Keeping your bike brakes in optimal conditions not only guarantees better performance, but is also key to your road safety. The brakes are one of the most important components of your motorcycle, and paying adequate attention can avoid accidents and expensive repairs. In this guide, we will explain how to keep the brakes of your motorcycle in good condition, as well as the different types of brakes that you can find in the market.
Why is the maintenance of a bike brakes important?
The brake system is responsible for stopping your motorcycle safely and controlled. Over time, use wears the pills, discs and other components, affecting the braking capacity. Adequate maintenance not only improves the life of the system, but also provides you greater confidence and security when driving.
Types of brakes on a motorcycle
Before talking about the maintenance of brakes, it is important to know the different types that exist in motorcycles. The most common are:
- Drum brakes: They are an older and less common system in modern motorcycles, but they are still present in some models. They work through a shoe mechanism that press the drum to reduce speed. They are cheaper, but have less cooling capacity compared to disc brakes.
- Disc brakes: These are currently the most popular in modern, both electric and combustion motorcycles due to their best braking capacity and performance in adverse conditions, such as rain. Disc brakes are more efficient, since they dissipate heat quickly, which makes both long routes and high speeds more reliable.
- ABS system (brake anti -lock system): This system is increasingly common, especially in high -end motorcycles, electric and internal combustion. The ABS prevents the wheels from blocking during a sharp braking, allowing the driver to maintain control and reduce the skidding capacity.
How to keep your bike brakes in good condition?
Now that you know the types of brakes, we will enter the fundamental steps to keep the bike brakes in good condition:
Check the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is essential for the proper functioning of the system. Regularly check the level and make sure it is within the parameters recommended by the manufacturer. If the level is low, it could be due to wear of the pills or, in the worst case, at a leak. Always use the type of brake fluid recommended by your motorcycle brand (Dot 3, Dot 4, etc.).
- Inspect brake pads
The brake pills are responsible for contacting the disc or drum to stop the motorcycle. Check your thickness periodically. If they are too spent, the braking will be less efficient and could damage the disc. Change the pills before they wear completely, since it is much cheaper than having to replace damaged disks or drums.
- Check the brake discs
In motorcycle bikes, it is crucial to inspect the records regularly. Make sure they don't have deformations or cracks. A disk in poor condition can cause vibrations when braking and reduce braking efficacy. If you observe visible damage, it is advisable to replace them immediately.
- Verify the status of brake shoes (in drum brakes)
If your motorcycle has drum brakes, check the wear of the shoes. These must be in good condition to ensure efficient braking. Get worked shoes should be replaced immediately, since their deterioration can seriously affect system performance.
- Periodic Cleaning of the Brake System
Dust and accumulated dirt can interfere with the functioning of the brakes. It is important to clean the tweezers, discs and drum (in case of having it) to ensure that there are no waste that can affect braking. Use specific brake products or a record cleaner to keep the system free of dirt.
- Check cables and connections
In motorcycles that still use cable brake systems, it is essential to check that the cables are not worn, oxidized or lazy. A cable in poor condition can cause loss of tension, which reduces braking capacity. In the case of hydraulic brakes, it verifies that there are no leaks in the hoses.
- Purge the brake system
Over time, the brake system can accumulate air, which reduces its efficiency. If you notice that the brake response is spongy or not necessary, they may need to be purged. This procedure eliminates the air from the hydraulic system, returning firmness and precision to braking.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR THE CARE OF THE MOTORCYCLE
Proper care of your bike brakes not only depends on technical reviews, but also on certain habits of driving and preventive maintenance. Here are some practical tips to prolong the useful life of your brakes and keep them in optimal conditions:
- Avoid unnecessary abrupt braking: Sudden braking generate accelerated wear on brake pads and discs, in addition to overheating the system. Whenever possible, choose to stop progressively and anticipated, especially when you drive in city or in dense traffic. This not only reduces system wear, but also improves long -term braking efficiency.
- Conducts preventively: Maintaining a safe distance with other vehicles will allow you to anticipate possible braking. If the road conditions and the actions of other conductors prefer, you can decrease the speed gently instead of resorting to strong braking. This habit not only prolongs the life of brakes, but also reduces the risk of accidents.
- Use the motor brake when possible: The motor brake is an effective technique that allows reducing the motorcycle speed without depending exclusively on the brakes. To use it, simply go down gradually, which will reduce the speed without applying constant pressure in the braking system. This is useful in long earrings, where excessive use of brakes can overheat them.
- Distribute the braking between the front and rear brakes: One of the common mistakes among motorcyclists is to depend too much on the front or rear brake. For a balanced braking, it is advisable to apply both brakes in a controlled way. Using only one of the brakes can generate unequal wear and affect the stability of the motorcycle.
- Avoid overloading your motorcycle: The additional weight can exert more pressure on the braking system, forcing it to work more to stop the motorcycle. If you travel with load, make sure it is distributed correctly and within the limits recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, if you carry passengers, adjust your driving style to avoid excessive brake efforts.
- Keep water and oil brakes: After washing your motorcycle or driving in the rain, be sure to dry the brake system to prevent water from interfering with performance. Also, if oil or fat is accidentally spilled on the discs or pills, immediately clean them with a specialized brake cleaner, since these products can reduce braking capacity.
- Regular maintenance in specialized workshops: Although performing simple reviews can be part of your routine, it is important to take your motorcycle to a periodically specialized workshop. Professional mechanics can detect hidden problems, such as the incorrect alignment of the discs, an ABS system that is not working properly or an anomalous wear in the pills. Making a complete check will ensure that your brake system works optimally.
In summary, keeping your bike brakes in good condition is essential for your safety and durability of your motorcycle. Review the levels of liquid, pills, discs or shoes, and periodic maintenance are actions that will guarantee an efficient and reliable brake system. Do not forget that taking care of your motorcycle is taking care of your safety, and a good brake system is your best ally in any situation.
Be sure to follow these tips to enjoy safe handling and with total road confidence!