Hot brakes?

[Muleears]

As many of you know, I'm new to my Voyager, only about 800 miles I'm ashamed to say! But here is my question: I just returned from a 25 mile stroll through the country side and was beginning to think the bike didn't have the pull it should. At 55 in 5th it takes a good twist to get sufficient acceleration to pass someone (I know that's very subjective and I should downshift). So when I got home out of curiosity I felt my rotors, they were hot. Not blistering but too hot to hold on to. I had been riding in the country not using the brakes very much. All three discs were about the same. The rear maybe a little cooler. I know the pads are always touching the discs but would that be enough to heat them up that much? Should I go for a ride and not use the front (or rear) brake and see if it heats up? I'm afraid dragging brakes may be slowing me down and contributing to my mediocre MPG (34-36). So I figured I would ask the brain trust here what they thought. Any advice is appreciated.

[dogzz]

Does she roll freely? I just finished a carb(s) rebuild & some other stuff then took a weekend trip with the wife (bike fully loaded) & at highway speeds (65 -70 ) Got 50 mpg . I would def check if your pads are wearing evenly
good luck !
Vinny

[doug of so fla]

Spin back tire on center stand and see if any drag & if you pull down & back on the tour pack you can raise the front wheel and put a block under engine to keep front wheel up then spin front tire and see if it is free then work the brakes and then spin them and see if they are free or dragging. If any drag push pads in with your knee or foot on the caliper by grabing shock and wheel then remove caliper and remove pads and clean up pistons with light solvent and polish till smooth lube pistons & clean & lube pad guide pins. re-assemble and do test again if ok try a ride and do not uses brakes and check temp of rotor. Let us know what you find.. And as you should know when in 5th, at 55, if you need to pass, I would downshift and crack it , the XII likes to be wound up, and 5th is a pretty high gear with very little torque, on purpose.

[Mr Jensee]

Also realize that your brakes will drag some. Motorcycles don't have a way to pull the pads away from the disk when applied. A little drag is normal. A lot of drag is a problem. If it spins freely, make sure you check the wheel bearings and feel if any of that heat is being transferred to other parts of the wheel, not just the brakes. If the bearings are getting hot that could be a very serious problem. If you have a lot of drag, your calipers are sticking and the brakes cylinders and pistons most likely will need attention.

[Relics]

Be sure you have good spark plugs and air filter. Should get around 50 mpg. I'm a large guy and I get 42 mpg at 65 mph. 88 Kawasaki Voyager.

[Muleears]

Just got back from a 6 mile ride to fill the tank. I made it a point not to use the front brakes. When I arrived back home the rotors were cold. So that's not the problem. BTW I checked the mileage and this time it was up to 36 mpg. Much of my riding is short distance, 20 miles or less. It has new plugs (I haven't checked what kind) and a new air filter. Carbs were rebuilt when I bought it 900 miles ago.

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep at it and figure it out eventually.

[Muleears]

I feel a little better today, I rode 88 miles in two segments and checked the mileage again, this time it was 42 MPG. I realize 88 isn't much of a sample but its promising! I may ride to work one day this week. That is a 80 mile commute. If I do that a few times it should give me a better idea. I ride one up but I weigh enough for two (290 lbs)! Thanks for the help so far guys!