Front brake upgrade GS850

[Chris Bohane]

I have a 1979 GS850 that needs a front brake improvement!

A number of questions spring to mind.

Will the ventilated discs from a GS1000, 1980 onwards help?

Do I need to change discs and calipers? If so what fits?

Has anyone upgraded with anything other than GS parts?

I did read somewhere that CBR600 calipers do a good job.

Should I just fit a complete usd front end?

Advice appreciated please.

Thanks,
Chris

[mark]

Your best upgrade to your stock set-up would be steel-braided brake lines to avoid the expansion inherent in the rubber factory line. That's a more basic improvement than anything else.

GS rotors off post '79 850 and 1100 models are a direct bolt-up as I understand it. But I think the slotted rotors are only a marginal improvement, if at all over a well-maintained stock '79 set-up (from my limited experience riding post '79 GS models). I have no experience with the rest of the subject.

[Chris Bohane]

Your best upgrade to your stock set-up would be steel-braided brake lines to avoid the expansion inherent in the rubber factory line. That's a more basic improvement than anything else.

GS rotors off post '79 850 and 1100 models are a direct bolt-up as I understand it. But I think the slotted rotors are only a marginal improvement, if at all over a well-maintained stock '79 set-up (from my limited experience riding post '79 GS models). I have no experience with the rest of the subject.

I am looking for a vast improvement in the brakes!
I suppose I will have to go the USD route from a GSXR.
This is the GS850 as she is now.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i276/201156/160607023.jpg

[mark]

Ah, I've seen your bike before. Interested to see what upgrade you finally come up with.

[8trackmind]

Mid 90's Kawasaki Ninja calipers, ss lines and a 14mm master cylinder bore.

[Nessism]

I don't think you necessarly need an USD fork to improve the brakes. There was a thread in the performance mods section where someone grafted on some dual piston calipers which I suspect drasticaly improved braking power.

[Chris Bohane]

I don't think you necessarly need an USD fork to improve the brakes. There was a thread in the performance mods section where someone grafted on some dual piston calipers which I suspect drasticaly improved braking power.

Thanks guys.

I thought that while I was doing the brakes I might as well give the front end a bit more of a presence!

ZXR1200 seem to be the right length.

I would prefer a Suzy front but they seem harder to find (gsxr 1100, 89-93 vintage anyone?)

I will post a pic when it's done.