• NEW USERS: If you haven't received your Confirmation Email: There has been an ongoing issue with the forum's send mail function and many new users haven't received the email to confirm their registration. I've done my best to manually process these, so there's a good chance if you've signed up in the past 30 days that you've already been validated and can proceed with posting on the forum (don't forget to introduce yourself!). If you still can't get in, please use the Contact Us link on the bottom of any page to send me a message and I'll process you manually. Thanks for your patience! ~Jerk

New classic 350: rear brake complaints and solution

Mr. Goodbar

Getting there...
Location
USA
I have a brand new classic 350 (2022). The rear brakes squeal and rub. Ive attempted to put some anti squeak lube on the caliper side of the brake. It helped during braking (less squeak), but now it squeaks when I roll it at low speeds (only 1 every 4 tire rotations. Has anyone else had issues like this that were solved. My dealer suggested getting ceramic brakes...not great for a new bike.
 

Mr. Goodbar

Getting there...
Location
USA
That’s basically my default at this point. Part of my question is if any other owners have seen this in a new bike.
 

mlions

Total noob
Location
Reading
Make sure you grease up the rear master cylinder push for and return spring. Mine stuck badly at 7000 miles.
a liberal application of chain lube and working the pedal hard has freed it up for now.
They need to grease at factory. Basically I lost the rear brake completely.
 

Gilburton

Total noob
Location
Kettering UK
I'm still running and not had the first service yet but no problems with brake squeal. I did find the brakes a bit ineffective so I deliberately over used the rear brake a bit and it has now bedded in.
The front was the same but as that is used more it bedded in quicker.
As others have said use it a bit more first before considering different pads as it may just be tight tolerances as stuck brakes shouldn't happen on a new machine.
Your dealer should really look at it as it seems like the classic stuck brake problem which usually only happens to older machines when rust/dirt jams up the sliding pins.
When the brakes get used a bit more in theory they should wear down a fraction and settle a bit more.
Failing that just make sure it's all free to move but as the bike is new your dealer should look at it but make sure you tell him at the service.
 

Mr. Goodbar

Getting there...
Location
USA
Update: squeaks gone. I did the following. Rubbed pads on sand paper for a minute straight. I put anti squeal silicone lube on the cylinder side of the pad. And started putting on mikes. It operates normally now after adding 150 miles post fix. Just FYI for anyone else.
 

VStarRider

Well travelled
I have a Classic myself, no brake squeal, but my Himalayan squealed the first 1000 miles or so. It doesn't anymore.

I saw in one of your other posts that you miss your Honda. I have a '16 Wing as well the two REs. I think we are spoiled by Hondas and their high quality of materials, workmanship and precise operation of everything. The REs seem to be solid and strong, but have issues on the periphery. Still, I couldn't imagine getting more for your money with these bikes - they are great, even with their occasional issues.
 

Mr. Goodbar

Getting there...
Location
USA
I have a Classic myself, no brake squeal, but my Himalayan squealed the first 1000 miles or so. It doesn't anymore.

I saw in one of your other posts that you miss your Honda. I have a '16 Wing as well the two REs. I think we are spoiled by Hondas and their high quality of materials, workmanship and precise operation of everything. The REs seem to be solid and strong, but have issues on the periphery. Still, I couldn't imagine getting more for your money with these bikes - they are great, even with their occasional issues.
Indeed. I’m Honda spoiled. I’ve decided to find RE delightfully quirky For now.
 

Chuck in Indiana

Getting there...
Location
central Indiana
You don't know the meaning of delightfully quirky.. over the years I've had 17 Moto Guzzis. :) I'm impressed with the attention to detail and build quality of the Classic 350. That said, after 20 miles the brakes haven't bedded in, yet. If they don't improve, *I don't know* but I imagine that HH pads for Brembos can be made to fit.
 

Morgan60

Well travelled
Location
USA
Did you guys clean the rotors with brake cleaner and a white paper towel before you put very many miles on it? Then did you break-in/run-in your brakes? If not when you take your bike in for the first service have the dealership fix it. Cleaning of the rotors should have been done in PDI but many times dealers charged the fee but don’t do it correctly or do it at all.
 

Eatmore Mudd

Moderator
Staff member
You don't know the meaning of delightfully quirky.. over the years I've had 17 Moto Guzzis. :) I'm impressed with the attention to detail and build quality of the Classic 350. That said, after 20 miles the brakes haven't bedded in, yet. If they don't improve, *I don't know* but I imagine that HH pads for Brembos can be made to fit.
20 miles ? Lemme recommend surfing the net on the subject of bedding in brakes. That and a good rinse of the pads and discs with brake cleaner to remove any residual oils or protectants is a good idea too imho.
 
Last edited:

Eatmore Mudd

Moderator
Staff member
We must be having a misunderstanding. I don't expect them to be bedded in yet. (shrug)
Nah, I'm just not communicating effectively today. Trying to encourage you to do what's gonna be best for you according to your judgement.
When the Himalayan first started hitting the US market some folks found the brakes wooden and front one weak. Some of us found them good to dang good for simple disc brakes. The common denominator among those us's was some sort of solvent wash & bedding in the brakes using the techniques that worked for each with previous bikes.
 

Morgan60

Well travelled
Location
USA
We must be having a misunderstanding. I don't expect them to be bedded in yet. (shrug)
I have a long hill about a 9% grade and four miles long about 20 miles away from my house. I go down it about three times dragging the brakes and coming to a compete stop 6-8 times getting the brakes hot to the point the stainless steel rotors turn just a little yellow when I’m done. This take me only one time doing this and the bedding-in / breaking- in of the brakes are done.

Always remember though when you get your brakes hot make sure you don’t just stop. Ride your bike 6-8 miles to let them cool down. If not, when you just stop you can easily warp your rotors.
 
Last edited:

Over Yonder

Getting there...
Location
USA
You don't know the meaning of delightfully quirky.. over the years I've had 17 Moto Guzzis. :) I'm impressed with the attention to detail and build quality of the Classic 350. That said, after 20 miles the brakes haven't bedded in, yet. If they don't improve, *I don't know* but I imagine that HH pads for Brembos can be made to fit.
Guzzis indeed!!!
 
Top Bottom