Triumphrat

bueller · 08-28-2007

I am just about to purchase a thunderbird with 22000km on it and the rear disc is below the service limit.It is being replaced before I get the bike but I was wondering if thunderbirds are prone to this happening?It seems odd to be worn out at 22k ?

MickMaguire · 08-28-2007

Not very common, often it is caused by a sticking rear caliper or badly adjusted rear brake. But it can also be caused by bad riding style.

GeoffE · 08-28-2007

Hi,

Just a couple of other thoughts.
My Thunderbird had a slightly scored disc, and I was alarmed to see the wear when I fitted a set of sintered rear pads (only pads available, when I was in a fix). Perhaps your T-Bird has suffered something similar? (E.g. scoring and non-OEM brake pads)?

The other thought is that a "cruiser" style of an upright riding position leads to a greater use of the rear brake, as against a "sports" prone riding position. (This is related to where the weight of the rider is, and the use of the rear brake to maintain front/rear balance).

The OEM brake discs are stainless steal, so a new one (with regularly replaced/maintained pads) should last you along time.

Geoff

Petrol · 08-28-2007

Its very easy to leave the tip of your toe on the peddle............not enough to notice the very slight drag,but It causes premature wear.I`ve done 30,000 miles and mine`s looking a bit thinner than I`d expect.

Slinky · 08-28-2007

I concur with Geoff. My rear disc was still like new at 20k miles, when I replaced the pads with HH parts. 5k miles later it was worn out.

bueller · 08-28-2007

thanks for advice,will only be using OEM pads and I keep an eye on my foot position in relation to the lever.

Mojoinco · 08-28-2007

I dumbaxed it and couldn't figure out whose brake was smoking. Then I realized my boot was dragging on the pedal. So I adjusted it out of my way and all has been well (after I replaced maybe my 2nd set of rear pads in a lot of years of riding).