Hi, I have 1987 250 with rear drum brakes. I put new brakes shoes on but brakes still do not want to stop the bike. Is there a better brake material out there or what else should I try. Thanks

 

did you bleed the brakes ???

 

I'm pretty sure since it's drum brakes and a 1987 that it's probably not a hydraulic rear brake system.

The only thing I can think of is that the drum is badly scarred or just not very smooth and only a small portion of the new shoes is coming in contact with the drum. This can diminish braking power significantly. Before tearing it apart again, check for slack. Do you have it adjusted up where you start getting braking action early in the pedal travel? If this is found to be adjusted correctly, you might need to disassemble again and 1) make sure the shoes are in correctly, and 2) the drum surface is suitable for continued use.

What I don't know is if motorcycle brake drums can be re-surfaced, of if you just have to get a new drum / wheel.

 

Jrock? You don't bleed drum brakes on a motorcycle.

 

ya. make sure the mating surface of the drum is not glazed to a glossy shine and the adjustment is taken up. there should be little hash marks on the shoe housing cover where play and action is indicated.. one line will indicate a "no brake" position, the other usually indicates either the limit to travel, or an out-of-tolerance point to where the shoes should be replaced..

probably something simple and a nice, cheap fix.. worse case if the drum is glazed, scuff it lightl to break the glaze with a 3M pad, medium steel wool, or 800 grit sandpapaer.. keep the motion uniform and with the metal grain.

welcome to KF!!

 

Make sure the shoes are firmly seated on the anchor, cam and backing plate.
If the drum is glazed, get fine emery cloth and take the shine off of it.
Adjust the freeplay of the brake cable/pedal.

Worse case senario:
If it was severly abused, it may be discolored "blue". That cannot be machined away, you'll need another hub or an e-bay wheel.

There are a lot more 250 riders on klr650.net and klrworld.com if you're feeling like an orphan.

 

hey just thought id post in a bit late lol... All brakes need to be warn in for 100km or so. bt until then, they will feel as if they are just rubbing and doing very little. Use your brakes softly and as much as possible during this period.

Good luck for anyone wlse with this "problem"!! lol