cb550

[sean1]

 :-/ hello there,ive just purchased a 1978 cb 550,its got 40k on the clock and is in great nick,its only my second bike,and feels like holding on to a wild horse,but great fun!i have only one question someone might be able to answer; the back brake seems soft. i have to give it plenty of boot to start getting purchase on the brake.is this normal for a bike of this age,im told the bike has just been serviced,and if so should i consider an upgrade?thanks sean

[VintageBike]

what bike are you used to riding?  Brakes on older bikes are usually "poor" compared to more modern bikes - but they should still be effective.
Nigel.

[sean1]

i have a yamaha tw125 02

[L.A.B.]

I don't remember my CB550 (F1) rear brake being that bad (or the front brake), but I don't remember it being that good either! Well, it was nearly thirty years ago since I sold it.
But you cannot really compare brakes of that era with more modern types, but if you are in any doubt about it working correctly then I suggest you strip it down and check the assembly.