Rear brakes binding (appears to have fixed itself)

[MC]

Yesterday I thought I'd practice some slow riding, so was riding the rear brake a bit (but not for that long). It then started binding, when I use the rear brake it doesn't release properly then slams on after a few feet, kind of like when you drive off with the handbrake on (not that I've ever done that ).

So any ideas? Were my brake shoes on the way out anyway & I just wore them out by riding the brake? Just checked the service manual & there are wear indicators so I'll check them tomorrow. Also am I ok still riding it (apart from the obvious dangers)? I've read about riding the rear brake causing clutch slip or something, although as long as I don't touch them I don't think it's binding all the time.
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[Fizzer Thou]

The rear drum brake is normally a single leading shoe,so you should be able to rotate the back wheel backwards and it should free the brake off.But it would not take long to remove the back wheel,remove the shoe mounting plate and to clean out any accumulated brake dust and to remove,clean and grease the cam shaft where it goes through the backplate - after cleaning it of course.
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[1cyl]

I once had a lever travel/play bolt wind itself out on me a bit. (if you have one that is?).
I soon found my rear disc to be a burning ring of fire!
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Chase my Witch up, Catch my Snitch up.
The SMC | The Pit | Stable

[MC]

Checked the wear indicators and they're not showing as worn. I've noticed that when I go over bumps the rear brakes applying Will have to wait until the weekend to work on the bike, but I'm getting fairly paranoid riding with only the front brake... still better than the bus I suppose.
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[Fizzer Thou]

It may well be that the brake linings are fine.But if the cam pivot shaft is dirty and corroded,it can easily keep the brake applied.The only way to check is to have it apart,which is an easy procedure.
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[MC]

Coming home tonight my clutch lever went really light, and it became increasingly difficult to pull away. After nearly having an inbetweeners moment, I pulled over, and adjusted the clutch so it was just about rideable. Any ideas? Has riding with the rear brake binding burnt out the clutch?
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[Fizzer Thou]

If you have not sorted out the back brake yet then yes,it is quite likely that the clutch friction material is worn.No other way to find out other than having the cover off and inspecting the plate thickness.
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[MC]

Just checked the bike and the clutch cable was nearly snapped at the lever end, so hopefully that's it Just out of interest how long should a clutch cable last? I replaced it when I got the bike back in March/April time, just wondering as it's a Slinky Glide cable rather than a genuine Honda one.

I'll have a go at getting my rear wheel off to inspect the brakes later, but last time I tried I couldn't as the left adjuster's stuck/barely moves, and I couldn't get the axel out.
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[MC]

Yeah, the rear axle won't budge It looks like it wants to move on the right side, but its solid on the left. I've sprayed loads of WD-40 on, hammered it, everything I can think of. Any ideas?
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[MC]

Fitted the new (genuine) clutch cable, does seem to be better quality. Also at some point between hitting the rear axle, heating it with a blowtorch, swearing profusely the rear brakes appear to have stopped binding/squeaking Haven't been out for a proper ride yet so i'll see how it goes.

Wasn't able to get the rear axle out, I ordered a new axle nut as the old one took a bit of a pounding, but the old when went back on in the end. Someone at work said air tools might be able to get it out, but I'm not gonna take it to a garage, not when (hopefully) I'll be selling the bike in about a months time.
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04