Brakes

Information relating to the Matchless G5 or AJS Model 8 350cc Lightweight
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bike63
Member
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Mar 29, 2020 11:37 am
Location: Hertfordshire UK

Brakes

Post by bike63 »

Rode my G5 rebuild yesterday for the first time. I'd heard the brakes were poor (crap), but was shocked at just how bad (last rode a bike 25 years ago and that had twin front discs). Has anybody tried to improve the performance of the front brake via some modification. I'd like to feel confident about doing more than 30 mph.
Andy G
Member
Posts: 358
Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2020 9:42 am
Location: Aberdeenshire UK

Re: Brakes

Post by Andy G »

Hi John
Someone will be along shortly I'm sure with some more technical advice but in the meantime I'd try improving whats there by adjustment.
Forgive if you've already checked these but..
For front: Shortest, smoothest cable run, kink free and with a lightly oiled, good quality cable.
Bar lever moves without friction and returns fully.
Cable doesn't flex or twist during operation.
For rear: No slack linkages, oval mounting holes etc.
Smooth operation and return.
For both: Shoes centered during wheel mounting.
Shoes deglazed and grease free.
Wheel drum ovality minimal, radius matches curve of shoes across full length.
Brakes adjusted to just miss dragging with smallest but measurable free play.
For pilot: Expectations limited.
Both brakes applied together!
Bombling contentedly around rural Aberdeenshire
SPRIDDLER
Member
Posts: 8542
Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2004 1:00 am
Location: WEST SUSSEX UK

Re: Brakes

Post by SPRIDDLER »

In addition to Andy's wise words here's a link to a rather long and detailed post that I put on here many moons ago which may give you somewhere to start......

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=12693&p=115566#p115566

Robust cables are essential. Some of the cheap clutch and brake ones would barely serve for the throttle.
The heavier ones are from Venhill Cables and the others from eBay or an autojumble.
Control cables dims..jpg
Control cable ferrule.jpg
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'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
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