Shovelhead brake job Harley Shovelhead Discuss Shovelhead brake job in the Classic Harley Motorcycles forums; I just got the old 73 Superglide back on the road. Wouldn't you know it, I mentioned on the forum how well the old banana calipers on this bike had ...

I just got the old 73 Superglide back on the road. Wouldn't you know it, I mentioned on the forum how well the old banana calipers on this bike had held up. A few days later I noticed something on the rear tire- brake fluid leaking from the caliper. I ordered kits and rebuilt the rear caliper and master cylinder. Caliper took the rebuild OK, master cylinder did not, but what the heck, they are the original equipment- can't gripe after all these years. A new master cylinder did the trick. A 20 mile test ride and a few adjustments and now it's in good shape. It sure felt good to let the old girl "stretch her legs" out on the highway; I've had her 20 years now(2nd owner). Good day all. Ride safe and God bless. Sincerely Shovelmike

[Buzz Kanter]

Hey, you think the bannana calipers are marginal, try Harley drum brakes!

I had bannanas on my old 1978 Shovel and the front let go a couple of hundred miles from home on my way to a HOG rally back in '92 or '93. The local Harley shop spent 6 hours trying to sort it out. Even freshly rebuilt those brakes never inspired confidence.

I'm surprised they were able to help with the banana at a dealer. I hesitated a bit on whether to put in a kit or upgrade. Performance Machine makes some beautiful calipers to fit the old bike, but the budget wouldn't quite allow it. Maybe some day. Have fun with the Knucklehead. Sincerely Shovelmike.

Shovelmike,
GMA makes good (working/looking) calipers for the older bikes at a fraction of the cost for a Performance Machine product.

Thanks dis8 I'll check out the GMA's.