brake cable replacement options

[auto5man]

How workable are the aftermarket replacements? And which brand do you choose? This is for honda 125m front and rear brake cables. I've also seen it mentioned here that folks have trouble with the aftermarket brake shoes fitting properly....is that true?

[kb0nly]

I redid the brakes on a 125M last fall.. The Motion Pro cables were perfect fit and OEM quality in my opinion. Good cables! As for the brake shoes, some have mentioned problems with a few of them. I bought Vesrah shoes for front and back, made in Japan, fit perfect quick install. There is a few chinese made options out there, i agree that most of them are crap for fit. I bought a set of shoes that wasn't Vesrah for a 200M, they were too thick and the drum wouldn't fit back on. I bought a set of Vesrah shoes and that solved the problem. I also put Vesrah shoes and Motion Pro cables on my 200ES and ATC90. No problems with them whatsoever.

[auto5man]

thanks Kb, I'll go with Motion Pro cables and the Vesrah shoes.

[kb0nly]

One hint, if you get it back together and the drum won't go back on, loosen up the wingnut more on the cable end, the cam needs to be all the way retracted so the new thicker shoes will fit. As they wear in you increase the preload on the brake cam to limit pedal/handle travel.

I just cleaned up my drums with some dish soap and green scotchbrite pads, that scrubbed em clean and added a bit of tooth to the surface.

Be prepared to stop fast after you replace em! LOL