Motorcycle Repair: Brakes, shovelhead, master cylinders

Question
We're having the EXACT same problem on our shovelhead as Beth had earlier this month. This was the owners first bike and has not been ridden frequently at all the past few years. She just had the bike completely gone through and has the paperwork. We looked at the bike, and test rode it through the streets before purchasing. The next day, after going for a longer ride, the back wheel seemed to have locked up. It is as though the brake continually stayed on. The Bike is a 1978 FXD shovelhead. Is this a problem all bikes would have? Design flaw? Would it be best to locate a new caliper or rebuild? Also, same question for the Master Cylinder... Thanks!!!

Answer
Probably one of the worst things you can do to a bike is let it sit for a few years. Your bike is a 1978, which is almost 30 years old. Over the years brake fluid goets old, draws moisture, and sometimes jells.
What happens is not being used the puck in the caliber will corrode or the brake fluid get to old. This causes the puck to stick. Same with the master cylinder.
The caliber is easy to rebuild, just remove the puck and clean it and make sure it slides. then all you have to do is replace the o-ring and dust cover.
Master cylinders, I recomment replacing. When you try to rebuild them you usually get a leak in it
Good luck and happy riding
Mike