About the 360-Brake Failure.

As a Custom Builder, Dealer and Internet Publisher, I have moral obligation to publish the 2 following letters regarding the failure of the 360-Brake.

“Cyril, My name is Chet Burozski. I was the sales rep for 360-Brake. Recently the company has gone through a take over by the minority stock holders and one of the partners. Prior to this the company had some Greening Lab. Tests done on the brake. The results were a complete and total failure. The prior management team didn’t want to admit they had a problem so they just ignored it. I was hoping, with the new team in place, they would have at least some dignity and responsibility, both to the company and to the customers riding and trusting these brakes to work. I was disappointed again when I received the following letter, basically blaming the industry, the magazines and the TV media for misinformation. Most of the information the media has was written by me and all of the information I had was given to me by the President, the Vice President, the General Manager or the Engineers who were doing the designs. Cyril, I was forced to sign a confidentiality agreement with the company but feel it is way more important to possibly save the life of a fellow biker than line the pockets of a few posers who could care less about a human life and are just worrying about being liable. If you have any other questions feel free to give me a call or drop me a line. Chet Burozski (317)370-0920 cell chetandadam@tds.net

Below is the letter of Baldwin Wilson putting responsibility for the brake failure on customers, dealers and medias!. As a matter of fact the brake failed in independent Laboratory Tests even when installed by Baldwin Wilson. Baldwin Wilson is now working on a new version of their brake.    

From: Badwin Development Corporation 1531 E Northfield Drive Brownsburg, Indiana 46112 317-452-7867

October 23, 2007. To all Customers, Dealers, and Distributors,

"It has come to our attention in recent weeks that the 360 motorcycle brake (the “Brake”), developed and sold by Baldwin-Wilson Development Corporation, is being improperly installed and used.  The purpose of this letter is to inform you that improper use, installation or maintenance of the Brake could result in serious bodily harm, property damage or death. Some of the problems with the installation and use of the Brake are the result of third-party misrepresentations about the Brake’s capabilities.  Unfortunately, the motorcycle industry, particularly for after-market products, is fragmented, diverse and full of bad information.  The 360 Brake is a revolutionary motorcycle product that has generated a greet deal of industry excitement and publicity We have been unable to control all of the magazine articles, reports, television shows and other industry news sources, as they report on and describe the Brake.  False promises of performance have been made by parties outside of our control.  Additionally, we have inspected brakes that were improperly installed, taken apart and reassembled improperly, or used on motorcycles that weigh too much or go too fast for the Brake.  The 360 Brake is not a racing product. We are asking you to follow these instructions:

– If you own a motorcycle with a 360 Brake, immediately have the Brake and your motorcycle inspected by professional mechanic familiar with the Brake’s design, proper installation methods and braking limitations.

– Standard dual brakes should never be replaced by a single 360 Brake. Use dual brakes to replace dual brakes, always.

– If your motorcycle weighs more than 700 pounds (riders and all equipment included), DO NOT USE THE CURRENT VERSION OF THE 360 BRAKE.  Under no circumstance should anyone use the 360 Brake to stop a motorcycle traveling faster than 70 mph.  Obey all speed limits.

– Watch the Brake for signs of excessive wear and tear, overheating, chrome flaking/cracking or other problems.  Most of the problems with the Brake are associated with improper installation. We will provide detailed, written installation instructions to anyone who contacts us.  We will inspect any Brake or parts you ship to us (shipping at your cost).

– If your Brake was improperly installed or experiencing any performance issues, please immediately stop riding your motorcycle until the Brake is repaired or replaced with a different brake.

– If you sold or installed a 360 Brake, get copy of this letter to the owner or rider immediately, or provide us with the owner/rider’s contact information. We will be happy to send them a copy of this letter.

We are in the process of developing a 360 Brake that can accommodate larger motorcycles and faster speeds, although we are not encouraging anyone to exceed lawful speed limits.  Until then, please faithfully follow the warnings and instructions in this letter. Thank you"  Baldin Wilson Development Corporation.

UPDATE: Today November 6, 2007 at 3.04 PM, I received the following email from Chet Burozski. I publish it as is. I called him for further explanation and could not reach him. I left messages but my calls were not returned Cyril.

