it down the road for a test.

Let me add that calipers usually don't cause a pulsating braking condition. They either work or don't work, are spongy (usually from air in the line), or put more pressure on one side of the rotor or another. When you perform this test, you probably will isolate the specific rotor that is irregular or determine that both are defective. I have read most of the posts on the forum that relate to front brake issues and I've only found one that changed his calipers to correct the issue.

I agree they should do what ever it takes to fix the problem while still under warranty, don't let them jerk you around until the warranty expires.

When you put the bike up on a jack, spin the front wheel... that will tell you if the disc pads are riding on the rotor - you'll hear the rubbing sound. If the sound is irregular then something ain't straight or you've got a hard spot in a pad or on the rotor. If it's constant, the pistons may be hanging up in the caliper. There is one rubber seal on each piston. Besides sealing the brake fluid in, it also flexes slightly. When the pressure is removed (let go of the brake lever) that seal unflexes enough to draw the piston back a pubimeter - so the pads don't contact the rotor.

I posted this long ago, and I'm not saying it's your problem, but it's something to check.....

When these bikes are crated for shipment overseas, they are coated with a cosmolene-like substance to prevent corrosion. My 03 America had a problem with the front brake pads dragging on the rotor after having X amount of miles put on it. I pulled the caliper off and found it was loaded up with that stuff. Plus road grit, small stones, and half of a striped stinging insect. A thorough douching with Brakleen removed it and I lived happily ever after. The rear caliper had some as well but not near as much.

Check the simple things first before you break out the calipers and slide rule.

ALL good suggestions.

keep them come'n.

Well,

I called the dealer....gonna try to drop the bike tomorrow...I requested that I bring it by next wendsday for a quick looking over and the tech said "if it's reoccuring then we want the bike long enough to get Triumph involved".

That is good because I already have an email into Triumph America just to open a line of dialog with them.

I will be sure to have them take care of the highspeed shimmy as well.

I am going to have check rear wheel, front rotors, front calipers, front bearings, front pads, the front forks and the front tire.

I'll keep everyone posted for nothing else then to have another record of this issue.

well, the dealer showed me their run out numbers.....WELL in spec. They mentioned that triumph told them to remove the brake pads, scuff them and then re-intall. I asked if they changed the pads when they changed the rotor last year and he said no. ??????

anyway, the dealer also mentioned slight cupping on the front tire. (with slightly under 5000 miles). they said that triumph won't change it under war. I am replacing the tire and will attempt to get it pro rated with the tire company.

if that doesn't improve things then I'll talk to triumph myself. BTW-the email I sent to triumph america went unanswered. Not surprised but a bit disapointed.