Brake upgrades? Oversize kits?

[pj7]

Switching to an 05 Gas Gas 250 after a few years on KTMs. What can I do to get better front brakes? The Gas Gas is a very low hour bike and the brakes work properly but they're nothing like what I'm used to (the last KTM was newer than this 05 so maybe it's not a fair comparison). Does anyone offer an oversize front brake kit? Is there a certain brand pad that works better (more friction) than the OEM pads? I've seen Galfer wave rotors but I'm assuming they are the same size as stock and I'm not sure there is any performance benefit (even though they look cool).

 

[hannesd]

have you tried bleeding them, put new brake fluid in the system?
do'nt think they can be that much worse then your previous bike so you would have to put an oversize rotor,unless you're riding supermoto?

 

[lankydoug]

I know what you mean. My 03 GG EC200 takes more force on the lever to really get aggressive with the brakes. When I bought my 09 Husky which has brakes that are the same as KTM one finger lightly on the lever would stand it on it's nose. I don't think the GG lacks braking power but it does take more force on the lever which IMO makes it a little easier to control without sliding the tires.

 

[GasTimppa]

I know what you mean. My 03 GG EC200 takes more force on the lever to really get aggressive with the brakes. When I bought my 09 Husky which has brakes that are the same as KTM one finger lightly on the lever would stand it on it's nose. I don't think the GG lacks braking power but it does take more force on the lever which IMO makes it a little easier to control without sliding the tires.[/QUOT

I agree that.

 

[pj7]

Think I'm going to try different pads first, that's a cheap experiment and if it doesn't help well then I'll have an extra set of front brake pads. I would find a complete late model KTM front brake set up if it would bolt up but I'm 99% sure it won't - I'll check this week. I hate to give up those one finger nose wheelies.

 

[Keg]

The front Gasser disc is a 270mm standard isn't it? This is considered larger than most.

Try a wave disc, it will wear your pads harder but be more agressive. Make sure the slider pins on the calipers are lubed to. What brand pads do you use?

 

[webmaster]

Some years didn't have a steel braid line - I would start with that and bleed them well.

jeff

 

[pj7]

Some years didn't have a steel braid line - I would start with that and bleed them well.

jeff

Good point, stock hose may not be steel braided on it.....

 

[webmaster]

I looked on gofasters website because they used to list a slightly longer front brake hose; I don't see it, you might want to give them a call.

I know les at ltr has a few steel braid front lines left over that he wants to close out. He isn't selling parts any longer and is focusing on his suspesion work. He also has a few stainless steel wheel spacers, etc

On the pads, the oem nissin pads have great feel but others have higher friction and are more grabby if that is what you prefer.

Jeff

 

[pj7]

I looked on gofasters website because they used to list a slightly longer front brake hose; I don't see it, you might want to give them a call.

I know les at ltr has a few steel braid front lines left over that he wants to close out. He isn't selling parts any longer and is focusing on his suspesion work. He also has a few stainless steel wheel spacers, etc

On the pads, the oem nissin pads have great feel but others have higher friction and are more grabby if that is what you prefer.

Jeff

Lots of good info, thanks. I definitely see if Les still has a front line, I'm trying to get in touch with him now about sending my suspension to him for a revalve, he could send me the brake line back with the suspension.

 

[iancp5]

Switching to an 05 Gas Gas 250 after a few years on KTMs. What can I do to get better front brakes? The Gas Gas is a very low hour bike and the brakes work properly but they're nothing like what I'm used to (the last KTM .

Hmm ... the GasGas brakes "should" be every bit as good as KTM, posibly better. I've had both and both worked well although the GG has better feel IMHO.

 

[Caravan Monster]

I've never been able to sort out the front brake on my '06 EC300. Even put a new braided hose on it, although I was sure it didn't need it. Still feels 'spongy' It's ok, just not as sharp as nissin brakes on other bikes I have owned.

 

[iancp5]

I've never been able to sort out the front brake on my '06 EC300. Even put a new braided hose on it, although I was sure it didn't need it. Still feels 'spongy' It's ok, just not as sharp as nissin brakes on other bikes I have owned.

It might be ..........
The lever/master cylinders get a little bubble of air caught in them when bleeding because the lever cannot push the piston all the way in. I have found removing the lever and pushing the piston all the way in with a large Phillips screwdriver or similar releases the bubble.

 

[Caravan Monster]

Thanks for the tip Ian, I'll try that.

 

[GMP]

Braided line for a Honda CR250 works. Remove the system, hang vertical, compress the caliper pistons, and back bleed. EBC organic pads (red). Bled correctly it will have crazy brakes with a hard lever. The rotor is the same size as oversize kits for other bikes.

 

[husley]

Braided line for a Honda CR250 works. Remove the system, hang vertical, compress the caliper pistons, and back bleed. EBC organic pads (red). Bled correctly it will have crazy brakes with a hard lever. The rotor is the same size as oversize kits for other bikes.

"back bleed".........always wondered: how do you do this?