Rear brakes for XS1100LH

[rustybones49801]

Hi, I just purchased a used (no kidding) 1981 XS1100 Midnight Special. Was this a rare bike? I am having a heck of a time finding some parts. The rear master cylinder does not cross with any other xs1100 and is a discontinued part number as is the rebuild kit for this bike. As instructed, I have checked all the links listed with xs11 and NO ONE has this rebuild kit available. Is there a huge difference needed in stopping power between the special and midnight special that they had to use a different master cylinder? Any forthcoming help would be appreciated. BTW, this bike kicks A**. and is fun to ride, but stopping is kinda' important to me...........

[John]

The 81 MNS had a unique rear braking system, as it is a linked system. The rear brake actuates the L/F caliper, Look for a brake line running up the frame rail right above rear M/C. The front brake M/C only controls the right front caliper. The 82 XJ1100 used this same system, so you may be able to use XJ kits (if available) in the MNS. The MNS is a rare bike, being built only 2 years, 80-81. You will have some difficulty finding specific parts I'm afraid, but there are some out there. Many parts are shared with the regular Special of the same year. Good luck with it.

[rustybones49801]

Wow, you are a guru, in all the microfische squinting I have done, I never would have guessed that. I probably would have if I had torn the rear brake system apart, but by then fustration would have set in, along with a lost bolt or two.....

[wingnut]

Clean up

Rusty, You may get lucky and not have to rebuild it. It’s probably full of gunk. My 81 was after sitting a long time. I removed it, disassembled it, cleaned everything with brake cleaner and DOT 3. Make sure all the passage ways are clear, read the threads about sponge holes here. Bench bleed it then put it back on. It works fine. Not new but good. That may hold you until you can find the parts you want.

[andreashweiss]

I can supply you with a complete used rear brake system off of a 1981 special . Brake light switch,rear brake lever spline,spring,rear master,caliper,caliper mount,hoses, wheel spacers. all assembled with all required bolts if you want to switch to an independent rear brake. Price includes shipping in continental USA $45.00 andreashweiss@yahoo.com

[rustybones49801]

I will keep that in mind andreashweiss but I found a master cylinder kit at N.W. Vintage Cycle. www.nwvintagecycleparts.com/ They were very helpful as well. But the box was renumbered and if the parts dont match, I may take you up on your offer. BTW, they were up front about the box number as well. I liked the honesty. A+

[Trikerneil]

If you convert your rear brake to an independent rear brake you will also have to convert the front so both discs run off the front master cylinder.

NOTE The MNS front master cylinder will NOT push enough fluid to operate both front calipers fully.

[rustybones49801]

Which means I have to use a MS from a 1100 or special, right?

[John]

You can also use the components from an XJ 11, but they are just as rare as the 81MNS. Mikes xs carries a front M/C for older xs650's which is designed for a single disc system, and they also sell one for the dual disc system. I don't know where to find a rear M/C though. If you want to convet to an xs system, then you'd need to find a rear M/C from an xs11 or possibly one from an xs750-850. You would have to eyeball that one to be sure it would fit.

[rustybones49801]

Oh the parts nightmare that would create.....

[skids]

I know this is just an opinion, but there is no way in hell that I would have my brakes linked like that. Independant control is better control. Lets say you are braking down a steep gravel outlet from a parking lot. You may have to skid a tire to stop before you get to the main road because it is steep and loose. You would definately NOT want to skid the front. Actually neither tire is desirable for skidding, but sometimes, you are going to skid a tire! Independant braking wins that example.

Originally posted by rustybones49801
Oh the parts nightmare that would create.....

[John]

Originally posted by rustybones49801
Oh the parts nightmare that would create.....

I'd rather have a parts nightmare than one from crashing because of skidding brakes. (I already have that one)