Harley VL rear brakes

[montij]

My VL rear brakes lock up the rear wheel at the slightest touch of the brake pedal. The front brakes are very soft and ineffective. Looking for any advice on adjustment. I’ve read maybe the springs need replacement also. I have not dismantled these yet

[Buster]

If fairly new brake shoes, you may need to bevel the leading edge and around perimeter that goes up into corner of brake drum. Sounds like the front brake is working like normal. Only thing which may help is arching the lining to fit the drum with a lathe.

[Steve Slocombe]

Yes, the bike was designed for dirt roads, with the rear brake stronger and it can easily lock up the wheel, sometimes enough to twist off the operating shaft. There is a Shop Dope showing how to bevel the leading edges of the brake linings. The front brake is pretty weedy and like the WLA.. You can radius the linings as Buster suggests, or try a softer lining material.