Drum Brake To Disc Brake Conversion Motorcycle
As a motorcycle owner, you know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient braking system. A well-functioning brake system can mean the difference between life and death on the road. If you're looking to upgrade your motorcycle's braking system, you might want to consider converting from drum brakes to disc brakes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at drum brake to disc brake conversion for motorcycles. We'll cover everything you need to know, from the benefits of disc brakes to the conversion process itself.
What Are Drum Brakes?
Drum brakes are a type of braking system that has been used in motorcycles for decades. They consist of a drum-shaped brake shoe that presses against the inside of a drum attached to the wheel. When you apply the brakes, the brake shoe presses against the drum, creating friction that slows down the wheel. While drum brakes are effective, they do have some limitations. They tend to overheat quickly, which can cause them to lose effectiveness. Additionally, they tend to be less responsive than disc brakes.
What Are Disc Brakes?
Disc brakes, on the other hand, are a newer type of braking system that is becoming increasingly popular in motorcycles. They consist of a caliper that holds brake pads on either side of a rotor attached to the wheel. When you apply the brakes, the brake pads press against the rotor, creating friction that slows down the wheel. Disc brakes are more responsive and efficient than drum brakes. They also tend to last longer and are less likely to overheat.
Benefits of Conversion
There are many benefits to converting from drum brakes to disc brakes. Here are just a few:
- Improved stopping power: Disc brakes are more responsive and efficient than drum brakes, which means you'll be able to stop your motorcycle more quickly and effectively.
- Better heat dissipation: Disc brakes are less likely to overheat, which means they'll be more effective in stopping your motorcycle even during long rides.
- Increased durability: Disc brakes tend to last longer than drum brakes, which means you won't have to replace them as often.
- Better performance: Disc brakes can improve the overall performance of your motorcycle by providing better braking power and reducing weight.
Conversion Process
The conversion process from drum brakes to disc brakes can be a bit complex, so it's recommended that you have a professional mechanic handle the job. Here are the basic steps involved in the conversion process:
- Remove the existing drum brake system from your motorcycle.
- Install the new disc brake system, including the rotor, caliper, and brake pads.
- Install new brake lines and hoses to connect the new system to your motorcycle's master cylinder.
- Test the new system to ensure that it's working properly.
Keep in mind that the specific steps involved in the conversion process may vary depending on the make and model of your motorcycle. It's important to work with a professional mechanic who has experience with drum brake to disc brake conversion.
Conclusion
Converting from drum brakes to disc brakes can be a great way to improve the safety and performance of your motorcycle. Disc brakes offer many benefits over drum brakes, including improved stopping power, better heat dissipation, increased durability, and better performance. While the conversion process can be complex, it's worth it to work with a professional mechanic to get the job done right. With the right braking system in place, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable ride on your motorcycle.
