Need input from the XS11 gurus!

[XS1100 Newbie]

I have a 1981 XJ550. I am needing a front master cylinder for it. It is only a single disc, but i am thinking about putting the master off of a XS11 on it. I was thinking that this would give it considerable more braking power to the bike. Is this way to much? Is it maybe dangerous? It just seems that a larger master would just give it more power, kind of like power brakes. The thing that scares me is the technical part of it. I just don't know if it would be safe. Of course we wouldn't have much in this world if people were afraid to try things.

[DGXSER]

Think of it like having the grip of death with very little effort required, then trying to pick up a glass. Lots of shattered glass around you. Not certain, but the issue is to much can be TO MUCH.You may find that very little movement of the brake lever will cause your front brake to lock up tighter than a frogs backside. So instead of braking you have go and STOP!!! a sliding front tire that drops out from under you.

[XS1100 Newbie]

I wonder what it would be like to do a stoppie on an XS1100. Probably freak everyone out, and fill my pants.

[fredintoon]

I have a 1981 XJ550. I am needing a front master cylinder for it. It is only a single disc, but i am thinking about putting the master off of a XS11 on it. I was thinking that this would give it considerable more braking power to the bike. - - -

Hi Newbie,
you got it backwards. Smaller master cylinders give more braking power at the cost of longer lever travel.
For instance, the North American version of the XS650 has one front disk while the rest of the world gets two. As they all use the same m/c the single disk brake feels like wood.
Install the second disk and the feel is far better.
Go here:-
http://www.vintagebrake.com/mastercylinder.htm
for a chart and a fuller explanation.

[XS1100 Newbie]

Thanks Fred. This is greatly helpful.