"My name is Chet Burozski and I wrote a letter to Cyril Huze about the "360 Brake." After writing this letter I was called by a representative of the company and all of my concerns where laid to rest. They have and are taking care of any and all problems with the brake and are available to answer all of your questions and concerns. I would like to thank Cyril for posting this and retract the statements in the first blog"

Chet Burozski

 

 

29 Responses to “About the 360-Brake Failure.”


  1. 1 Sid Nov 5th, 2007 at 12:51 pm

    I understand they are further developing their brake, but this quote is puzzling:

    “…Under no circumstance should anyone use the 360 Brake to stop a motorcycle traveling faster than 70 mph.”

    So much for over-engineering and building something as important as a brake in the first place.

    Going over 70 mph is sometimes NECESSARY to get the hell out of the way of a dangerous situation, no matter what “lawful speed limits” say.

    Sounds like a back-pedaling, cya letter.

  2. 2 Nicker Nov 5th, 2007 at 6:44 pm

    Seems to me that the disclaimer simply points out the obvious.

    A small unit like that may be able to hold you on a hill at a red light. But, no one would expect it to do more than slow you down slightly on the road.

    Years ago, those who wanted the look of a “spool-hub,” but still needed a brake to comply with regulations, would lace up a small dirt-bike hub from a Bultaco or a Montessa.

    The 360 hub looks like it may have been intended to serve the same purpose. I can understand the disclaimer. What i don’t understand is anyone expecting it to stop a 700 lb scooter.

    (again, caveat emptor)

    -nicker-

  3. 3 Solo Sam Nov 5th, 2007 at 11:30 pm

    It’s called a ” BRAKE ” , I would expect ” a brake ” to stop my bike …. Why not just call it an ” over priced piece of chrome crap .” Sam .

  4. 4 John Nov 6th, 2007 at 8:36 am

    Thank you Cyril for publishing information to protect us. I hope that the print medias will follow up on this story without consideration of advertising interests they may have with this company. This brake requires a full recall.

  5. 5 Rodney Adkins Nov 6th, 2007 at 9:45 am

    Shocking, I am utterly speechless. Cudos to Mr. Burozski.

  6. 6 Patrick Brennard Nov 6th, 2007 at 11:21 am

    Life has no price. Thank you Chet for being the whistleblower. Thank you Cyril for having the courage to publish.

  7. 7 Tom Nov 6th, 2007 at 11:39 am

    I had planned on getting a 360 setup next year. Thank you for printing this.

  8. 8 Sid Nov 6th, 2007 at 12:56 pm

    What is the intended market for this product?

    Custom cruisers/choppers.

    What is the weight of those bikes?

    Close enough (-/ ) to 700 lbs. to not serve the purpose of braking for the intended product.

  9. 9 john Nov 6th, 2007 at 2:56 pm

    “if your motorcycle weighs more than 700 pounds (riders and all equipment included), DO NOT USE THE CURRENT VERSION OF THE 360 BRAKE”

    if they sold the brake without this stipulation and with the testing they advertised that it stopped better than a stock HD, are they implying to remove it and donate it to a vespa club or are they offering to replace it with a applicable unit?

  10. 10 Donnie Nov 6th, 2007 at 4:16 pm

    There was no restrictions given by the manufacturer. They stated it stops better than a Harley and it’s not true. Deceptive advertising. Anyway, it seems that the brake fails because of over heating and lack of ventilation, under 70 miles per hour with an under 700 pounds bike. They tested the brake several months after selling it?!?! A lemon. It should be a recall with free replacement (part & labor). But the replacement brake is not ready, yet? Big trouble for them.

  11. 11 matthew willoughby Nov 6th, 2007 at 5:59 pm

    I have just finished installing one of these brakes.i have not yet tested it. i was delt with proffessionally and promptly in my dealings with 360 brake.Fred Baldwin was beyond helpful in the set up.i know that the company has gone through some restructuring and had its share of problems.
    I keep hearing about heat problems but have yet to talk to anyone who has delt with these personally
    Knowing that custom parts require custom installations and not having overblown expectations out of the brake.My concern is still for safety.My understanding has been that most issues with the brake are from improper installation.
    I would appreciate coments from anyone with further info or personal experience with the brake.

