H: Hubs, Wheels and Tyres Eight inch brake ?

[Julian R.]

Can somebody tell me how good or bad is the 8" brake sold by the club and how it compares to the dutch TLS brake ? Thanks to all , Julian

 

[Martyn Goodwin]

I know of 2 people who fitted the 8" brake and later replaced it with the 2LS from Vincent Speet. They told me the 2LS was way better

 

[davidd]

That sounds about right. I have used the 8" on the racer, but we are not allowed to use the TLS for racing. I think the 8" are good, but I would have to believe that the TLS is better, which seems consistent with the reviews. The 8" brakes are a lot heavier. I spend a lot of time making them light.

David

 

[erik]

i thought about the same Thing one year ago,and decided for the speet brake.this is the best drumbrake i have ever had on a vintage motorcycle.with this Brakes vou defenetly make no mistake.regards Erik

 

[Albervin]

It looks like the VOCS may have a bit of a dog. Look forward to reduced prices in the new year. While it "looks" original it just doesn't justify the price.

 

[Hugo Myatt]

For us sidecarists the 8 inch brake may be an improvement. We would all like a better front brake. Twin leading shoes are out as they do not work well in reverse and will not hold the weight of an outfit on a steep hill. I admit I have not tried either as the price of both precludes it and currently I have to make do with just alloy type brake plates. Perhaps Sidecar Grandpa Dave Johnson may have some knowledge of the 8 inch brakes in use on sidecar outfits. Hugo.

 

[Albervin]

For us sidecarists the 8 inch brake may be an improvement. We would all like a better front brake. Twin leading shoes are out as they do not work well in reverse and will not hold the weight of an outfit on a steep hill. I admit I have not tried either as the price of both precludes it and currently I have to make do with just alloy type brake plates. Perhaps Sidecar Grandpa Dave Johnson may have some knowledge of the 8 inch brakes in use on sidecar outfits. Hugo.

Hugo, that is where the rear bake is so important. I have green linings (AM4) on the back of my Rapide, they are most useful on hills!! as well as hairpins and stop/start traffic. I do tend to use my rear brakes a lot on all my bikes when doing manoeuvring and negotiating tight bends; in fact I wore out the rear pads on my last BMW before the fronts. I never needed to use the fronts HARD because I anticipated the road/traffic but on the passes and twisty roads it was all gears and rear brake to free up the steering. With my "new" shadow it will be extra important as it has electric start. Maybe the 8" should have shrunken cast iron liners inside alloy just like Series A TT brakes.

 

[Hugo Myatt]

Albervin I couldn't agree with you more. I was brought up to always use both brakes as I was told this was the best way to keep tank slappers at bay. Certainly with the electric starter it is not possible to move back in gear with the clutch in but only in neutral. Hill traffic halts on the outfit with electric starter means almost standing on the rear brake to avoid any slipping back.

 

[Julian R.]

Many thanks for answers which confirm what others told me ; the TLS brakes wins the day which is a pity as l prefer the looks of the SLS 8'' brake and wanted to keep the balance beam !

 

[vibrac]

That balance beam is due to be removed from the 2020 that's the first step in better brakes here is the arrangement of the Comet racer where it has been a very successful mod (I doubt if even the 8" brake would get by the scrutineers but this mod does) and Horror of Horrors I am also using a Suzuki Front brake lever it not only has a balance toggle it also has an integrated stop light switch. Bill and I are certainly not building Conkers winners...