while out for a ride about yesterday , it seemed i had to pull the brake back further towards me to get the same amount of stoping power I have had to use in the past . I would venture to say near half the distance to the bars to feel any resistance at all ..

I might mention at this point , not a mechanic by any stretch of the word
but would be nice to have an idea as to what would cause this
i suppose there could be several different things that could do this . but are there any more likely then the other

thanks

 

If happened quickly, check the brake fluid. Might have a leak. This will also happen when brake pads are wearing out, but that is much more gradual.

 

Being that the brakes are hydraulic, there really isn't any adjustment for the lever.
Have you checked the brake fluid level in the MC? How long since you've replaced the fluid?

And as always, not supplying the model year or mileage on the bike doesn't help people help you.

 

Can happen if you hit a pothole or bump. Next time you brake it should be back to normal, though.

 

this does not make sense, how would a closed line react to a bump??

I guess you get another post count ...useless....

the OP has a problem with his brakes ..a couple of posts were to help him ,,,, this was not

 

thanks..
I did not even think to check the fluid till I was posting the question,, then figured might as well post it anyways and see what others think it could be. I doubt its the pads this happened to quickly .. and the bump thing,, well that makes no cence to me either ,, sorry . maybe if that got air in the line or something I guess maybe , I dont know

as for the bike year and model .. the one in my sig. 2002 883 xl stock

 

I worked on a Softail that had the same problem. You had to pull the brake lever about 3/4 of the way before it would get solid. You could almost hit the grip if you braked hard enough.

Turned out it was just the piston inside the master cylinder wearing out/getting stuck open. Replaced the piston assembly and it is solid from the moment you grab.

 

So, I guess we're waiting on the fluid level check, and how long has the brake fluid been in the bike.

 

Really, what an astounding noobness regarding how brakes work. Heavy shaking (as hitting a pothole or bump) can distance brake pads from rotor, thus the next braking will have more slack than usual. Race drivers have crashed for this very reason.

 

i just got the bike this last august.. I have no clue as to how long the fluid has been in there