  12. 12 Solo Sam Nov 6th, 2007 at 7:22 pm

    Well Matthew , I don’t think I’LL be having any ” Personal Experience ” with that thing unless it’s from being run into by some guy that can’t stop … Sam

  13. 13 tom herndon Nov 6th, 2007 at 7:59 pm

    installed 2 sets
    single front and single read
    and rear overheated to the point of “drag”
    seems unit works beter while riding and cooling and sitting hear can disapate fast enuff to keep ex[ansion down
    thats when the expansion take into play
    front seems to do good however ample air uo forward rear no circulation im still workin on bugs
    i think it a good design needs perfecting chrome unit are worst
    cant rid heat fast enuff
    tom herndon
    Herndon brothers MC
    Baldwin,fla
    904 614 9921

  14. 14 john Nov 6th, 2007 at 8:04 pm

    i have a front and rear set-up. was told to switch to dot 5.1 instead of the advertised dot 5. i asked fred baldwin how i should flush it and he had no answer. ended up pulling the whole brake system apart and washed and soaked all parts in dot 4 then installed motul 600 dot 4. no more brake fade but still high heat and the nasty screech. also got the new style hollowed piston which fred said would help with the heat.

    i hear from some dealers that the heat is from the inner bearing spacer not set with exact preload which cocks the sealed bearings. then read this from chet that the brake issue was known and hidden. should i keep trying to get mine perfect or accept that i was deceived?

  15. 15 matthew willoughby Nov 7th, 2007 at 10:23 am

    thanks Tom and John.
    i also got the hollow piston replacement then took 12 thousands off the back side of square o ring recess. made thicker precise bearing spacer.rechromed caliper.
    sounds like i am still not out of the woods.i don’t mind troubleshooting it but may have to go back to trditional brake. too bad it looks killer.
    remember that without risk there would be no inovation.status quo is boring.

  16. 16 Elliot Nov 8th, 2007 at 6:44 pm

    Solo Sam. What if you’re running an eighteen wheeler, you expect a set of disk brakes from a yugo to stop it? I think your statement is kind of foolish. If you check online on Niosh.gov, nist.gov and other websites you’ll also find out that brake failure on a bike is caused in a large part by the rider and by faulty installation. This is a custom piece of equipment and shouldn’t be installed by some “guy” in his garage who thinks he is a mechanic.

    I want to read the newpaper article where Chet praises the brake and says how wonderful it is. Or was that a phoney story he made up just to sell brakes? How could he be in love with it one day and not the next. How come he didn’t run this blog entry until AFTER he was gone. If he really loved the biker community, I think he would have done it then. But I think he may have hid his story so he could sell more brakes and line his pocket. Sounds like a real hypcrite to me.

    I don’t own the brake, I am waiting to see what happens. In the meantime I would still like to hear more from those that actually own the brake and don’t have a hidden agenda.

    Thanks to Matthew, Tom and John for some “Real” informtion. What type of bike did you install this on? Stock or custom, what is the weight? Where did you by the brake from?

  17. 17 john Nov 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pm

    elliot,

    just need to question why this can’t be installed by “a guy in his garage”? with custom wheels with two piece hubs the critical part of installation is cutting the squish tube at the right preload ( /- .004) and that can be sent out to be milled. the rest is a “bolt on” with the exception of correct sized axle and anti rotation arm spacers which are readily available.

    for a wide tire rear wheel, if the hat replaces 1/2 the hub, it needs to be spaced out so the anti rotation arm can catch the welded brake tab. i used my left over front 1/2 hub since the wheel bolt pattern was the same. sent it and the squish tubes out to be milled to my specs.

    even installing myself it still cot 4-500 for milling, longer brake lines, spacers, bolts, switching the dot 5 to motul 600, etc.. can only imagine what a shop would have charged, then add that to the costs of the brakes. guess us “guy’s in the garage” gotta do what we have too!

    lets not forget that the only directions offered are for a HD front wheel. did i install mine correctly?

