Adjusting the CSC park brake

[NJMike]

Eddie (ironhorse54) and I, as you know, did the CSC trike conversion in October. Eddie just informed me that his park brake handle tension went from “3 clicks” to “7 clicks”. I limped downstairs and into the garage to check and mine is now at “5 clicks”. CSC set both of ours to “3 clicks”. Eddie is waiting to hear back from CSC after the holidays but I thought I would post the following question:

Is it difficult to adjust the park brake ourselves? Has any of you done that? What’s the procedure if it’s doable?

Thanks to all our CSC converted friends out there, and may you all have a wonderful and happy new year!

 

[Ironhorse54]

The question was that we are interested in, is how difficult or even possible for NJ, Mike and I to do the adjustment ourselves? Or do we have to take it back to CSC or our local Honda dealership to have it done? thanks for any info.

 

[NJMike]

Ok, BBJ. Very interesting. I never thought about someone releasing the park brake which, admittedly, would be easy to do. I’m gonna check out the link you sent for shots and grins.

 

[56Elwood]

The question was that we are interested in, is how difficult or even possible for NJ, Mike and I to do the adjustment ourselves? Or do we have to take it back to CSC or our local Honda dealership to have it done? thanks for any info.

I adjust the parking brake on my Encore from time to time (basically as needed)

I back my trike onto ramps then lift from the differential just enough so the

wheels can spin. You may need to use some wood on the jack under the

differential to maintain a level status. I would add that I use the procedure

used in Fred Harmon's video to do this. First I adjust the cable and then the

adjuster on the caliper. I set it so that I only need 4 or 5 clicks on the lever

to lock the brake solid. I've had to adjust mine twice in 15K miles, frequency is

less as the miles add up. Bullet brake is a good addition too.

If I do find myself parked on a steep grade I carry one of these in

the trunk and use it as well.

BrakeFix - Acebikes - Motorcycle Accessories

 

[Ironhorse54]

Hey, Elwood. Thanks for your reply on how to adjust the parking bike. That is way above my pay grade. Lol. I did like that brake fix contraption. But I couldn’t find where it is sold in America? However, I found a thick rubber wristband that people wear for different charities, etc. etc. I tried that and it holds your front brake solid as a rock and the bike doesn’t budge. so for the time being, I’m good to go. Thanks again, Ironhorse 54.

 

[nucseal]

Hey, Elwood. Thanks for your reply on how to adjust the parking bike. That is way above my pay grade. Lol. I did like that brake fix contraption. But I couldn’t find where it is sold in America? However, I found a thick rubber wristband that people wear for different charities, etc. etc. I tried that and it holds your front brake solid as a rock and the bike doesn’t budge. so for the time being, I’m good to go. Thanks again, Ironhorse 54.

Here is where you can buy it USA: Cost $19.95 Free Shipment

https://wheelsandwings.net/shop/ols/categories/ace-products

 

[Ironhorse54]

Thanks, Nucseal.

 

[NJMike]

Yep, I checked it out. It’s a great idea but if a rubber bracelet (which apparently you can buy for a penny) works, that’s a much better deal and easier to store on the GW.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Yep, I checked it out. It’s a great idea but if a rubber bracelet (which apparently you can buy for a penny) works, that’s a much better deal and easier to store on the GW.

Mike, you can also make a velcro strap to hold your front brake on

I carry a roll of it in my trunk, it has many uses, I have secured gear on a luggage rack with it many times. This roll is available from Harbor Freight for $7.00 and change

 

[NJMike]

Already thought of the Velcro which I have a lot of. IH54 also just sent me a pic using a zip tie…another good idea.

 

[NJMike]

CSC told us to pull the park brake up “like a man”. I’m wondering if that’s the issue - that every time we pull the park brake handle up forcibly to the end might end up stretching the cable or loosening the connection. What do you guys think?

 

[Jack Klarich]

CSC told us to pull the park brake up “like a man”. I’m wondering if that’s the issue - that every time we pull the park brake handle up forcibly to the end might end up stretching the cable or loosening the connection. What do you guys think?

I dunno about that, I have mine ( a Harley) set for 3 clicks, if you have to leverage your up and you are nearly at the end of the travel that does not sound right to me, be it an already stretched cable or the adjustment needs to be tightened up

Keep in mind as you put more miles on you pads will wear causing the adjustment on the parking brake to need more adjustment

 

[Ironhorse54]

The parking brake pads are only use when you are stopped. Why would riding cause them to wear? Doesn’t make sense to me?

 

[Jack Klarich]

The parking brake pads are only use when you are stopped. Why would riding cause them to wear? Doesn’t make sense to me?

Is your parking brake separate from your rear brakes ?

 

[NJMike]

CSC said that the park brake pads are different from the regular brakes. You can only wear the park brake pads if you ride the trike with the park brake on. But if it’s set correctly, that’s almost impossible to do which means the park brake pads should never wear.

 

[Ironhorse54]

Yep, that’s what I think.

 

[56Elwood]

Is your parking brake separate from your rear brakes ?

Yes, the parking brake is attached to the front of the differential and has

the rotor there opposed to using the actual rear calipers and rotors used

for stopping. The pads really don't wear unless the caliper is adjusted too

tight or you leave the parking brake on (even a little) while riding.

