1978, spoke wheels, disk brakes

[camalot400]

ill make this short and quick im sure that this question has been asked and answered before. mine for a 78with spokes. i'd like disk brakes on the front at least, if not both. does any one know what my options are, where i should start looking for this? preferably bolt on as my engineering and mechanical skills are limited i would consider a whole new front end from a readily available other bike too if that is what i have to do. thanks for the help guys!

 

[bcware]

Why are you ditching the drum? They are highly desirable and more than adequate. I'm just wondering.

 

[camalot400]

well as i am new to this, my friend had given me the suggestion, as he thought that they (drums) were not ideal. i also thought that it would look better on the tracker look that im after and be safer. whats you take on this? you think they are adequate

 

[bcware]

Drums have plenty of stopping power for the street and entry level racing for a light motorcycle. They tend to overheat quicker than a disc, but you'll need to push them very hard for that to happen. I ride hard and they have performed very well, even during emergency stops.

In my opinion the drums look better; discs spoil the look. That is just me though! I know a lot of people like the way they look. I am also pretty sure drums are quite a bit lighter than discs.

If nothing more you can build your bike and test the brakes out for yourself. If they don't perform to your liking swap them out.

 

[Greasey Fingers]

I agree drums look cool, more polished alloy is never a bad thing (for my taste)

 

[camalot400]

What is a good product to polish alloy?

 

[bcware]

For aluminum I will start with something like a 400 grit sandpaper and follow with an 800 or 1000 grit. After that I use Maguire's mag and aluminum polish with a cheap drill buffer. There are probably better polishes, but I am pleased with the results I get. I have heard good things about Autosol.