Different Front Master Cylinders

[greatnw]

I have an 80 XS1100 SG. It has what I would call the taller, white plastic master cylinder on it. The threads for the mirror don't look too good and I have a good one from a Midnight special, not sure of the year. It is the shorter all metal box.
Are the master cylinders interchangeable to anyone's knowledge?
Thanks in advance!

[John]

You will need to look at the bottom of the M/C to find what size the bore for the piston is. The 81 MNS has a linked brake system where the rear and the l/f calipers are controlled by the rear M/C, and the r/f is controlled by the front M/C, and it will have a smaller bore than the MC for the other XS11 models. The correct bore for the dual disc system is 11/16.

[TomRodgers]

Master Cylinders....

I am looking for about the same answer. The 81 standard that i am trying to fix for a neighbor has a very worn out master. it looks like its going to crumble. Been looking at replacements on ebay. they dont look any better. might try to get one off a newer bike, like 95 or newer cruiser....it anybody has input on this it would be greatly appreciated.

[DiverRay]

Try mikexs.com I used a new MC from either him, or partsnmore.com, I can't remember now as it's been three years. Just get a MC for a DUAL FRONT DISK bike and it should work fine. If you can afford to, put on the stainless steel lines at the same time, just like power brakes!
I did change my system over to DOT 5 Brake fluid, as I rebuilt EVERYTHING in the system at the time. I've had NO brake problems in two years and 45K miles.

[TomRodgers]

Mc

Went to Mikes...not a bad price!!! why buy used for 35-50 when you can get brand new for 80!!!! Went to HELUSA and found SS lines for the bike. What major difference is there between the 78-80 and 81-newer...there is like 200 bucks difference!!!! the title shows it being a 81.

[81xsproject]

You can get away with a mc from a modern bike with a 5/8" bore, but then you will want ss lines.

[DiverRay]

What major difference is there between the 78-80 and 81-newer...there is like 200 bucks difference!!!! the title shows it being a 81.

Don't look at the title, look at the serial number ON THE BIKE If the tag is still on the front bearing holder of the frame, it will show the actual build date, and year model. The later bikes big price difference is probably due too the linked brakes. If your master cylinder connects to both front disks, you don't have linked brakes.

[TopCatGr58]

I got my SS lines from HELUSA a few years ago. I had them custom made for lengths since I have 4" over front tubes, and handlebar setbacks! I had the 3 lines for the front made, but later found out that I could have had just 2 lines made, same volume of fluid, can eliminate the 1 to 2 splitter, and just use a longer banjo bolt at the MC to feed both lines all the way down to the calipers. Will be cheaper this way because one less set of fittings, the hose is actually the cheap part!! I also had one made for the rear as well, all in bright GREEN color..they have custom colors also!!

With the SS lines, I used the smaller bore front MC from what I now think was an XJ11...got it from a bike used parts place. Make sure you get YAMAHA because of the reverse threaded mirror compared to other brands!! Before the SS lines, I had to pump the MC a few times to get enough pressure to work the front calipers, and then I was still squeezing the lever all the way to the grip! Once I put the SS lines on, it was night and day, plenty of firm pressure, and didn't have to squeeze the lever very far at all.

The smaller lever/plunger will give you the ability to actually generate more pressure but with more lever travel, so it will actually provide a better "FEEL", the larger bore MC will generate more volume with less lever travel, so you'll be able to grab and generate a lot of braking power/force quickly, but with a bit less "FEEL", finesse in the braking action! HTH!
T.C.

[snowdog51]

mc

i have ninja zx 900 mc whith adjustable lever one finger braking

[trbig]

I have a Ford Thunderbird with non-adjustable one toe braking.

????? lol.


Tod

[snowdog51]

mc

thats funny anywhere your getin her done