anyhelp week week brakes on a early mod zx10

[heap rider]

just brought this tank ,great engine but front brakes seem weak anyone know if thats standard on this model(88) or what i can try to fix it ,
they dont feel spungy just gutless

[Gremlin]

Don't know the model, but the first things you could check are the pads and the fluid. Pads could be glazed, worn to nothing, fluid could be old.

[Patch]

Could be that you've just forgotten what shite brakes feel like - it is the late 80's after all.

I'd changing wot Grem said anyway, whether it needs it or not - peace of mind.

[Taz]

The ZX10 was renowned for it's great brakes in it's day.

[Patch]

and compared with the brake's today, they'll be crap.

Everything is relative.

[bistard]

Check what Patch has said,but also consider the rubber brake hoses,they get old & perish,replace them with dot approved braided lines,bleed the system,check the pads,& all will be good

[F5 Dave]

So are they spongy? If so braided lines &/or dust seals on calipers and/or mc rebuild. If they have pressure but are wooden then the callipers could be partially seized. Remove pads, clean around pistons, push in (can gently use tiny sash clamps from Wh). & pump out until happy moving freely (may require rebuild if not).

Then clean off discs & see what brake pads using. Some pads are pretty grim, there are usually several models in every line.

[imdying]

Start with basic maintenance. Strip and clean the calipers, replace the seals (dust seals are typically reusable unless they've swollen).

If the hoses are getting old (5+ years) you can either fit some braided lines, or get some low expansion rubber ones for half the price.

If the pads are old n crusty, biff em. Then bleed it correctly and see how you go. Sometimes newer compositions of pads don't work well with olds disc materials, so sometimes you need to try a few brands to see what's what. Ask on the kwaka forums, you're sure to find someone who has tried every brand.

Start with the basic maintenance though, it's cheap and most likely needs doing anyway.