1982 HONDA CB250RS Brakes Update

[jmpl]

Hi all,

I'm looking to update the brake pads/shoes on both the front disk and rear drum of my 1982 CB250RS. I believe it still has the original pads in from factory :eek5:

I'm unsure of modern brake pads brands, quality, etc etc

Would be great if someone out there who knows their parts, could suggest a solid set to go with :)

Cheers!


P.S. Totally curious if anyone has experience updating an older HONDA with modern callipers, if it's worth it etc?

[sidecar bob]

Gold Fren sintered pads for the front are fantastic.
They will also improve wet weather braking performance.
Not sure what you can do about the rear,as far as lining material goes.
a strip down & clean out, cleaning & lubrication the pivot shafts on both the lever & back plate & dressing the drum with emery should make it as good as it's going to get.

[F5 Dave]

You will get many opinions. Jay insisted goldfren would be good but on my roadbike I found them dead. I put Brembo pads in and night and day. A mate on other end of spectrum used them on his enormous 1400 Suzuki and hated them, fit EBC HH. Wont shut up about it. . Both of us chucked them less than 1/3 worn.


But indeed a full service is required on an old bike. There will be YouTube video on how to strip calipers. They are simple if you are clear thinking and prepared to buy replacement parts rather than reuse dogey.

Calipers are lowest point so water scunge sinks so you must pump the piston out and clean behind. Also pluck out the seals. The grooves they live in will need careful cleaning. I use a blunt dental tool and softish brass brush dremel rotary bit. The chalky stuff must go and often the ally is not coated. Chromated finish is a dream of cleanliness but largely only nissin '00s onward.

Main seals inspect with magnifying glass. Often they are fine but outer dust seals aren't. Replace anything slightly worn.

Replacing brake parts with non std will legally require an LVV cert so if you think it looks different from std you could end up not getting a wof.

I've seen some dangerous chinese master cylinder out there, but I've seen a couple of decent oem looking ones. Tread carefully.

Old brakelines should be replaced, but theres a story in itself.

[FJRider]

... I'm unsure of modern brake pads brands, quality, etc etc



Have you tried original equipment ???

ie: Have you been to a Honda parts distributor ... if you think the '82 vintage parts would still be better than "Modern" stuff ... ?? :shifty:

How effective the modern parts are would depend on how much weight you're trying (expecting) to slow down ... or what speeds you're slowing down from ... :Police:

As with most things ... some results may vary ...

[sidecar bob]

You will get many opinions. Jay insisted goldfren would be good but on my roadbike I found them dead.

Ahh yeah, hes my parts go to guy too as you can probably guess.
Goldfren are incredibly good value for money compared to the absolutely unmatched & very expensive Brembo Z04 pads.
The only pads ive ever fitted where a racer asked for a bit less braking bite.

[F5 Dave]

To be fair I'm using the gfren ceramic in the rear of the 675 and they are fit for purpose there

[SaferRides]

To be fair I'm using the gfren ceramic in the rear of the 675 and they are fit for purpose thereMust remember that if I ever wear out the rear pads in the R1.

[F5 Dave]

Yeah it was weird. First time I've had a bike that had a weak rear brake. My YZF750SP had touchy brakes and I'd try introducing air to tame it.


I like the rear brake on the road, especially in the wet. But this required you push hard and that didn't make for delicate adjustments. Heavily sintered ebc I think. Had a very worn disc, so I trailed a Chinese pad but only minor improvement. Found a better disc and ceramic pads and it behaves great now.

[jmpl]

Cheers everyone and sorry for the delayed reply! KiwiBiker doesnt send me notifications... I appreciate all the recommendations from your past experiences a lot :2thumbsup

~ J

[FJRider]

KiwiBiker doesnt send me notifications...

Go to "Settings" and change it so you do get notifications you want. (Like if somebody quotes you)

[jmpl]

Go to "Settings" and change it so you do get notifications you want. (Like if somebody quotes you)

Thanks very much!

[jmpl]

UPDATE:

Hi all,

Taken onboard all the advice and have since stripped, cleaned and rebuilt the caliper.
-Old pads weren't looking all that terrible but have a new set of GOLDFREN HH SINTERED pads on the way regardless.

I'd like to get a Master cylinder rebuild kit as it's the only piece in the brake system that doesn't seem to function properly, having checked the brake line and all the banjo bolts for leaks/blockages.

It appears to build pressure (pumping lever while finger is over the banjo hole) But when I release my finger, only a spurt of air comes out. Shouldn't there also be fluid spurting out?

I'm about to take it apart (remove the totally rusted circlip, piston, spring etc) but am struggling to find replacement kits, anyone got any golden hints? Ideal NZ based as waiting for parts from the UK is a total bummer...

It's a 1982 Honda CB250RS ("A" version, kickstart only)

Cheers everyone!

[jellywrestler]

UPDATE:

Hi all,

Taken onboard all the advice and have since stripped, cleaned and rebuilt the caliper.
-Old pads weren't looking all that terrible but have a new set of GOLDFREN HH SINTERED pads on the way regardless.

I'd like to get a Master cylinder rebuild kit as it's the only piece in the brake system that doesn't seem to function properly, having checked the brake line and all the banjo bolts for leaks/blockages.

It appears to build pressure (pumping lever while finger is over the banjo hole) But when I release my finger, only a spurt of air comes out. Shouldn't there also be fluid spurting out?

I'm about to take it apart (remove the totally rusted circlip, piston, spring etc) but am struggling to find replacement kits, anyone got any golden hints? Ideal NZ based as waiting for parts from the UK is a total bummer...

It's a 1982 Honda CB250RS ("A" version, kickstart only)

Cheers everyone! have you tried anaconda? in te aroha?

[T.W.R]

A complete front brake assembly off a slightly later CBX250RS would've been a better way to go....improved power & feel and bolts straight on without any mods :msn-wink:

[jmpl]

have you tried anaconda? in te aroha?

Good idea, planning to give them a call tomorrow!

[jmpl]

A complete front brake assembly off a slightly later CBX250RS would've been a better way to go....improved power & feel and bolts straight on without any mods :msn-wink:

Interesting, hmm. Any leads on where I might find one? Cheers

[T.W.R]

Interesting, hmm. Any leads on where I might find one? Cheers


There's been a complete CBX listed in wrecking bikes on TM over the last couple of months

Simon (Good parts Ltd) has a couple of CBX250s listed on his official business site

But regularly lists on TM tin1212

https://www.trademe.co.nz/services/trades/automotive/auction-2277979036.htm?rsqid=b3ce85a1aa3049999c4a210235cb3 2e1-001


It's a go to upgrade on a lot of cafe'd CB250rs

[jmpl]

Choice! Will be keeping my eye out on TM for sure.

Cheers mate

[F5 Dave]

Choice! .
.. .

Ohh. Retro slang. :love: