Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Triumph bulletin board put on the brekes :)

I see the repair manual is in English about this in section F5 but still seems unclear to me as far as checking when they should be replaced. I been getting some squeaks here and there from the front brakes and is there an easy way to tell if brakes are needed with out pulling the tire off and opening up? As far as the back break is concerned, the figure F2 I assume is when the nut on the adjuster rod is on it's last thread???

Any outside tricks and tips?

Not familiar with your motorcycle type etc, disc or drum?
For drum, I'm pretty sure you have to remove the wheel and check. The leading edge of each shoe is where the most wear occurs. For disc you can look from behind with a flashlight and see the pad wear.. Most pads have a groove in them, if the groove isn't visible then its time to install new ones.

Also run your thumbnail across the drum/disc surface and feel for ridges and grooves. If they are badly worn then its time for a skim. If you skim you will likely need new friction pads.

1970 Tiger TR6 ...drum

Taking wheel off. I was afraid of that just to see where I'm at. May as well just replace by then.

You shouldn't have to remove the tyre, even if it is oversize, just deflate to get the wheel out!

You look at the shoes each time you fit a new tyre.

How much room is left on the handlebar adjustment nut? Park the bike with the front wheel off the ground. Spin the wheel and grab the brake lever. If the wheel stops with very little pull and the nut is about half way down the adjuster you are "probably" OK. Read my disclaimer. Pulling the front wheel to be sure is no big deal. Takes less time than growing a new leg.