Front Brake Issues - HELP !!!

[Atlas_Thailand]

Howdy all,

I am no rocket scientist but like to think I can do most things bike related, having owned something for the last 40+ years 😊

Anyway, I am stuck.

The issue –

My front brake lever comes to a stop on my handlebar. Not good. However, it ONLY does this when I use the Front Brake only.

If I use the BACK BRAKE FIRST, and add Front, I have excellent Front lever, just like a normal bike should.

So basically, use rear brake and then add front, all normal. Front brake only, just no good.

Fixes tried to date -

I have checked for air in the system and vacuum bled it at least 3 times. A good friend and ex BMW mechanic has done the same.

I have had it to Kawasaki and they replaced the seals etc in the master cylinder and bled the brakes.

All to no avail.

The EBC pads are good as are the rotors.

Moving forward-

I want to try and understand WHY when I use the rear brake first all is good, clearly it is to do with the brake linking system, but I am not sure how to fix it so it works all the time.

I love this bike, but it is really driving me crazy. 

Just a thought, how do I bleed the ABS side of things ?

Thanks all.

[Freddy]

The ABS unit is bled/flushed when bleeding at the wheels.

Your description of the problem would seem to indicate to me that there is air in the front circuit.  When the rear brake is applied first it pressurises the front circuit, as you know, using the ABS pump, not the rear m/cyl.  I would suggest that you reverse flush the front circuit from both calipers with a reverse bleeding kit or a moderately larger syringe filled with brake fluid and tubing to attach it to the bleeders.  Ensure the reservoir is virtually empty before you start pumping fluid up.

Please report back.