The Hodaka Club Forum

I’m having a bit of an issue with adjusting the front brake. I can either get it right enough that the front brake functions, but the brake light stays on constantly, or, I can adjust it so the brake light doesn’t stay on, but there’s little or no stopping power in the front brake. And I haven’t done anything to the front brake hub, yet, to change the way anything was positioned.

Everything appears to be working correctly, except for the tightness/brake light issues. So does anyone have a “sure fire never fail” system for setting up the front brake so everything works correctly & the brake light doesn’t stay on all the time? Thanks! Victor

"Bullfrog" also called Captain Eddy has written on best way to set up front brakes/ front axle on assembly on set up.

I'd ask him for the link.

I sure can't find it.

It may or may not help your situation, but I used his instructions & it seemed to help me.

Get the brakes working first, worry about switch action second.

Could be you're gonna want a different brake switch spring. I sure tried 2 or 3 till satisfied.

Just some thoughts.

#1 - adjust brake to work properly
#2 - adjust switch position and or spring length as necessary to achieve proper actuation of switch. ie, switch is OFF when hand is not touching the front brake lever. Switch turns on virtually immediately when hand starts to squeeze brake lever.
Ed

Maybe I'm on the wrong track, but the procedure for front wheel set up for best overall brake shoe setup went like this:

Raise &secure front end of motorcycle

Loosen axle nut & pinch bolt

Pull brake lever to engage front brake & tie it in the engaged position so brakes stay on.

Now tighten the axle nut

Then tighten pinch bolt.

Release brake lever.

This may or may not help with your switching problem, but at least you'll be confident the brakes & front end are properly set.

Might be Overkill, but a reasonable way to start.

Then find the best spring for the job & switch position.

Might have the wrong spring on there, too short.

I’m thinking that this spring is old & not as flexible, as well as being too short! I can’t set the brake, and get different spring lengths to give me the correct brake light activation.

Thanks for all the input. I didn’t even think about the spring being too small! Victor