Fitting a Honda TLS Front Brake to a Supa Five

[Jack Fordy]

Trying to improve the braking on my Supa 5, I have recently obtained a Honda CB350 2 L/S Front Brake and wheel. I know this brake has been used by other members, so that I don’t have to re-invent the wheel (fitting!). Can anyone tell me how they went about getting this wheel into the MZ Forks?
Jack Fordy

[John Gray]

Hello Jack
Swap the forks around, use the mz spindle, and ffit a spacer on the rhs. The original honda spacer cut down to size is suitable. From memory I think it was 22mm.

[David Gillespie]

Hello Jack
I did this job quite a few years ago when I had a Supa 5 and I still have the instructions on how I did it. I can send you a copy of it if it will be of any help to you.
Dave Gillespie

[Malcolm Thomason]

You can actually get the supa 5 brakes to work well. SAFTEC will reline the shoes with decent material and machine to size. Alternatively, get oversize lining fitted and get them machined locally. Put a 20thou shim each side of the cam and the fit will be perfect.
Much of the problem with the brakes is down to excess clearance between shoes and drum. The brake cam is shaped to give maximum mechanical advantage with minimum clearance between linings and drum. After that the shoes operate on a larger radius and leverage is lost. If you look on Real Classic website I did an article years ago, with photos. I think it’s easier that fitting a TLS brake.
TLS brakes are ok going forward but don’t hold you very well in reverse, as on a hill.
Also, make sure the brake cable is strong, with no spring in the outer.
Cost about £30 inc p&p.
Hope that helps.
Malcolm.

[Jack Fordy]

Thank you Malcolm, I was very surprised that the Original brake was so poor, and although I fitted new brake shoes it may well be that the clearances are no longer correct
Jack

[James Suttie]

I can vouch for Malcolm’s approach which I’ve applied to my TS250/1 – that and the addition of a Venhill cable has resulted in a very powerful front brake.

[Author]

Posts