front brake system overhaul ?s

[lordcannon88]

After reading quite a few threads on the subject, the solution is apparent: rebuild the calipers and m/c along with new stainless lines or convert the front brake system to that of a late 80s kawasaki or something else, replacing rotors, calipers and m/c. I think im going to stick with the stock setup unless someone can really convince me to do the conversion. I realize its a crapshoot on ebay regarding pricing of the kawasaki eqpt. but pricewise i figure im looking to spend

$36.14 for caliper rebuild kits
about 100$ for stainless brake lines
and $25 for M/c rebuild kit.
prices for rebuilding the stock suzuki parts of course.

------BUUUTT I saw a post recently where someone mentioned a master cylinder that should work for GSes that had a fluid reservoir that wasnt affixed to the cylinder. I like this idea because I have buckhorn bars on my bike and as it stands the m/c i have now is at a pretty steep angle with the brake hose pointing up. which i dont think is good because the fluid reservoir is at about a 45 angle to the ground...the movable m/c reservoir on the after market kit should make this less of a factor right? If anyone has experience with such a master cylinder i would love to hear about it.


I also read some recent posts about brake pads and it seemed the consensus was the only pads that should be used were organics. Out of the organics is there any brand that stops better than another?

 

[Steve]

The angle of the master cylinder does not matter, as long as fluid covers the hole at the bottom when you sqeeze the lever.

The most problem you are going to have with an angled m/c is when you try to fill it.

.

 

[gggGary]

There are plenty of master cylinders for buckhorn bars that have angled reservoirs. Yamaha 1100 special comes to mind. The Virago master cylinders are angled also. Magnas too. Musta been a few Zookies had em back in the day too?

 

[lordcannon88]

and thats just the problem....even when i turn the bars to the max left lock its still not a good poor angle to put fluid in. after doing some more reading it seems that any 5/8" piston m/c will work, and virtually every bike w/ a dual disc setup has this 5/8" setup...so basically anything w/ a 7/8" bar mount that came off a dual disc setup will work? im probably answering my own question...ha.

 

[chuck hahn]

even with the handle bars to the extreme left....had you also tried temproarily loosening the bolts and seeing if you could move it to a better servicable spot / angel?

 

[lordcannon88]

even with the handle bars to the extreme left....had you also tried temproarily loosening the bolts and seeing if you could move it to a better servicable spot / angel?

yes i have it works its just a mess. not to mention it needs rebuilding anyway...and the one on my bike is off of who knows what...i know its not the right m/c for my bike....more research to be done..

 

[gggGary]

That's my take. Here ya go; a Front Master Cylinder to Wheel Cylinder
Ratio Chart
http://www.vintagebrake.com/mastercylinder.htm

 

[chuck hahn]

AHHH i see now..Not the OEM one. I think my 98 honda shadows is slighly setting at an upswept angle to the bars...Gonna go to bike and take a peek real quick for ya...BRB.

 

[chuck hahn]

Yes it does sit at about a 45 to the ground when sitting level with the bar centered. banjo bolt at the top. I snapped a few pics with phone..PM me an email addy and i can send them if you would like.

 

[lordcannon88]

Yes it does sit at about a 45 to the ground when sitting level with the bar centered. banjo bolt at the top. I snapped a few pics with phone..PM me an email addy and i can send them if you would like.

thanks for the info. i think i finally figured everything out...someones selling new m/cs for a bunch of 80s zuks on ebay so i think im going to see how one of those + caliper rebuild kits + stainless lines works out.