Brakes ... BESIDES OEM!!

['OlGuiltyBoy]

Anybody ever swap the brake calipers and rotors (front and back) for something more updated? I'm going to be getting a new brake lever and mc, then I saw the stainless brake lines, so I thought I might as well replace the whole system ...

[crazy steve]

Here's at least one option.... http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27820

I'm installing HD calipers on my 'modder' bike (along with FJ forks) and expect to see a real improvement. Some have also used late sport-bike calipers, but costs of those have been reported to be much higher; you can find the Harley brakes easily and usually cheaply with a bit of shopping.

The one caveat is if you have 'Special' forks; those weird 'pivoting' calipers on those pretty much prevents you from any sort of brake swap.

[Eveready1100]

Hi Jay. If you're looking for more braking power from the front, and are already looking at a new master cylinder, get one for a Special, as it's smaller bore will increase the pressure in the calipers. If you combine that with braided lines, you'll have more braking power than you would expect from the stock bits. Plus you'll save a bundle.
Trust me, they work well!

['OlGuiltyBoy]

im running a Standard, so i should be okay, i guess. i guess i'll take a look around, the only thing i need to do is make sure the mounting points measure up, right? im really tempted to run without front brakes, but i know thats where all the stopping power is ...

['OlGuiltyBoy]

Hi Jay. If you're looking for more braking power from the front, and are already looking at a new master cylinder, get one for a Special, as it's smaller bore will increase the pressure in the calipers. If you combine that with braided lines, you'll have more braking power than you would expect from the stock bits. Plus you'll save a bundle.
Trust me, they work well!

smaller "bore" as in ... basically its a smaller size reservoir on the lever ???

['OlGuiltyBoy]

Hey Steve,

On that link you sent me, its looks at though those HD calipers are too small/short looking at the mounting points. I dont have access to all those tools either, the few shops around here the guys are dicks unless youre buying one of their bikes or something. Guess thats why a lot of them are going out of business with this economy ... Karma, I love her to death...

[Eveready1100]

No, mate. Smaller bore size in the actuating piston. Doesn't pump as much fluid through, but it comes at a higher pressure, which gives better braking power.

['OlGuiltyBoy]

No, mate. Smaller bore size in the actuating piston. Doesn't pump as much fluid through, but it comes at a higher pressure, which gives better braking power.

yea, i googled it real quick after i asked that question ... shoulda did it before i posted/asked. i saw that i cant go too small though because the lever stroke could be so short that i could unintentionally lock up the brakes. ill look around and see what i can come up with. you see a lot of levers and mc's around here on craigslist and what not.

[natemoen]

Those ones Steve posted could be done with a hacksaw and file.

['OlGuiltyBoy]

Those ones Steve posted could be done with a hacksaw and file.

Okay. I think what im going to do - since im going to do a front end swap anyway is just ...... wait. im going to put hayabusa triple tree forks clip ons and all ... and that includes hayabusa brakes which, imo, will be more than enough. so once i sell these extra parts i have taken off, i guess ill use that money to put towards a front end.

[Eveready1100]

That's right, Jay. Too small could be asking for trouble. The Special"s M/C is just the right size. You won't unintentionally lock the wheel with that setup, though you can if you try hard enough.

['OlGuiltyBoy]

also, now that im thinking about it. while wrenching on my bike last night, i noticed a key hole with a cover that was right under where the battery tray is. a real small key goes in there. if youre sitting on the bike its on the left hand side .... anybody know what that is?

[GLoweVA]

That key hole is for the side cover. That side the cover is locked on so nobody can get your tools or steal your battery.
Should be the same key as the ignition and tank. Be careful, it might be so dirty and fouled up the key might bend or break. Lube it up and clean it our before you use it.

['OlGuiltyBoy]

Oh okay ... no need for it, i was just curious. guess the po broke it because the covers all come off by themselves.

I posted some additional parts in the for sale section ... check them out people. PM me if interested

[XSive_speed]

Special MC Swap?

I've thought about changing the MC for a while to get more breaking power, but I'm not sure about the idea of using the special MC. Maybe somebody can explain a bit more.

Tell me if I'm wrong, but my first thought is that the specials use a linked break with the rear pedal actuating the rear disk and (I think) the left front disk. Then the front lever operated the right front disk caliper. So that seems to mean that the MC piston would have sufficient volume for one single piston caliper.

To put that on a standard would mean it would need to push sufficient volume for two calipers. Will the special provide that volume with the reduced bore size?