  18. 18 Ron Nov 10th, 2007 at 10:27 am

    I just purchased the 360 brake for a Custom LowLife Build im starting after the first of the year and yes I will be installing it myself, I have written to 360 in regards to the problems I have been reading & also what will be done to correct the problem for all of us who beleived & purchased one of there units thinking they were the Best thing next to mothers milk,I have yet to hear anything back from 360 in regards to my concerns about the brake, It was purchased last week & Funny thing is there dealer never said anything in regards to the problems they were having, I imagine he just wanted to unload his inventory of brakes before he got stuck with them ? Anyway yes I am a garage mechanic and do all my own work & have so for the last 40 yrs, Only difference is I have a complete machine shop & welding fabrication setup and do everything except cover the seats, I spent many years buiding street rods & went back to the bikes & this is the EXACT reason why I try making & doing everything myself because everytime I end up buying something its a piece of Junk thats has to be modified or have many hours put into it to make it right,Seems like everone always has a excuse why it does not work after you purchase a product & its always the installers fault, I just finished installing a set of expensive Hydraulic hand controls from a reputable company & had the clutch hydraulic hand control leak like a sive, after spending a week trying to get a replacement rebuild kit & not being able to contact company I gave up & machined new plungers out of aluminum with tighter tolerences & guess what no more leaks & unit works fine, But my question is Why should this even of had to happen, What if this happened on the strret & I lost clutch or brake, either a accident or parked on the side of road dead in the water, Just a little quality control would of easily have corrected a problem that has set me back in the completion of bike, And if I was the average person with no machine equipment I would still be out there trying to find a rebuild kit or spending more money on another set of controls, This should not be !! Anyway I wait Patiently to here back from 360 on how they will make good for there Poor Quality Product ?? I will Post again if I receive a Answer ??
    Ron

  19. 19 AZ Builder Nov 11th, 2007 at 9:42 am

    Well someone definately got to Chet. I just called him and after knowing him for quite sometime got the same responce as a previous writer. He is reffering all statements and questions to BWDC. The funny thing is this man was hired to do a job for BWDC. He was the front man for the company, putting his name, face and reputation on the line. He didn’t have to say a thing and could have kept his mouth closed but he didn’t. The company first blamed the media and impropper installation. Now the company wants to blame him for a faulty brake. After knowing him for quite some time I know he wouldn’t have put his name on something he didn’t believe in, I also know he wouldn’t stand for the public the be misinformed or possibly hurt or killed. The question still hasn’t been answered though. DID THE BRAKE PASS THE TEST OR NOT??? I realize they are designing a new brake, according to the statements made by the company, but will the old one or did the old one pass. I would really like to hope that the testing that was done wasn’t just the sales guy riding the bike. I would hope that the company had the responsibility to have it tested and if they did, did it pass or not? Exactly what tests have been done on it and what are the results. Seems like a simple question to me. So drop your smoke and mirrors and quit trying to throw everyone else under the bus, just answer the question.

  20. 20 Glenn Casa Nov 11th, 2007 at 10:13 am

    Chet would never had sent a letter to Cyril Huze stating that the 360 brake failed miserably in Greening Lab. tests if it was not true. Just after the company refused to continue to take orders and deliver. Must be a serious problem. Right? When will BWD answer our questions? How many brakes were sold without any serious testing? What BWD is going to do? Recall? They should recall very fast.

  21. 21 Billy C. DWNY Nov 26th, 2007 at 6:30 pm

    I am very upset hearing this last minute. I am an authorized 360 Brake Dealer. I was sold on the brake by Chet. He didnt just sell this product he believed in it. It was Chet that pushed the testing and trying to get it DOT approved. It is a great looking product unfortunatley it does not do the job. Chet let us know this first hand and sent us the proper paperwork to inform our customers. Chet Burozski is someone you should look for in the industry and if that man is selling a product you damn sure know he believes in it. He is not your average salesman he is a real biker with a vast knowledge in the industry. I heard through a friend in Melbourne Fla. that he was hired by another company as Sales Rep. Good Luck Chet . Please contact me if you ever read this. Im interested to see the new product you have.

    Billy C.
    DWNY

  22. 22 ANT Jan 12th, 2008 at 12:00 am

    I have the solution….install a loud radio to down out the screams.

  23. 23 Papaw Mar 1st, 2008 at 2:59 pm

    To everyone,

    Chet “OEP” Burozski was a good man and has never intentionally harmed anyone. He did believe in the product in question only because he trusted the company that made them was giving him all of the proper information to pass out. They were not being honest wth him or the public from all I know or have read and heard. I have known Chet for many years. He even went so far to warn the public once he found out the absolute truth about the product and that someone could be injured or killed. He did this knowing he could be sued if he spoke out. He was apparently threatened after letting the public know the truth.

