1980 Midnight Special rear caliper piston size?

[cajun31]

Just a quick question. As the title states does anyone have the correct measurements for the caliper piston size for the 1980 Midnight Special or LG model. I know the brake pads are different between the 80 and 81 models and also different then the standards. I am thinking about getting some new stainless steel pistons and would rather not have to tear into the brakes until I have the new parts in hand. Appreciate a quick response or links to the new pistons. Thanks.. Sorry for a question after not logging in for four years but glad to be back on the forum.

[natemoen]

The rear brake piston is the same on all of the XS11's except the '81 MNS (It might even be the same but I don't think so). That piston is also the same as all of the standard front caliper pistons.

Sorry that I don't have the exact measurements though. HVC cycle sells the Stainless replacements though.

[cajun31]

Thanks for the quick response Nate. HVC is where I was looking. I will give those a shot.

[bikerphil]

It is a 38MM piston.

[dpotter58]

They don't go bad often. A little emery cloth will clean most of them up. I'd tear them apart and clean them before just buying new ones. Unless of course you already have and know they are bad.

[jetmechmarty]

Based on the information in the previous posts, that piston is going to be the same as the one in the XS650 front caliper. That will give you quite a few sources to.choose from. Mike's XS probably has it. From them, you can get it pretty quick if you actually need it.

[natemoen]

Mike's XS probably has it. From them, you can get it pretty quick if you actually need it.

As long as you are willing to pay ridiculous shipping prices....

[cajun31]

Thanks for all the replies

I have been reading about the stainless pistons and have decided to give those a shot. I have tried the emery cloth on the originals, however with the pitting I suspect I am experiencing seepage over time and that fluid is caking up on the seals. I know that brakes have to be cleaned every so often. I am also rebuilding the master cylinders as well. I have already went with the stainless brake lines. Hopefully once I am finished the brakes will not drag... a problem with this system, and I will get a little better gas mileage. Again appreciate the replies... placing my order now.

[crazy steve]

Based on the information in the previous posts, that piston is going to be the same as the one in the XS650 front caliper. That will give you quite a few sources to.choose from. Mike's XS probably has it. From them, you can get it pretty quick if you actually need it.

Mikes is more money than HVC, and doesn't say if theirs are stainless steel so I would assume no....

[cajun31]

agree

Steve,

I looked on Mikes XS and like you stated it does not really say so I am assuming non SS. HVC and a couple of stores on the bay sell and specify SS so that is who I am going with.

[crazy steve]

I've bought the HVC pistons several times and they're first-rate quality....