Motorcycle Repair: honda trail brake cable, honda trail 90, punch marks

Question
Hi, I have a Honda trail 90 from 1971.  the front brake cable has too much play in it and I can grip the handle without getting any braking.  I've gone to a parts store and was given the right cable yet it still does not work.  I have adjusted the adjuster bolt but that just tightens the brake itself and not the cable.  The repair manual I have does not cover the brake cable intricate descriptions.  I would appreciate any help you could offer.  thanks!

Michael

Answer
Michael, if you are using up all the cable adjustments on both ends of the cable and not getting enough brakes, either the brake arm is on the wrong spline or the brake shoes are all worn out. After 30+ years, the shoes could be glazed, contaminated or excessively worn or the drum could be rusted or glazed inside. Take it apart and see what's going on in there!

These were not very large brakes, but will work pretty well when the parts are all fresh and adjusted properly. The brake arm should travel through an arc that starts beyond 90 degrees and pulls through to less than 90 degrees. The brake arm and end of the brake cam shaft are marked with punch marks to ensure proper alignment. If they are in the correct relationships to each other, then the shoes are probably toast....

There is a CT90 newsgroup/mail list on Yahoo, I think.

Bill Silver