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Just bought a nice used Honda Sabre after 14 years since I sold my Honda GL1200.
I have two question about the current bike, one is when I brake with the back brake, i hear a sounds like a pump running and when I let off it stops. Strange I have never experienced this before the dealer says it is normal?????
The second question is that a very low RPMs engine is very sluggish, If I build up the rpm`s no problem does anybody know if ths is also normal.
Thanks

As far as the low RPM lugging, that's normal for the Sabre. It's got a 180 degree firing order making it different from most v-twins. The engine sacrificed very low end torque for more mid range and upper end power. And also being rubber mounted causes it to jerk around a lot when it's in those low ranges. Just a quirk about that bike.

Is it a whining sound when you hit the back brake? If so I'm betting since you're off of the gas, the pipes are quieter and you can hear your shaft drive whining away.

Try disengaging the clutch at speed and see if the whining is still there. If not, then probably your pads/rotor are dirty. Some brake-cleaner should take care of it for you.

My vote is probably dirty pads. The shaft drive doesn't really make an noise.

Amdonim wrote:My vote is probably dirty pads. The shaft drive doesn't really make an noise.

Unless your Universal Joints are going, then you get to hear lovely "CLUNKS" as you apply or let off power. Sigh, currently pricing out new joints for my Sabre.......(the original one, not the rebadged Shadow version)