Cheap brake upgrade...

[tkent02]

Just put a set of front calipers from a '83 GS1100 with EBC pads on my '79 GS1000, I would say slightly improved braking over the stock calipers with Vesrah pads.
Little bit easier to get the max stopping out of the tires with two fingers.

Bolt on swap, zero modifications required on anything.

[49er]

Just put a set of front calipers from a '83 GS1100 with EBC pads on my '79 GS1000, I would say slightly improved braking over the stock calipers with Vesrah pads.
Little bit easier to get the max stopping out of the tires with two fingers.

Bolt on swap, zero modifications required on anything.

Are you still using the stock MC. If so, changing to the later rectanglular shaped one will improve response even better! I'm running that same combination on the 850 but with Premier pads. Great bite.

[Nessism]

The '79 calipers take the round pads right? If so, I've found that they make more squeaking noises compared to the later rectangular pad calipers. I trust you regarding the braking power difference. Good to know they are interchangeable.

[tkent02]

Are you still using the stock MC. If so, changing to the later rectanglular shaped one will improve response even better! I'm running that same combination on the 850 but with Premier pads. Great bite.

Yes, stock round MC, don't have the rectangular type laying around!

The '79 calipers take the round pads right? If so, I've found that they make more squeaking noises compared to the later rectangular pad calipers. I trust you regarding the braking power difference. Good to know they are interchangeable.

Why yes, now that you mention it they did squeak! And yes the '79 has the old round pads.

Didn't squeak at first, didn't stop much either. I put on some Vesrah pads and the braking improved quite a bit, the squeaking started at the same time.

But now it stops a bit better, with no squeaking at all.

And I find I have two of the larger discs for the single disc bikes laying around, I can do that other mod with the Kawasaki calipers, for even more braking.

Pretty soon it will stop almost as well as a 1990 something bike!

[Cassius086]

Never mind...my mod is a bolt up, but requires the whole front end...I was typing before I thought.....

[PAULYBOY]

Yes, stock round MC, don't have the rectangular type laying around!








Why yes, now that you mention it they did squeak! And yes the '79 has the old round pads.

Didn't squeak at first, didn't stop much either. I put on some Vesrah pads and the braking improved quite a bit, the squeaking started at the same time.
But now it stops a bit better, with no squeaking at all.
And I find I have two of the larger discs for the single disc bikes laying around, I can do that other mod with the Kawasaki calipers, for even more braking.

Pretty soon it will stop almost as well as a 1990 something bike!

So, do you need an updated rectangular mc from an early 80's 850?

[80GS750]

hmm something like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-SUZUKI-GS1100-FRONT-BRAKE-master-cylinder-calipers_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10066QQihZ016QQitemZ260240217384QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[tkent02]

hmm something like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-...spagenameZWDVW

Poor pic but it looks like the same calipers...

[salty_monk]

The square pads have slightly larger "swept surface" than the round ones which is why you feel a slight performance increase.

The Kawasaki upgrade is better, I have the stock square pad setup on my 1000G, it's ok but by no means great. I will be swapping it out soon so The calipers will be up for grabs.

Dan

[tkent02]

Are you still using the stock MC. If so, changing to the later rectanglular shaped one will improve response even better! I'm running that same combination on the 850 but with Premier pads. Great bite.

Why is it better? I thought the piston diameters were the same?
Is the lever in a different position, more leverage?
Seems the older round capped MC is easier to work with.

[tkent02]

So, do you need an updated rectangular mc from an early 80's 850?

Maybe, what do you have?

[49er]

Why is it better? I thought the piston diameters were the same?
Is the lever in a different position, more leverage?
Seems the older round capped MC is easier to work with.

From memory, the piston diameters are the same, but the later model has a different piston design. The seals and valve are also different. The leverage appears identical. I still run the original lever on the new MC.

The kits are more readily available for the rectangular MC. Z1 doesn't list the earlier kits.

[PAULYBOY]

Maybe, what do you have?

ONE OF THESE.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f77/SUMOBOY2/GS%20PARTS/PIC00057.jpg

[cvmgtwowheels]

Another way to improve braking power is braided steel bake lines, makes a harder feel and quicker action.

[49er]

Another way to improve braking power is braided steel bake lines, makes a harder feel and quicker action.

True. I just remembered, that was part of my upgrade as well! But I did have them fitted with the old MC too, to be able to do a comparison.