Question from reading old forum...

[Barrycuda]

Was reading some older posts and a few times the Rick butler brake mod was mentioned. Can any of you explain, post a pic etc on what is the mod, how does it work, has it helped and are you happy, or not since having it. Easy, or hard to install? Any pros vs cons to have it or not. Thanks all...

[bongobobny]

Here ya go!

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13098&highlight=Butler+brake

 

It's basically a mod for the 2nd gen to con trol the "grab" of the rear brake so it's not as easy to lock up the rear brake...

[playboy]

Barry I haven't done the mod to the rear brakes but Skydoc Earl hooked me up with a set of Kevlar pads for the rear and they really help with the grabbing when you get on them pretty hard. Also a easy job to change out.

[dingy]

Barry I haven't done the mod to the rear brakes but Skydoc Earl hooked me up with a set of Kevlar pads for the rear and they really help with the grabbing when you get on them pretty hard. Also a easy job to change out.

 

Now that's interesting. Earl got in my poopy a couple of years ago after I expressed my preference for the Kevlars.

 

Can teach an old dog new tricks.

 

 

Gary

[2WHEELSFORME]

You solved a brake grabbing problem with using a kevlar pad that really grabs even better?

 

 

I hated the way both my Ventures would lock up the rear brake with the smallest touch. Big change coming from a VTX 1800 that has linked brakes and almost impossible to lock the rear wheel. I installed a Life Saver on the rear and I'm very pleased. http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/03/19/lifesaver-tcb-braking-control-system/

[bongobobny]

You solved a brake grabbing problem with using a kevlar pad that really grabs even better?

 

 

I hated the way both my Ventures would lock up the rear brake with the smallest touch. Big change coming from a VTX 1800 that has linked brakes and almost impossible to lock the rear wheel. I installed a Life Saver on the rear and I'm very pleased. http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/03/19/lifesaver-tcb-braking-control-system/

I know I'm opening a can of worms but I prefer linked brakes for that very reason!! I found out the hard way when I got my new 2nd gen that the brakes were not linked. Just another cost effective cheapening IMHO...

[skydoc_17]

Hey Dingy,

As I remember, we were discussing using Kevlar brake pads on the front of a VR, and I said that the heat transfered from the pads to the rotors would overheat the rotors on the front of the bike. I will say that after we talked about it, I did try quite a few experiments with the Kevlar pads on the REAR of the First and Second Gens. What I found was there is a LOT less "grabbing" of the brake pad when applying the rear brake, and because the rear brake is not generating the "lion's share" of the braking force during a stop, that the issue of too much rear brake, and the possibility of a rear wheel lock up is GREATLY reduced. I admit that Dingy planted the seed, but after some serious testing I STILL think that the Kevlar pads generate WAY too much heat for the First Gen. front rotors, and would shorten the life of the Second Gen. Rotors. Now, because Dingy has R1 rotors on his "Frankenstein VR/VMAX" I am sure the rotors will handle the extra heat just fine. The Stainless Steel that the R1 Rotors are made from are of a much higher quality that the rotors on a First or Second Gen. But for us "average guys" that have the stock First Gen. or Second Gen. rotors, I think the Kevlar pads are a GREAT improvement in the REAR Caliper, but the EBC HH pads are as aggressive as we can go on the front rotors without upgrading to a different heat range of rotor.

Dingy, you are one of the smartest guys I know when it comes to the engineering side of these motorcycles! Even when we disagree on a subject I still have the utmost respect for you and your ideas. The only "rub" I have ever had with you is that you have taken your bikes to such a high level of modification that some of your suggestions work just fine on a highly modded bike, but for the average VR/RSV owner, sometimes they deliver less than acceptable results. In my opinion, you "set the bar" for performance and engineering on the First and Second Gens. on this forum. Your electrical/electronic knowledge is FAR beyond mine, and your ability to "graft" parts from many different bikes is legendary. I am, and will continue to be humbled in the presence of your machines, and look forward to your Modded Second Gen. this year at Freebird's Maint. Day, as I always am. The "Tweety" bike is a work of art. I am resigned to the fact that I will continue to offer "modest" upgrades for the First and Second Gens. and continue to help ANY VR.ORG member that I can with the upkeep of their motorcycles, with the "limited knowledge" I have to work with.

To get back on topic, I keep the Kevlar Brake Pads in stock as well as the EBC HH Sintered Pads for the First and Second Gen. bikes, and I do believe that the use of the Kevlar Brake Pads is an Excellent choice for the REAR of the Second Gen. bike to reduce the "grabbing" issue these bikes have. It would be my pleasure to chat with anyone about the condition of their brakes, and the tested methods I use to overcome them. Please feel free to PM me. Now, if you want to put a Dodge Viper engine in your RSV, then Dingy is the guy to talk to!

Earl

[Freebird]

I've had Rick's brake mod kit installed for several years. It works GREAT.

[Barrycuda]

Once again, all you guys are great and thanks for the insight. I noticed on the link to the lifesaver page, the owner or creator/ alleged stealer was getting hammered on line. Does not seem to have a permanent page except that. also, freebird, any of these maintenance days ever gonna be hosted in Florida?

[Freebird]

That's up to you and the other folks that live in Florida. The Maintenance Days happen when a member in an area steps up to have one.

[playboy]

Thanks Earl for clearing that up wasn't trying to open a can of worms. I certainly can't tell anyone how it works I just know that they have worked for me. I have tried them on more than one occasion in a panic stop and they haven't locked up yet. Now that may also be in part because I have experienced that pucker factor before that I 'm more aware of it but I have been on the rear brakes pretty hard. They still wear uneven and I swapped them last tire change. If I had a complaint about them it would be that there maybe a bit more brake dust than OEM or whatever the PO had installed but and acceptable trade off.