 

[FRR]

I don't know if this will be helpful, but I own a 2019 DCT that I purchased in 2020 new. I have over 20,000 miles on it and have adjusted that parking brake about 6 or 7 times. It is fairly easy to do if you don't mind taking the left rear wheel off the bike. My fear is as the cable stretches I wonder how long it will be possible to do that.

I do know that replacing the cable is a much bigger job then I want to get into. Also, when I first got the Trike I did forget on 2 occasions to release the brake before I rode off, but in both cases realized it within a tenth of a mile or less, so the pad was not adversely affected that much. I don't make that mistake anymore. I just wasn't use to needing to do that ever before

 

[Australian Triker 2023]

Adjusting the park brake on a CSC Trike 2018-2024

I have a 2022 CSC Encore Trike with this parking brake sysytem. I have already replaced the pads once in 10,000km and in doing so realised that Honda not CSC has a poor design. When the cable pulls on the rotor to push the pads to the disc, it does this easily but has no means of returning the brake pads fully back to the full off postion. (These pads are only 40mm x 40mm)and about 3mm thick. This leaves the pads always slightly touching the disc and wearing out while your riding not enough for you to notice until you find the handbrake no longer holds the trike.

The rear handbrake can adjusted by taking the left whell off making access to the nut and screw pretty easy.

As this adjustement is happening all too often, and I never leave the handbrake on, as the dash light will tell you it is still on, I am going with the billet brake system which holds the front discs on so easily and comes off just as easily. (It may also be holding the rear brakes on too depending on how much pressure is applied to the front brake).

Happy travelling wherever you are.

Australian Triker

 

[Ironhorse54]

That’s great information Mr. A Triker. When I take my trike back to CSC this spring to readjust the brake, I’m going to bring this info up to them.

 

[Australian Triker 2023]

Aussie Triker

That’s great information Mr. A Triker. When I take my trike back to CSC this spring to readjust the brake, I’m going to bring this info up to them.

No worries at all. I have since put light springs onto the two bolts that secure the pads to keep them apart from the disc. A very tricky job to find two srings that will suit and can be helpful if you have a friend to help you. They now don't touch as a chalk test proved. I will however put the Billet brake on as well as it is way too easy to release that park brake.

If the park brake was operated on the rear calipers CSC could develop a park brake similar to the Kia Sorento which is electric and lets go when put into reverse or drive. ( just a thought, maybe too expensive to charge owners).

Aussie Triker

 

[NJMike]

Very interesting, mate. I mentioned adding springs already to Eddie (ironhorse54). I would be very interested in seeing how you did that.

NJMike

 

[Ironhorse54]

We have DCT models which are automatics. Therefore, you cannot leave it in gear. It automatically defaults to neutral when you cut the bike off. That’s why we are concerned about the parking brake issue.

 

[Australian Triker 2023]

Australian Triker

Hi Iron Horse,

Since my last typing I have purchased the bullett handbrake and fitted it to my 2022 Trike. This is a good piece of works very easy to fit and apply. Attached is a 2 photos, one engaged in the in position and the other with disengaged. This, system gives a rock solid brake as a main source or, in addition to the current handbrake. It is so well hidden that no one would know it was there unless you pointed it out to them.

The business has a video of how to put it on and operate it.



This is mine fitted today.

Good luck,

Australian Triker

- - - Updated - - -

 

[Jack Klarich]

Hi Iron Horse,

Since my last typing I have purchased the bullett handbrake and fitted it to my 2022 Trike. This is a good piece of works very easy to fit and apply. Attached is a 2 photos, one engaged in the in position and the other with disengaged. This, system gives a rock solid brake as a main source or, in addition to the current handbrake. It is so well hidden that no one would know it was there unless you pointed it out to them.

The business has a video of how to put it on and operate it.

View attachment 116839View attachment 116840

This is mine fitted today.

Good luck,

Australian Triker

- - - Updated - - -

Hi Iron Horse,

Since my last typing I have purchased the bullett handbrake and fitted it to my 2022 Trike. This is a good piece of works very easy to fit and apply. Attached are 2 photos, one engaged in the in position and the other with disengaged. This, system gives a rock solid brake as a main source or, in addition to the current handbrake. It is so well hidden that no one would know it was there unless you pointed it out to them.

The business has a video of how to put it on and operate it.

View attachment 116839View attachment 116840

This is mine fitted today.

Good luck,

Australian Triker

Good product and a wise choice

 

[Ironhorse54]

Thanks for the info and pictures. I have watched a video and it looks very simple to install. I will be taking my trip to CSC this spring for another adjustment. If it doesn’t last long, I will seriously consider putting on this bullet brake.

 

[NJMike]

Me too

 

[cScjhb]

My CSC didn't have a parking brake. I added a Bullet Brake and liked it a lot. Simple, very effective, and only takes a couple minutes to install. And, no future adjustments needed...... ever! Even if I did have a parking brake, I think I would add the Bullet. No way can you ride off with it engaged..... Jim

 

[NJMike]

Eddie (ironhorse54) and I took our trikes to CSC today and they readjusted our park brakes at no cost! If you’re out there and debating about which trike conversion company to go with, I’m saying that the CSC customer service is the best out there!