replacement ebay brake lever

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Chad Illac

New Member
I'm looking into replacing my stock levers on my 1980 gs450 with one of these universal ebay sets. Does anyon know if these will be compatible with my single disk setup? Is there a functional difference between the integrated and separate reservoirs or just cosmetic?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-Brake-Clutch-Master-Reservoir-Lever-For-Honda-XL-XR-XLR-250-230-400-Motard-/171187188755?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27db8d3413

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Motorcycle-Clutch-Brake-Levers-Master-Cylinder-Kit-Reservoir-Set-OEM-/330992851635?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d10b61ab3&vxp=mtr
 
The difference is cosmetic.

As long as the banjo bolt is the same size for these masters as your current (it should be) you'll be fine.

I put a modern CBR front master on my 80 gs850 when I still had it. Just bolted it on and went.
 
There is no difference between integrated or remote reservoir. Just cosmetic as you stated.

HOWEVER! You need to find out what the original bore size of the stock master cylinder is, and find a master with the same bore size. Otherwise, you could have a SUPER sensitive brake application, or a lever that travels almost to the bar before anything happens.
 
Bigger piston is okay. Smaller isn't. But the GS has a tiny factory piston so you'll be hard pressed to find anything smaller. A larger piston will increase lever feel, modulation and really firm things up.

In the event someone tells you you shouldn't run a larger bore because it'll make the brakes too touchy and likely to lock up tell them to stuff it. I run larger masters on everything I own. Even my dirt bike has a 5mm larger piston on the front. It makes all the difference in both feel and stopping power.
 
Your single experience doesn't translate into every application will work....

Best to keep the piston size close.

A large MC piston reduces the pressure at the brake cylinder. Increases force needed at the lever. Depending on the brake system, a larger piston on the MC may make your braking less effective.

Their is a range of sizes, so a blanket "size doesn't matter" is incorrect and can lead some to do things that are far less then optimal or safe.
 
mydlyfkryzis said:
A large MC piston reduces the pressure at the brake cylinder. Increases force needed at the lever. Depending on the brake system, a larger piston on the MC may make your braking less effective.

Their is a range of sizes, so a blanket "size doesn't matter" is incorrect and can lead some to do things that are far less then optimal or safe.
Click to expand...

That's true.

I've not owned a single bike that didn't get a larger master. Not to mention every bike on my race team (4 supermotos and 4 sport bikes) has an upgraded and larger master along with nearly every bike (100+) in our entire racing association. I don't speak from one experience. I speak from the experience of many. Some of which are now AMA factory level riders. The increase in pressure needed is what adds to the feel of the lever. A larger bore master, within reason is the single greatest upgrade a person can do to increase their confidence in their brake system, aside from braided lines anyway. The sole reason I do it on the MX bikes is it allows me to be much more successful using the front brake without locking the wheel up. The firmer pull and shorter travel mean my braking is way more precise then with the stock 11mm bore masters that require you to squish the lever to your hand before they do anything followed by immediate lock up of the front wheel hahaha

The MX application is what made me a true believer. It all came to be out of boredom, I had an extra magura laying around and decided to slap it on my KTM which is my play bike to see what would happen. After a ride I took it off and put it on my crf which is my race bike for MX and I went a bought a 16mm Brembo for the KTM.

The op posted a plain jane generic master, it isn't going to be more then 16mm, I'd be surprised if it's even that big. So it'll be fine
 
Race experience, with experienced riders is not exactly the same as a novice on a street bike.

My STOCK MC, on my cb360, has excellent feel and action with the only change to stainless braided brake hose. It is firm, responsive, and requires a moderate amount of pressure. A larger pistoned MC would increase the pressure at the lever to get the same pressure at the wheel piston.

Your experience is good for you, but I do not believe a larger MC is the answer. In fact, a smaller piston may increase you leverage, and travel, allowing more control, on the street.

We can agree to disagree on this, but I get ruffles when blanket statements are made that can cause a new rider to make mistakes that are safety related. Messing with piston ratios on brakes is best left to experienced people.
 
No you didn't, most older Suzuki's use 10x1mm (as does Brembo) 'stock' for everyone else is 10x1.25 for the banjo bolt
 
mydlyfkryzis said:
Your experience is good for you, but I do not believe a larger MC is the answer. In fact, a smaller piston may increase you leverage, and travel, allowing more control, on the street.

We can agree to disagree on this, but I get ruffles when blanket statements are made that can cause a new rider to make mistakes that are safety related. Messing with piston ratios on brakes is best left to experienced people.
Click to expand...

You are correct. My problem with small pistons is i have been on bikes where in a 'need to stop now' situation i've pulled the lever to the grip without incident... I will say that's more dangerous on any day then a big bigger master that you need to pull a little harder. :)
 
Ahhh, thanks for the info on the banjo bolt threading, that would have been a surprise for sure. Should be easy enough to get a new bolt though.
 
Yep, single banjo bolt is no problem, dual length can be a slight issue but still not a big deal
I've been using Harley Davidson brake sealing washers for last few years, they are softish metal with a real nice rubber seal in center
Not sure when they started using them, I got some for a 2002 (maybe 2004?) HDFX-WTF ;)
Little bit expensive compared to ordinary brake washers but I think they are worth it
 
and i'd just like to add my two cents worth.....

stay clear of the cheap (no-name) crap on ebay, if you're going to do this conversion, use something off another jap/italian/whatever bike (ie factory stuff). i bought a set of big-bore brake and clutch 'brembo' copies off ebay and when i tried to fit them, the clutch wouldn't bleed up (after an hours trying) and as soon as the brake got any pressure all the threads on the 'push-rod' (which pushes against the actual piston) stripped completely, leaving a thin shiny piece of metal which the lever slid over beautifully...........if those threads had held long enough to bleed up the brakes i might have had that happen at the first set of lights

there are enough different size/styles of master cylinders off production bikes to satisfy most needs, my advice is check them out before you waste your money (and literally risk your life) with mr ebay

if you're after something big bore with seperate reservoir, try R1/R6/GSXR etc. you'll also be able to get the matching clutch lever/perch for whatever bike you choose and also be able to get aftermarket shorty or folding levers
 
Everything he said is spot on. If I can add one thing try to avoid the f4 generation CBR masters. They are a real pain to bleed off properly with their dumb dual bleeder setup. You can get a really nice Brembo 16/18 master for $300ish. Sounds like a lot but they are amazing. And because of the dual piston size deal they offer a level of feel and control like no other.
 
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