    I think BDW owes the motorcycling public, motorcycle dealers, and everyone else, a full explanation. Think about it…the brakes are not designed for any street motorcycle over 700 lbs, inclucing the riders.How many of you using or wanting the brakes own a motorcycle less than 700 lbs without you sitting on it?

    Good luck to those of you who own the brakes or are planning on buying them. They are designed for show bikes, not street use. It is that simple. They are pretty and fashionable, but not functional for the street bike most all of you own and actually ride for any type of transportation.

    How many of you would actually trust putting your wife, girlfriend or children on the back of your motorcycle if you even have the slightest doubt that the brakes are not working properly?

    I regret to inform you that Chet passed away yesterday in Daytona of natural causes. His good heart, love, honesty and friendhsip will be sadly missed. He was one of the closest brothers I have ever had the honor of being associated with or known. He tried his best to do what he felt was right in his heart and warn you.

    Godspeed OEP.

  24. 24 OK Mar 1st, 2008 at 6:00 pm

    OEP was a good person and my very best friend. He showed me what standing responsible means and how character comes from within – not from what is displayed on the outside. I miss him terribly and wish we had more people in this world who would stand tall for what they believe in and acknowledge everyone for who they are on the inside – not what they are on the outside. Chet – we miss your smile, we miss your wit and most of all – we miss you – and I miss you – very muc – – Micki
    PS – I know you are on some shovel-head up there – blowing oil out the back and laughing with all the angels – Now you know what it feels like to have a bike “take wings” God Speed

  25. 25 SUL Mar 5th, 2008 at 9:00 am

    read an obit today that chet (oep) died in daytona on friday. RIP

  26. 26 Grog Apr 1st, 2009 at 12:07 am

    Most of the talk above is from people who don’t actually have any experience with this product. I get the concern about safety but agree strongly with Matthews statement…”without risk there would be no innovation”.

    I doubt that this brake was thought up in the first place to out-perform a traditional brake but to look cool!!!

    Don’t any of you so called “Bikers” remember when we started putting longer & longer front ends on our rides? They were way unsafe many times but builders learned from mistakes & now there are builders like Sugar Bear who got it down to a science…Hey man, in those days we didn’t even run front brakes.

    I will buy this system, install it & work with it because it will look cool & still give me some kind of brake up front. It’s only like a grand & if it doesn’t work out I’ll sell it to some yuppy on e-bay.

    I don’t ride a sport bike & have no intention of riding up someones ass. I do worry about some stupid cager trying to kill me but I always do everytime I climb on.

    I think this system is for anyone who wants to try something new & cool, Those who put safety first shouldn’t be thinking about modifying their bikes anyway.

  27. 27 Doug McGoon / MetalSport inc. May 7th, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    I’ve sold like 70 of the new brakes, and I dont have very many problems. You do however need a lathe to install this, (and some experience using it) If you don’t, then forget doing it yourself. I have a 2006 electra glide, and I have a single 5″ on it, It works great, It stops me just fine. I realize it is not the dual11.5’s it had, but who cares. I have a $3500 clear wheel in the front… you think I am going to cover it up with a rotor?? regardless. The new ones work great (enough) and as long as you know what you have, you will love the hell out of ’em. Hell, If you get the right 3/4 master and dual 6″ brakes, you’d be liable to flip yourself right over the f’n bars. If you have the pockets for the wheels and the bike, f it get the 360 brake. people love lookin at it, your wheel will look amazing, and if you squeese the damn lever it’ll stop the bike. For the record, I would prefer some 13″ lyndall’s and a pair of 6 piston calipers… but “bling” is a factor these days. and with a nice stock rear rotor on your dresser, what is the difference anyways. just ride, and be carefull. (like always right)
    if you really have some serious questions, cal me up (562)776-9594 I’ll give you the real deal, and I can have you talk to lots of people who have them (which I installed) that dont have any of the problems many others claim to be having.
    L8ers everybody

  1. 1 360 Brake - Speedzilla Motorcycle Message Forums Pingback on Nov 5th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
  2. 2 Guilty Truth » Blog Archive » 360 Brake a Failure? Pingback on Nov 6th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Comments are currently closed.
Cyril Huze