How strong is parking brake supposed to be?

[BigGuppy]

My parking brake has never felt very strong. Now most of the places I park are dead flat, so when I set the handbrake it's just as an anti-theft precaution. But I've noticed a couple times I've pulled away with it still on. And there's just a little drag, nothing more.

The other day I was on a slight slope in a parking lot, and it was clear the parking brake wasn't going to stop it rolling. I found another spot.

Is the parking brake supposed to be as tight as a car parking brake? Is there something I can do to check and adjust it?

 

[d'milan]

This was right here...

others via google


Adjusting the parking brake

 

[ste7ios]

You’ve to adjust it from time to time because as every brake pad is in contact with the brake disc and there is some wear even when you’re not using it...

 

[sumo]

There are many posts on this forum where guys/gals have burned out their parking brake pads by riding along for who knows how long (miles and miles I imagine) without even realising the brake is engaged. This could not happen to me because when my brake is on I can't help but notice, I can pull away but the engine strains and I quickly realise. All and all I might have 20 feet of wear on my parking brake pads. Two years later I am starting to find it is not quite as effective as it used to be so I think I will adjust it a little tighter.

I think that I should adjust my parking brake so tight that it is very difficult to push the bike along on a level surface. Also, if I can pull away from a parking spot and hardly notice that my brake is on IT'S NOT TIGHT ENOUGH.

 

[DirtFlier]

[...if I can pull away from a parking spot and hardly notice that my brake is on IT'S NOT TIGHT ENOUGH.]


The parking brake is designed to keep the bike from rolling when parked on an incline. Anything beyond that and you're asking way too much.

ps. I too have ridden off with the parking brake still engaged but felt something was amiss within 10-20 ft!

 

[NCX-Tom]

I threw it away. Needed it only on ferryboats and then used a rubberband on the front brakelever. Weight is about 1,5 kg.

 

[sumo]

I threw it away. Needed it only on ferryboats and then used a rubberband on the front brakelever. Weight is about 1,5 kg.

In Canada when you sell a used vehicle the parking brake must be in working order to pass a safety inspection which is required to transfer ownership. I'm not sure that 'parking brake' is on their radar for a motorcycle inspection so one would probably get away with not having it.

 

[NCX-Tom]

No problem in Germany. Realise: my Honda SH 300 has no parking brake from factory on. Will mount it, when the bike is to be sold.
Greetings from Germany, Thomas

 

[johnakay]

when I had my NC I only adjusted it twice in 4 years and used it regularly when taking photos inc on steep hill.
you adjust it at the bottom if I remember rightly.

 

[FezUSA]

Similar issue on mine, could hold the bike on the flat, but I noticed on an incline it didn't work real well and the bike would roll some. Noticed this right before a vacation and the bike was going in for its 8k service. Asked them to tighten it up while they were at it. Problem solved, it's much better now. And no I never rode off with it on. Yet!