First motorcycle

[Sniper82]

Got a 96 Honda Nighthawk 250. My first bike so its a good starter I guess. Anyway the front brakes seems locked up. When you pull on the brakes its real tight like the cable is locked up. The arm that the cable is attached to on the wheel doesn't move.

Anyone have any idea what could be wrong and how hard it would be to fix? I am new to motorcycles so I don't know much about them as far as fixing something. I didn't give much for it so it would be a good one to mess around with to learn about them. Also how does the seat pop off ?

 

[TommyVercetti]

Having front brakes on a bike are very important, because eventually you would want to do nose wheelis in the mall parking lot, or on a crowded street. How else will you tell other people that you are cool.

My recommendation is that bike's brakes are not something one should try to fix by him/herself. Take it to a mechanic.

 

[Pliablemoose]

You may need to replace the cable to the front brakes, does the bike run?

The seat should have a keyl/ock release, or be bolted in place with 2 bolts.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

I don't know anything about this bike, but you need a shop manual if you are going to try to fix it yourself. Maybe you want to have it professionally checked out this time.

 

[Sniper82]

It runs great. I may have someone check it out. But not sure where I would need to take it to. I got to looking and the cable does move. The arm(or whatever you call it) thats on the wheel that the cable goes to won't budge

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

My guess would be some crud has fouled up the mechanism. Take it to a mechanic unless you have the space and time to take apart the brake assembly.

 

[The Stigenator]

US bikes these days usually have Hydraulic front brakes.. not cable.. unless yours is a drum brake front.

Also is the front wheel rotating.. if its not then its the brake. The Nighthawk 250 has a wired front wheel speedo.. so make sure your looking at the right cable.

Pics would be nice.... how much did it run you for the bike?

 

[Pliablemoose]

I believe this bike had a non hydraulic front brake system, pretty simple to work on, if you're hesitant, have a MC mechanic look @ it.

 

[Bulk Beef]

Front hub look like this?

Probably a good idea to take things apart and clean them up. Maybe a little lube on the pivot points (not on the shoes, duh). Brake dust and rust will sort of munge up the works in there, especially if it sits around for a while. Just pay attention to how it comes apart. Assembly is reverse of disassembly. If you don't like the idea of doing it yourself, take it to a shop like Pliablemoose said.

EDIT: fixed link

 

[Thegonagle]

Cable on a motorcycle? I didn't know that existed! I sure wouldn't want a cable on a motorcycle. Hell, I don't even like cable operated clutches in cars. No warning of failure in a cable. It's just suddenly gone.

 

[BillGates]

I commend you for getting a sensible first bike.

 

[Sniper82]

sward666 thats exactly like mine. I can drive the bike just fine without it I would just like to fix it so I can stop faster. Pressing to much on the back brake causes the back tire to skid which is very bad. Front tire spins fine. I'm pretty good on taking stuff apart and putting it back together. Is there a bunch of different parts under the brake cover(I assume its a cover). The insides could just be rusted like sward666 mentioned.

Other than the front brakes its a decent bike. The gas take is white with purple flames so it looks decent as well.