Motorcycle Repair: rear brake adjustment, yamaha virago 535, drum brakes

Question
Howdy Chris, Thanks for your time.
My back brakes are barely working, can I tighen to nut to try to get the arrow into the middle of the gauge?  Thanks for the help.
Deb

I ride a 1986 yamaha virago 535
Hope you canhelp.

Answer
Hi Deb.

 The adjuster nut on drum brakes (the nut on the end of the rod that attaches to the lever of the actual brake) is there just for that purpose.

 Be careful, though.  If you overtighten it you will have too much brake and that can be as bad as too little.

 Do the adjustment to where you think it should be and test the brake with the bike running on the centerstand.  Adjust it up or down as needed from there.

If it requires too much adjustment in, then it's time for new brake shoes.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON