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CB175 Front Brake Options (200GP+ Class)

3245 Views 20 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Terrell Hunt
Hi all,



I'm in the process of building a CB175 into a vintage race/track bike, targeting the 200GP+ AHRMA class. It's a long, slow process, and I'm learning everything as I go. The front end as it's being built is a CB200T fork mated to a '74 XL175 triple tree staying at the original 31mm. It's a straight swap without any stem modifications.

My question is about the front hub/brake. I have the original CB175 brake, but I also have a '67 CB77 36-hole front brake from a previous still-born CB350 project.

Is the added weight of the CB77 brake worth the increased braking performance? Would I be better off using a smaller CB350 or even the stock CB175 or CB200T front brake for racing?


Also, while I'm asking about drum brakes, who is doing re-linings and arcing currently? Seems like a lost art that is only done by a few. Not really worried about a long lead time—I hve a long lead time, myself. :)



Doug

Current status of my race build...
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Stock brake would probably be fine as majority of courses are used by 180mph+ 'superbikes' so have very few if any hairpin bends or really tight chicanes for a sub 90mph bike.
The CB72/77 brake is real nice looking though but a CB450 is slightly lighter (both are same inner diameter) biggest issue with 450 brake is 40 spoke instead of 36. (40 hole rims way more expensive) CB250/350/360 may be easiest compromise? (they are all same inner dia but have some variations on design. Haven't weighed CB360 TLS but I think it's slightly lighter than earlier 350 twin? The design of brake plate is slightly different and may be easier to fit into narrower forks? 360 brake plate doesn't fit 350 hub without modifications. (different webbing on hub and brake plate) If you can find one, Suzuki GT185 TLS could be a good option?
I don't think stock CB200 brake is eligible for AHRMA, AFAIK, they only ever came with the cable disk ?
If you want to go fast, the best thing to do would be fit widest rims allowed and the stickiest tyres, plus, make sure you have at least a 50 degree lean angle clearance (basically, forget the brakes and lean further) Hailwood/Surtees riding style really helps with low powered bikes, hang off the side to act as an 'air brake' but otherwise stay centered and lean further.
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