Weak rear brake on Agility 125

[dwnthehatch]

I have an 09 A125. The rear brake will not hold if sitting on a fairly steep hill. I have the adjuster nut adjusted to the point that the rear wheel is just free enough to slowly spin during idle. I have read the rear brake is weak but is this normal? I can fully engage the brake and still push the scooter forward if I try. Thanks!

[Shaka]

That doesn't sound right at all!  I would check the pads and the braking surface.  Make sure they aren't glazed!  You can clean them with brake cleaner, or rubbing alcohol.  You also might want to take some sandpaper, maybe 120 grit, and lightly hit the pads and the braking surface to remove any glazing.  Then clean them and check for improvement.

[axy]

I have an 09 A125. The rear brake will not hold if sitting on a fairly steep hill. I have the adjuster nut adjusted to the point that the rear wheel is just free enough to slowly spin during idle. I have read the rear brake is weak but is this normal? I can fully engage the brake and still push the scooter forward if I try. Thanks!

Unfortunately, rear brake on A125 is the next thing to having no rear brake at all.

[OldGuy]

A "weak" rear brake on a scooter/motorcycle is by design. Because of weight transfer the front brake provides approximately 90% - 95% of the stopping force at speed. A rear brake that will lock and is used without using the front will cause the machine to become unstable and skid. Try it for yourself (CAREFULLY!).

[axy]

A "weak" rear brake on a scooter/motorcycle is by design. Because of weight transfer the front brake provides approximately 90% - 95% of the stopping force at speed. A rear brake that will lock and is used without using the front will cause the machine to become unstable and skid. Try it for yourself (CAREFULLY!).

There is a big difference between weaker rear brake and almost non existing brake.  Of course that nobody expects that rear brake will perform like the front brake.

Agility's rear drum is unfortunately in the "almost non existing" category.

I think many people would be surprised at the stopping power of rear disc brake of for example Piaggio NRG50, Aprilia SR50 or Gilera Runner 50... scooter of comparable size to A125.

[Shaka]

I have a cable actuated drum on my zx50.  It is definately much weaker than the front disc,  but I can still bring the bike to a stop from 45mph using it only.  It just takes a greater distance.  It is strong enough to hold the wheel locked at full throttle when it is on the center stand also.  Seems like dwnthehatch's is definately lacking some power!  You should be able to hold yourself on a hill with it!

[zombie]

I'd go w/ the suggested tune up and, see where that leads

[axy]

Where I live, a lot of people install disc brakes in the rear if there is OEM drum.

However, I do not think it is cost-efficient and it would probably be better/cheaper to buy a scooter that already has it.

On the other side, there are people who like to fiddle with gadgets and it would not be a problem for them.

[dwnthehatch]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a good cleaning. I spoiled with the dual discs on my 04 liquid cooled Super 9.

[Dawsman]

i hear ya man. ride a dual disc brake equipped super 9. then jump on a agility 125 and hit the brakes.....Yikes! i have both. my wife rides the ag125. the rear brake is terrible. anyone ever rode a ruckus? its not that hard to make a rear drum that will actually stop you. There is probably nothing "wrong" with the dudes brakes.  they just suck;