I have a 2006 ZX14 and the rear brake feels mushy compared to the Vmax I used to ride. The pads and the rotors look good and the reservoir is full , they will lock up the rear tire with enough pressure but it takes more then the Vmax did. Is this normal or should I be looking some problem.

If you want a better feel you can switch to braded brake lines!

I have an 06 too, my brakes feel the same way. I have a rear line but havent replaced it yet because the weather has been so nice the past week lol.

My '07 rear is on the weak side. Even my '79 GS1000 takes less pressure to stop as expected.
It felt that way since day one (new bike). It came to me with the lever height adjusted incorrectly(according to the shop manual). But if I adjusted the top of the lever to be the correct distance lower than the top of the foot peg, it threw off another measurement in the linkage (I forget what two measuring points). So you couldn't adjust both things as the SM says to.
So I accept it. I can lock the wheel but I'm surprised how hard I have to press down.

My 06 rear feels fine to me, as good as my busa anyway. They'll both lock with reasonable pressure. You don't want a rear brake thats too touchy, it'll get you in all kinds of trouble.

My Monster feels soft and both of my ZRX's did too.Maybe why all the front tires were cupped.Standing on the front breaks.
Craig

Thank everybody for your reply , it seems to be normal , I guess they do it so you don,t break to hard going into a turn and lock the rear tire.

yes, mine takes a lot of pedal force to actually lock when applying the rear only. The rear has locked pretty easily when I am on the front brakes hard, however.

I try to forget that the rear brake is there most of the time....unless just cruising around, then I use both...and then it feels the same, but as stated when using the front together, it locks pretty easily. But it will stop the bike by itself, eventually...

* Last updated by: bigwilliezx on 6/20/2012 @ 7:55 PM *

I try to forget that the rear brake is there most of the time....unless just cruising around, then I use both...and then it feels the same, but as stated when using the front together, it locks pretty easily.

Yeah better save that stuff for when you're playing gymkhana on an deserted parking lot! The Yam's got power but got more of a cruiser feel, its weight distribution allows for a more powerful rear brake! As a sport bike the ZX-14....

Beside rear brakes don't prevent collision etc, they're only useful in slippery condition when remaining on both wheels is more important than stopping. I don't even practice my rear braking (for slippery conditions) much because I rather slip and slide than T boning a car. It's great to settle your suspension through a corner but I'm not there yet!

Front brake use demonstration

You will feel better after watching this one ^^

I can't wait till I can get the rear to rise about 1 inch off the ground consistently on every corner!!!

* Last updated by: dragking on 6/20/2012 @ 8:39 PM *

I can't wait till I can get the rear to rise about 1 inch off the ground consistently on every corner!!!

No no, not me... I fine just so long as I can get it to dance a little on hard braking, not trying my ass end to lift - If I need to brake harder than that, I'm going too fast!!!

I actually read that when the rear raise that much your braking is at max efficiency! The dancing is fun too!

Yeah DK, once the ass end starts to rise and you're capable of modulating the front brakes to keep her floatin' 1 inch, I'm sure your at max potential, but I am waaaay to chicken to do that myself and I'm not at that level yet!

Thinking about taking the big girl to one of those Ride Smart track events in Sep when I get back state side... They include track instruction that relates to street riding - sounds like something I could use to hone my skillsets up a few notches!

@bigwheelie: I ride with the Austin Rider Group and they're having deals for ride smart. If you let me know a couple of weeks in advance I can arrange to meet you for a track day. Let me know what kind of deals you're getting I could maybe hook you up! I heard Texas speedway is the best for the 14!

I was looking at the sometime in Sep (depending on when I can get outta Afghanistan again), they show registration as $120 and they have all three tracks, ECR, MSR Cresson and TWS in Sep. If I can get outta here early enough, I can get to TWS which is about three hours from me. I'll let you know when I get my Leave approved!

Cool. Looks like you'll be getting a suit or at least a two piece after all

Yup - working on losing a few pounds so I don't have so much fat ass to squeeze in leathers!

* Last updated by: bigwilliezx on 6/26/2012 @ 12:49 PM *

lol I have been too busy with school and work so I'm doing the opposite : Trying to gain weight to fill mine back up.

He he he,I wish... Been toying around with picking up a used ZX10R to hit the track with, one of the previous gens. got a line on one, hopefully I can get it. An 09 with very very low miles on it! We will see - will know by Friday or Saturday.

Oh, It's like that! Lure me into bringing the big girl while you bring the track weapon!!!! lol

I use my rear when I get a little too hot and want to tighten line with minimal effort. Never thought was not sensitive/powerful enough as you can feel how much or how little grip. Dont really like using rear to do that but sometimes just need. Gotta be careful cause leaned over and asking tire to do one more thing. I'm not on track so not near limits and might use here and there on unfamiliar,decreasing radius turns. Also useful at slow speed to stabilize and might need in emergency to get sideways or at slow,low traction situations. But in most cases, I dont feel the rear is that useful for stopping anyways so for me I don't notice any insensitivity and probably more bothered with opposite. Ymmv

Oh, It's like that! Lure me into bringing the big girl while you bring the track weapon!!!! lol

nah just teasing you BW!!! lol that's a good choice hopefully you can get it. Like you even if I did get a track bike I would be curious to take the 14 out there!

Ridesmart says they can offer 50% off but don't quote me just yet! PM me your e-mail... We're having a meet on the 14th, I'll let you know for sure by then!