So which is better disc or drum?

racer7x · Full Member Joined: Jul 27, 2006 Posts: 30

I am in the process of deciding which brake to run on the rear of my back roader / street tracker project 1982 Heritage.
Which is lighter drum or disc?
I would expect to get better braking with the disc but is that true? The drum on it now work pretty well.
Looking to put the mag wheels on but is it worth finding mag/drum rim?
Thanks for any input.

Cafe_Shop

I read in Motorcycle Classics magazine that the rear disk models tend to lock up quickly.

royfisk

well yes disc brakes give better brakeing but you are limited to a 16" rear wheel unless you buy omars kit to convert a front wheel. The spoked drum brake rear wheel how ever gives you a abondance of wheel choices. So for me I really like choices and with the 16" rear wheel try to find a as you say back roader type tire. I have yet to see a 16" rear tire designed for dirt road use. And to address the breaking issue 75-80% of your stopping power is on the front of the bike. My personal opinion is that the drum brake is adequit. But the front however needs attention, Like dual discs. Also with the 18" spoked wheel my choice of tire is the Kenda k761 dual sport. Yes I know it comes in a 16" size but do you want a 100/90-16. Its pretty small. As for weight I couldnt tell you but I would bet with alluminum Rimmed drum spoked would be fairly close to or lighter then the mag.

royfisk

cafe shop They can and it is due to the disc size being too much for the weight of the bike. Which was very common on early rear disc brake bikes, If you look at modern super bikes you would notice a much smaller rear disc and a much larger front disc. My personal beleife is that the rear disc is overkill for this type of project.

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