1987 KDX200 front brakes lock

[holykaw]

I'm new to the forum and considering buying a 1987 KDX200 but the previous owner says the front brakes lock up. What's the worse case scenario $$$$ I'm looking at???
Other than going over the handlebars. At the moment I don't have any specifics details of them locking up. Thanks

[doctord23]

Hard to say what is causing it but worst case would be new pads and rebuild the caliper and possible the master cylinder.
If they don't have any free play in the lever to master cylinder, it doesn't allow the fluid to bleed back and that could be causing the issue. Probably a leaking caliper getting fluid on the brakes or a leaking fork seal getting oil on the brakes.
Also check that the rotor is not scored.

[bufftester]

+1, most likely is a master cylinder that needs to be overhauled (or replaced, you can use any KX or KDX one from the same era or even newer and they are all over Ebay cheap) I would venture a guess that worst case needing a new rotor and pads and cylinder rebuild maybe 50-100$, but more likely much cheaper than that. The bigger question is if you are going to drop money on that, what else is wrong with the bike?

[holykaw]

Bike has not run in 2 or 3 years. Waiting to hear back from owner. Thanks I appreciate your help

[ohgood]

I'm new to the forum and considering buying a 1987 KDX200 but the previous owner says the front brakes lock up. What's the worse case scenario $$$$ I'm looking at???
Other than going over the handlebars. At the moment I don't have any specifics details of them locking up. Thanks

water in the lines will expand and lock the piston. don't ride it like that, bleed bleed bleed and test on the stand.

also, a bent axle or misaligned front end can bind the rotor enough to over heat the pads or clock them enough to lock it up. loosen everything and bounce the front end, then tighten again.

never trust a new bike.

[holykaw]

Here is a picture of the front brake. It appears to be taped. First impressions of what the problem may be????
ok how do I download an image???