Mono brake... death trap?

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What do you guys think about single brake bikes? I want to use the heritage rear wheel I have on my build which is a drum and no front brake for purely aesthetic reasons. This is mainly a bobber build that will be ridden pretty frequently but mainly around town.
 
I ride one that is hand operated rear drum, no front brake and I can lock up the rear brake with the hand lever. Is it the safest way to do things? NO! But it works and I have racked up several thousand miles around town without any issues so far. You just have to keep in ind the entire time you are riding that stopping on a dime is not an option.....
 
I tend to agree with jerm. For mainly riding around town I feel you should have a front brake! Ive had to get on both brakes so many times because of all the idiots driving around!! Sometimes its down right scary all the stupid shit you see on the roads! And if its just for looks, Id rather see a disc on the front wheel than see the looks of myself after a nasty wreck cause someone pulled out in front of me and I couldnt stop!! Thats just my opinion on the subject!


XsC
 
If you have to ask, then you don't have the skill or the balls to pull it off... Running a rear only isn't for the timid.... And if you ride aggressively at all, then you should reconsider...
 
at least get a mini drum on the front.

attachment.jpg
 
I agree no front brakes is for trailered show queens not "real" motorcycles. There are some very good "small" rotor and calipers that will "look sharp" and give you a life saving edge.
Way back in the 60s and 70s small front tire was better. So some guys went all the way running bicycle front tires. They were the ultimate "cool guys". Funny thing is out on the highway they found out that a bicycle tire doesn't have enough cords to resist expansion and they expanded right off the rims. Running 60 miles an hour on a steel bicycle rim with a tire wrapped around various front end parts wasn't so "cool". Leave the posing to the posers. Real Motorcyclists run front brakes.
 
mrkil said:
at least get a mini drum on the front.

attachment.jpg
Click to expand...

Where can I get something like that? Also how big is the rim?


I mainly don't like the big discs and master cylinders(on the bars or the frame) that come with disc brakes.

Oh and the other stipulation is it's a springer front end, not sure how much that will change the ability to throw a drum rim on.
 
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You will have to weld a tab on your springer that will hold the drum brake plate in place to keep it from rotating while braking.
 
In Ontario, it's illegal (which doesn't affect you, but a little bit of info). In fact, the law states you must have "two independently operated brakes", so no single lever with a proportioning valve either.
 
Punkskalar said:
If you have to ask, then you don't have the skill or the balls to pull it off... Running a rear only isn't for the timid.... And if you ride aggressively at all, then you should reconsider...
Click to expand...


I guess I got balls...rode my bike for the first time a couple weeks ago. It was the first time I ever rode a bike. My bike was mono brake. I raked up about 100 miles. Smart, NO!!! Ballsy...evidently. For the record my bike is now sporting a front brake. I didn't have any issue during that outing but I don't trust the single brake and I know I don't have the skill or experience to pull off just the rear brake.
 
Well...all I can say is I'm here to tell the tale. I guess the consequences of my actions that day was for nearly 100 miles of riding...I had the biggest shit eatin' grin on my face anyone has ever seen. Sure...it could have ended up differently. I could walk out to the mailbox and get hit by a garbage truck too. It certainly wasn't the best decision I have ever made. But that day it all worked out. Brave? Maybe. Stupid? Probably. Do I care? No. I had a great time, no one got hurt, I didn't end up in jail, it was a good day.
 
Everyone has their own opinion about brakes. Myself I want as much as my bike can handle and I can afford. It is fine to live dangerously but you may be risking someone else's life besides your own. Only my thoughts. Tony C
 
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Buddy as I've said many times and will say forever - it's your fucking life. I only want you to be aware of the risks your taking. After that, I'll raise a toast to you.
 
I use rear only because my front brake is very squeaky. I was considering running no front when I planned on springer for money savings alone.
 

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