Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board
Bridgestone Tech Talk => 350 Talk => Topic started by: Kenneth Pagel on January 12, 2019, 12:51:03 PM
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I'm going to replace the original brake shoes on my GTR. They only have about 3K on them, going by the odometer when I purchased the bike. Being that the linings are 50+ years old, and contain asbestos, replacement seems to be the way to go. To the point: I've read in an old post that Honda 175 shoes, or another Honda model (or other manufacturer?) are the same? If this is so, does anyone have a current part #? I've rather go this route, if possible, as to get them re-lined by one vendor would be about $115.00 per pair, plus shipping. Any and all suggestions appreciated!
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I do not understand you guys, all you have to do is contact Richard and order some new ones. what am i missing? Jeff bar
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I've had good luck with NOS shoes. The used ones in bikes are likely very hard from heat while in use, but NOS ones work fine. Richard may still have some and sometimes they show up on ebay. There is a difference in 175 and 350 shoes even though they are the same size. The 350 shoes hold up better when aggressively ridden; however, for normal cruising, I don't think it would matter.
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So the 175 and 350 use the same brakes, except for the shoes? If so, this an example of BS cutting costs.
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Same as Jeff bar.
Don't understand the problem.
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Many original reviewera of the GTR expressed surpise that BS fitted the same front brake as used on the 175, when considering the higher performance of the 350. I have read that BS used a better lining material on the 350 to improve brake performance, explaining why the identical brake shoes have different part numbers for each model. So it was more a safety issue than cost cutting.
Properly set up this is a very effective brake, the front brake on my GTO is very good giving instant bite and easily able to stop the bike with just a couple of fingers on the lever (original shoes with 6000 miles on the clock) The rear brake is not so good, will have to give it a dose of looking at before the spring.
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Jeff B: As stated in my original post,, I'm not too keen on the idea of using NOS linings, as they are most likely asbestos, and in addition, 50+ year-old linings would, IMHO, be suspect due to their shear age. Also, modern linings that contain Kevlar, are superior. Having said that, OldWSwartout seems happy with his NOS shoes.
Like to get more feedback on how many on this site have used NOS shoes from Richard.
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For what it is worth.
I use NOS brake shoes on all my Bridgestone restoration projects.
I have never had a problem or concern.
Randy
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Thanks, Randy, for the reply.
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I do not understand you guys, all you have to do is contact Richard and order some new ones. what am i missing? Jeff bar
Not everyone is looking for 50+ year old parts as replacements.
Dan
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OK, then spend 115$. popcorn
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Here in the UK, we have a company called Villiers Services, who will provide a range of modern brake shoe linings for any size of shoe. I've used them for the front brake of my BSA A7SS and it made a big difference...would recommend them. They charge about 22 GBP per pair...not ideal for you guys in the States but it is an option.
https://villiersservices.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66
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$$$$ money is no object for some $$$$
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With Australia's crackdown on asbestos being imported in vintage vehicles & parts, those guys won’t be able to buy and bring in any of the nos brake shoes.
Gotta have alternatives......
http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=4618.msg28053#msg28053
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Just put your feet down and drag them. It worked for Fred Flintstone. No harm to the environment.
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I have used stock ones for years, road my 350 about 3000 miles since the fix up. but I am just riding at street speed, nothing fancy :P Jeff bar
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Rear brake is weak so I am adapting a double cam front brake to the back on my modified 350 rider. For liners in the U.S.A. check this guy out: http://www.vintagebrake.com/. He appears easy to work with and knows his stuff. He also builds up wheels.
- Bob
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Bob. Please post some photos of your brake system, a improved rear brake would be a welcomed addition to a GTR. banana
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I would like to see a double cam rear brake also. I don't think I have ever seen one
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I am in the process of putting together a double cam rear brake. At this point it looks like it will work with a few modifications. My ulitmate objective is to be able to lock up the rear wheel. Pictures may be difficult since it seems I can no longer post them on this site, but I will see what I can do.
Good luck with your builds and have fun!
- Bob
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Why can't you post photos, Everyone seems to be able. I have checked you are in the " regular member" section and everyone is except: Admin and Tech advisors. Perhaps clear your cache on your computer.
What computer web browser are you using? Try a different one.
Richard Clark
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I don't post on this forum with any frequency as there are many people on here with vast, and I do mean vast, technical knowledge pertaining to Bridgestone motorcycles. These bikes were however my main source of transport from the late sixties through 1973.
The brakes were of extreme importance as I had little use for speed limits. (They're kinda just suggestions after all.) The rear brake is useful, although marginally if the front brake is being used hard as the weight transfers forward. I suspect that a twin leading shoe rear brake, with its self-energizing tendencies may be prone to lock-up, especially in a panic stop. If the shoes are properly arced to the drum, which they are not until worn in unless this procedure has been performed by one the the shops that specialize in that procedure the standard brakes are more than adequate for a bike of the weight and performance of the GTR. I have the stock rear brakes on the several GTRs that I ride and can lock the rear on even the best of pavement.
I realize that newer bikes have disc brakes front and rear, but the disc is not self energizing and are more linear in response to applied pressure. Even at that, with my GS1100ES Suzuki and also my modified GS1100E being much heavier than my 350s the rear brake is used sparingly.
I may have my head "up my butt" and if you feel I do please tell me. My wife does so frequently
DL
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The rear brake is useful, although marginally if the front brake is being used hard as the weight transfers forward. I suspect that a twin leading shoe rear brake, with its self-energizing tendencies may be prone to lock-up, especially in a panic stop. If the shoes are properly arced to the drum, which they are not until worn in unless this procedure has been performed by one the the shops that specialize in that procedure. I have the stock rear brakes on the several GTRs that I ride and can lock the rear on even the best of pavement.
DL
I agree, the rear brake needs to be strong enough to lock up the rear wheel, but only when the front brake is being fully used also, with weight transferred toward the front.
I also agree with your assessment of speed limits. ;D
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Could someone tell me what "speed limits" are?....lol
...bert
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I think that the term speed limit refers to the speed that a bike will reach in top gear with the throttle pegged.