Unbelievable

[Iron Andy]

Hi all,

Yesterday I sorted the creeping clutch problem. I took the bike out for a test ride. The bike was working brilliant. On my way back to the garage, the front brake locked up on the disc and through me off the bike. I was trapped under the bike but luckly a guy walking by helped get the bike off me and up on it's wheels.

The damage, the left side forwards took the brunt of the fall. I had to kick them straight so I could use them. I had taken some tools with me just in case. Took the bolts off the caliper but it was stuck solid. I loosened the banjo bolt to release the pressure and the caliper came off. It was scorching hot, wrapped it in a rag and cable tied it to the bars.

It was very interesting riding with one brake. Got back to the garage to find the gears don't work. I can't believe it, I was already to take it for an MOT. This bike just doesn't seem to want to be on the road. Every time I fix a problem, wallop up pops half a dozen more.

What could have made the brake lock on? New master cylinder kit and new Goodridge hose fitted.

Will take the clutch and gear box a part later this week, after the stiffness eases up.

Andy.

[kevscrivener]

Jeez Andy, your luck's got to turn soon; best buy a lottery ticket for Wednesday's draw!

When you say the gears don't work; can you be more specific?

[Iron Andy]

Kev,

the shifter arm just flaps around. Does not select any gear. It is stuck in first. I tryed getting it to change gear by rocking the back wheel back and forwards. No joy.

Andy.

[panheadpete]

Hi Andy;
Wow, things really aren't following the master plan, are they?
Regarding the brakes, from what you say the likely culprit is the return bleed hole in the master cylinder, you know, the one that lets the fluid back into the reservoir when you release the lever. A tiny piece of debris, usually from an old seal, blocks the hole so that fluid can get into the system but not out again.
If it were the caliper I wouldn't have expected releasing the banjo to have helped.
As Kev says, things can only get better...
Cheers,
Pete

[45grum]

As above, had a similar problem with my Triumph clutch, as the day went on the clutch would start to slip until you lost all drive, had to crack off the bango bolt and hey presto the clutch is back to normal.
Check that there is free play at the lever so you know the piston is coming right back, sometimes due to manufacturing tolerance build up things can get a little tight and you can find the lever is holding the piston in enough to cover the return/bleed hole in the reservoir.
I am surprised you did not feel the drag from the brake before it spat you, off if the caliper was red hot it must have been dragging for a while.
Good luck.

[Iron Andy]

Hi,

I know the little hole you mention. I will be checking that tomorrow. The bike did slow down a bit to quick when coming to traffic lights etc. I thought this wasn't right, in my nigheveity I thought it was engine braking. I only took it out for a 2 mile round trip, just wanted to check the clutch operation. I live in Leeds city centre and doing test rides on a non legal bike is a bit tricky.

If you have never been to Leeds, it is the world centre for traffic lights. I reckon the city council own the factory that manufactures them. They place them everywhere. One day you'll be riding along, no traffic lights, next day same road, covered in the buggers. You need a left forearm like popeye in this place.

Andy.