Compatible brake calipers

[odin]

I have a GS1000G. I am in the middle of restoring the brakes as the bike hasn't been used in a while, but the pistons are seized and I have used a search tool here and found different ways of getting it out, but was wondering if there were any other brake calipers from different models of bikes which may fit my bike.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Grandpa]

Calipers identical to yours are those from any model GS850G or GL (except 1979, and even those are interchangeable), GS1000G any year, GS1100G, GS1100GL, or GS1100GK, any year.

Those are the ones I know about, but there may well be several other GS models whose calipers are just like yours.

 

[odin]

ok great!!

I may show my lack of knowledge by this, but am I assume that other models of Suzuki's such as GSX, SV etc will not be compatible?

 

[Grandpa]

Most probably not.

 

[salty_monk]

I have a set over here in the US with new pads (less than 1000 miles on them)... yours for $40 (the cost of the pads).

Calipers were rebuilt a couple of years back. Shame you didn't shout a few weeks ago I could have brought them over to the UK for you...

Come off my 1980 GS1000G

Dan

 

[Nessism]

Calipers identical to yours are those from any model GS850G or GL (except 1979, and even those are interchangeable), GS1000G any year, GS1100G, GS1100GL, or GS1100GK, any year.

Those are the ones I know about, but there may well be several other GS models whose calipers are just like yours.

The L model bikes with the leading axle fork take a different caliper because the caliper bracket is different.

For what it's worth, I'm familiar with three different styles of caliper: the round puck type made roughly though 1979, the style introduced in 1980 with small diameter pins, and another style introduced a year later with larger diameter pins. The 1980 style has inferior pins to the later style - that might have been the reason Suzuki changed it, not sure.

 

[salty_monk]

You could also fit Kawasaki Calipers, twinpots with the right kit... I have some of that "kit" over in the UK not far from you...

 

[2BRacing]

I have a GS1000G. I am in the middle of restoring the brakes as the bike hasn't been used in a while, but the pistons are seized and I have used a search tool here and found different ways of getting it out, but was wondering if there were any other brake calipers from different models of bikes which may fit my bike.

Thanks
Steve

You may find that other calipers are also in need of overhaul, so you may be back to square one! Rather first try to get the pistons out - wrap a large cloth around the caliper and use a compressed air line with an air blow gun, which usually has a rounded point, in the hole where the bleed nipple has been removed. Short "squirts" on the trigger of the air blow gun will soon pop the piston out. The cloth prevents the piston and old brake fluid from flying all over your workplace!

 

[Nessism]

You may find that other calipers are also in need of overhaul, so you may be back to square one! Rather first try to get the pistons out - wrap a large cloth around the caliper and use a compressed air line with an air blow gun, which usually has a rounded point, in the hole where the bleed nipple has been removed. Short "squirts" on the trigger of the air blow gun will soon pop the piston out. The cloth prevents the piston and old brake fluid from flying all over your workplace!

I agree. Rebuild what you have. Piston kits cheap. One main thing to watch: if you have some of the small pin calipers, inspect the pins and caliper hanger carefully to make sure the pins and bore are not excessively worn. The pins are expensive and the caliper hanger brackets are not available or expensive.

Good luck.

 

[bwringer]

Order your caliper rebuild kits from Suzuki.

The OEM kits are much higher quality than the aftermarket cheese, and they include a new piston. Plus, they're even cheaper!