1980 xs1100sg Front Master

[Guy&2goldens]

Hello all, I’ve been poking around looking for a replacement front master but can’t really seem to find much info on it. (My searching skills maybe needs a brush up). Can someone advise the correct bore size for the 80sg for replacement? I believe it’s 17mm but just wanted to check before I order something. One I had seems to have grown legs and walked away. Either that or the 10mm sockets kidnapped it 🙂.

also, any suggestions on a good replacement would be appreciated.

[DEEBS11]

You need 16MM for dual disk brakes. These work great and are economical. I have run these master cylinders over 50,000 miles on a few different bikes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295232081050

[DEEBS11]

However, if you want the finest quality and have the money, Brembo is the best you can buy. I am now currently running one of these on my XS11/sidecar unit. Both the economy and Brembo master cylinders perform the same. The Brembo fit and finish is better quality.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/382997353337

[LAB3]

You need 16MM for dual disk brakes. These work great and are economical. I have run these master cylinders over 50,000 miles on a few different bikes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295232081050

I'm with Deebs, for less than the price of a rebuild kit you can get one of these and be done with it.

[DEEBS11]

LAB3 - They are so low priced that I always keep a few on the shelf for the future. Most restorations need them.

[LAB3]

I've used them on my last three bikes and they've never failed, this despite the warnings of those who will tell you you'll die if you don't use the latest, greatest thing out there.

[bikerphil]

The thing i don't like about some of those units is there is no lever adjustment screw to adjust the travel and dial in the "feel".

[Guy&2goldens]

The thing i don't like about some of those units is there is no lever adjustment screw to adjust the travel and dial in the "feel".

I do agree in this. It would be nice to have a more modern one. I am going to be changing the bars anyway so I might as well update the master. I assume any of the newer ones will work as long as they are for a dual set up and 16mm?

[bikerphil]

Yes, for a Special, any 16MM will work just fine. Single or dual caliper doesn't matter. You will need to use SS braided lines though.

I tried one once that didn't have the adjustment screw on the lever and even after properly bled, the lever would bottom out on the grip. Went to the adjustable type and no problems, worked like new. YMMV

Note: Standards work best with a 14MM unit, they have a different caliper piston size than the Special requiring the smaller bore MC for best lever feel.

http://www.vintagebrake.com/mastercylinder.htm

[DEEBS11]

The thing i don't like about some of those units is there is no lever adjustment screw to adjust the travel and dial in the "feel".

Like this?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166858045860

[Lavillzem]

This was a spam posting. It is now a warning to other spammers.

[bikerphil]

Like this?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166858045860

No, this adjustment.... And the levers are not interchangeable.

[DEEBS11]

Understood. However, both types of adjustments are for grip to lever distance. The Brembo unit is bulky looking in comparison.

[DEEBS11]

...and the Brembo has only 4 adjustment settings.

[bikerphil]

Yep, and those cheaper China units for some reason did away with the adjustment screw at the piston, so there is no adjustment whatsoever.