Hey all,

Recently bought a USED 2015 Iron 883 w/o ABS that only ha(d) 442 miles on it. I have added about 80 over the last week with no hiccups what-so-ever. The rear and front brake were squeaking so I removed the rear brake pads and cleaned them with just soap and water. They have barely been used so I assumed that it was just dust between the brake/rotor/pistols. This fixed the sqeak temporarily. I left the front brake alone because it wasn't that bad.

This afternoon after a 10ish mile ride I noticed that the rear brake started squeaking again so instead of disassembling it again I blew it out with an air compressor attachment (read online that this could be a quick fix).

I also blew out the front brake/rotor/piston area and actually noticed a small cloud of "dust" that came up (could it have been brake like fluid?). Right when done I rode it down my driveway and for the first time since owning the bike locked the front wheel. I skidded but was able to keep balanced.

Since this time I feel as though 1. the front brakes are CRAZY sensitive and the front wheel locks with almost no brake pressure but also 2. the front forks dip down HEAVILY with even small amounts of front brake pressure.

The bike is BRAND new essentially so I cant imagine that the fork oil/front fork itself has an issue but I just don't remember it being that "compressible" with such little braking.

The timing around this starting and me using the air compressor makes me feel like I must have done something to the front brake line or something else. Either way there is something odd going on with the front end of my baby and I will not (and should not) ride it until it has 100% resolved. I really don't want to have to take it in the the dealer unless I absolutely have to but also dont want to jeopardize my safety.

 

the front brakes on a stock sportster, are if nothing else "soft" no way they should be locking up with a slight pull. I would think there may be something going on from sitting (200 miles in 2 years). the caliper must be jamming.
Pull the caliper off, inspect the pads and at a MINIMUM blead the front brakes to see what color the fluid is and try to clear out the caliper with any junk that might have settled in there... if its more "amber" than a fresh bottle, or anything but clear with a tint of yellow, flush new fluid through it.


stock shocks are not great, so if your brakes are locking up, i would expect the front end to dive if its got stock fluid and springs... thats an upgrade for another day, get your brakes fixed so you can enjoy the bike...

 

If the sliding surfaces are corroded/dirty some grease may help.
If they catch before suddenly sliding to squeeze rotor, that may feel like grabbing.