600 Honda Silverwing. Handbrake Not releasing Properly

[Scootaboy]

HI,
I have just got back from holiday on my SWing and whilst I was away I found the handbrake wouldn't release properly, where as normally you pull it towards you and let it go back to release I have to "Play" the ratchet and it will return one tooth at a time. I have checked the adjustment and adjusted it. But made no difference. So I adjusted it so that it engages on the first click then it will release properly, any more than that and it plays up.

Any ideas, it doesn't feel any different, not partially seized or anything. I do use it a lot as I have disabilities and it is comforting to know it can't roll when getting on or off.

Thanks Andrew...

[Data]

Hello Scootaboy, there are a few of you with this superb bike. Some may have other opinions on this but my take is, I think this is a straight forward case of the parking brake actuator mechanism sticking. The calipers were alway a little prone to this. You can check this by putting the adjustment back to normal setting. Next, use the parking brake firmly to engage it. Then try to release it. If it sticks, just bob down and push the parking brake lever on the caliper towards the rear of the bike. Note how stiff it may be. It should release easy. This will release the brake. Of course it could be the cable causing the problem, but probably not. It's nearly always the caliper. The rachets don't normally give any trouble either. You may have to strip the caliper and clean and lube the mechanism. If you can spanner a little then it's not very difficult. But don't touch if you are not confident, just pop it into your dealer or favourite mechanic. What part of the country do you hail from? Are you near me in North Essex? If so, I can help. Good luck!

[Scootaboy]

Hi Data,

Yes I too think the Silverwing is superb, in more way than one!

Thanks for your very helpful reply. Thanks also for the offer of help, that is very kind. I am very familiar with Motorcycles as I used to be a bike mechanic for many years but I am also not afraid to ask for advice as I have found over the years this is good practice and can save time and a lot of effort.

Scootaboy...

[Cookie]

Hi Scootaboy,
I agree with Data that it's most likely the rear calliper that's got a bit sticky.
If you can push back the lever on the calliper at the same time as you release the ratchet you should be able to confirm this.
I've never seen anyone on the Silverwing forums report any problems with the ratchet mechanism and, since it's protected by the front plastics I can't see it getting gummed up so the calliper has to be the favourite for a first look.
It's pretty simple to clean up.

I too am very pleased with the SilverWing. Some people say it's old fashioned but I prefer to think of it as tried and tested.
Good luck.
Paul

[spaceprobe]

Data you are such a kind man, a credit to the Muppets

[Data]

Thanks spaceprobe. I'm also kind to children and pets! Tee hee! Mrs Data will tell you what I'm really like. She says...always beaming in and out of places without any warning, fiddling with me scooter parts, taking someone elses apart. Fixing anything in site really...she was upset when I put our Transit engine on the living room floor to fix (just joking! ), and she wasn't at all pleased with the Burgman living in the dining room, but hey ho, a mans got to do what a mans got to do, except, I'm not one, I'm an android I keep telling her. Plus my insanity doesn't help much.... But seriously, I reckon we owe you a debt of gratitude, you and mac, drago too, for telling us so much about your Syms. I've been riveted with the information you've both been giving us. Even those who are not interested have joined in the discussions for the better or worse and that's what makes a good forum.

Scootaboy, although I've been a tech and engineer for much of my life, I too needed lots of help when I first got the Burgman 400. I knew virtually nothing about it other than it rode really well. The guys on here helped me loads to become accustomed to it and I'm grateful for that. There are some fantastic people on here so use this forum as much as you can. There are no stupid questions, except the ones I ask!!

[Data]

Cookie, I knew you could chip in on this as your da man! You know the Silverwing better than me.

[Cookie]

Thanks Data,
As you say, it doesn't matter what you've done in the past, there will always be questions about a bike that is unfamiliar or new.

The SilverWing and PCX were my first foray into scooterworld so I had to learn things about the transmission etc that I hadn't come across before - not to mention learning where they had hidden the engines

I must admit that although I've had the wing two and a half years now the novelty of a handbrake still hasn't worn off and I can't help smiling whenever I remember to use it (I'm a simple soul easily pleased).

Paul

[spaceprobe]

Thanks Data,
As you say, it doesn't matter what you've done in the past, there will always be questions about a bike that is unfamiliar or new.

The SilverWing and PCX were my first foray into scooterworld so I had to learn things about the transmission etc that I hadn't come across before - not to mention learning where they had hidden the engines

I must admit that although I've had the wing two and a half years now the novelty of a handbrake still hasn't worn off and I can't help smiling whenever I remember to use it (I'm a simple soul easily pleased).

Paul

Are you like me do you wonder how you managed for all those years with heavy bikes, hills and no handbrake, I love em

[Cookie]

Absolutely Spaceprobe. I now use the side stand all the time with no worries of the bike rolling off.
There aren't many hills here in SE Essex (especially compared to where you live) but that just means they are more likely to catch me out when I park on them as I'm not so used to it.
No worries any more - as I said - easily pleased

Paul