Kawasaki ER5 warped rear drum

john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

Hi guys,

So got my ER5 running again after the winter sleep and already got a problem.

When I first got it using the rear brake gave me uneven braking but now it's just awful.
I get strong pulsation from the pedal and bike is very jolty when breaking using the rear brake. Makes it hard to control actually.

I have checked the pads and they seem to be just fine so I can only assume the drum is warped.

What should I do? Get a new wheel? used?

Cheers,
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Bikes: Honda CBR600Fi, Kawasaki ER5

Pony-power · Derestricted Danger Joined: 11 Mar 2015 Karma :

Try sticking the bike on the centre stand and spin the wheel by hand, could be a knackered wheel bearing/ and or knackered sprocket. Rear drums can warp, you can have it skimmed at a machine shop if you don't want a second hand wheel. Unfortunately 2nd hand ones could also be warped - its the luck of the draw really.

Mark65 · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 May 2008 Karma :

Hi
I was quoted nearly £500 for a rear wheel from Kawasaki when i looked at a ER5 with the same problem as while ago, I read the steel brake liner is inserted into the alloy rear wheel and corrosion over time builds up in between and distorts the steel braking surface causing the pulsing.
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07 Yamaha YBR125, 07 Honda CG125 , 15 CBR300R (Chocolate Crank, Deaded), 16 CB500FA, 19 Honda Forza 300, 70 Suzuki SV650

temeluchus · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Karma :

It's possible to get the drum skimmed relatively cheaply. Try a classic bike place.
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Iain. · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 04 Dec 2014 Karma :

Very common.

We pay around £35 a wheel to have the loan bikes skimmed.

lozzypop1 · Certified MILF! Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Karma :

It could be a number of things..
Yes, it could be corrosion, it could be the wheel bearings.

From experience it can also happen because the brake surface is breaking up (the liner is only a few mm thick,) and from the rear brakr being set so the brakes come on too early - Then when the braking surface expands from heat, the brakes bind. This causes the brake surface/hub to ovalise taking a set which will cause the brakes to pulse.

It's very common in ER5s to find the hub has ovalled off. If you measure the diameter at 4 (min) preferably 6 points, it will tell you if this is the case.

Unfortunately, this isn't something that can be rectified easily, and tends to get worse and worse. You can skim, but the problem will come back due to making the liner thinner.
The only surefire way is to have the braking surface removed, the hub skimmed back to round and a new braking surface inserted.
Alternatively you can buy a new wheel.
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john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

Thanks guys for all the feedback. I will make some calls and see if anyone here is cardiff could skim the brake drum.
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Bikes: Honda CBR600Fi, Kawasaki ER5

john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

made some phone call, doesn't seem like anyone does brake drum skimming in Cardiff Sad

Buying a new wheel is stupidly expensive but getting a used one might have the exact same issue
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Bikes: Honda CBR600Fi, Kawasaki ER5

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Have a read through these links, should be able to find someone to help. Clicky.

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

lozzypop1 · Certified MILF! Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Karma :

Alternatively you could find out what the problem is before spending money
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Funny, I used to hate being spanked as a child!
Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.

Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

Take the wheel off and firstly check shoes for wear and the bearings for play. If the bearings are ok mount a DTI (Clock Gauge) on the spindle and check for run out. if there is any eccentricity it needs skimming.
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john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

Pretty certain that is your problem but you can not be certain until you measure it. You may be able to do it with a vernier or bore mike but DTI is best.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

Well I found a nice wheel on ebay for £70.
The nearest place that could do brake drum skimming was in Aberystwyth, so to send the wheel get it skimmed and back would have cost me £100.

I hope this wheel is good, seems in very good condition. I'll post with updates.
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Bikes: Honda CBR600Fi, Kawasaki ER5