Have a 2000 recon. With bald OE tires brakes worked ok. Put new 22" bear claws on rear. Brakes were ineffective. Tightened the auto tensioners on both front drums. tightened the rear brake cables. Have performed the following experiments.

1) got bike up to 20 mph. Hit rear hand brake. Little to no braking. When almost to stop will hear some squeaking on rear brake.

2) got bike to 20 mph. Hit front hand brake. Brakes work ok, hear some squeaking as wheels continue to turn while trying to slow down.

3) got bike to 20 mph. Hit rear foot brake. Rear tires lock up, good braking.

4) got bike to 20 mph. Hit front and rear hand brakes togather. Hear some squeaking, braking about the same as if just front only.

5) got bike up to 20 mph. Hit front hand brake and rear foot brake. Almost got thrown from bike. Rear wheels locked. Rear end fish tailed to right. Front end dipped. Bike felt like it was going to flip if I fish tailed any more. Seamed like stopped in 10 feet. Had to take a break from testing to get my heart rate down and change my pants.

So is this how the brakes should be working. Have adjusted the rear hand brake cable as tight as possible….just seams to to very little braking. I’m a big guy and putting good pressure on hand brake. Is this squeaking I’m hearing a notice to replace some brake pads? In test was pushing system to failure, maybe that squeaking is normal?

What do you all think. Yes I am glad the wife was not home during the last test. Would be listing bike for sale instead. Lol