Brembo hidden caliper mod: Replace MC also???

[dannenvance]

I'm considering doing the Brembo hidden rear caliper mod soon and I've read most of the threads about it. I've heard both opinions on whether or not to replace the master cylinder as well.

I was wondering: Is there any real consensus as to having to do that or not? Or does it typically just depend on your performance results after doing the caliper switch? I have an '09 XB12Scg and plan to buy the caliper mod kit from American Sportbike (# K16185/K16188, $257).

Any/all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks.

[xtremelow]

You don't need to replace it. Swapped mine on my old bike and did not swap the MC still braked just fine.

Worst case you can do the hidden caliper and after the fact if you feel the need you can swap the MC then.

[dannenvance]

[up]
Thanks xtremelow.

[snrusnak]

I bought the brembo caliper recently, just had it powder coated along with the bracket(bought it all used). I am going to use the stock MC and going to get a custom brake line priced. If it's not too expensive I'll get it. If it's very expensive I'll figure something else out. I can let you know how it feels after a few weeks from now when it's all completely installed. I don't intend to replace the MC, I already have about $100-$150 into the mod, and don't want to spend more. I just did it for aesthetics, the rear brake isn't really used all that much anyway so I'm not too concerned.

[Red93stang]

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5105_20120519092635_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/5105_20120519093037_L.jpg

Did mine a while ago, no mc replacement here. Better brake feel and looks great as well.

Btw you can get it from Germany for about 200.

[Dingo]

did the mod view months ago..first i was not very happy with it. braking power was wors then befor.... Brake/pads where not "lined up" with the rotor. (see the gap) after installing a thin Copper washer all changed to very good... it looks good, and now I feel real braking power on the rear wheel... original MC..[up]http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/12386_20121231125157_L.jpghttp://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/12386_20121231125251_L.jpg

[snrusnak]

I don't understand the washer. The pistons "float", so even if it was off center it would not effect the feel of the brake.

[snrusnak]

red93stang is that a stock brake line?

[Dingo]

it was not of center it was like a wrong angle..inner Brake pad was not laying on the rotor... (hard to explain correctly for me, sorry) :)

[snrusnak]

Ok that makes more sense. So you only shimmed one caliper bolt? That's strange, sounds like a poorly cut bracket.

EDIT: ok I see in your pics now. Almost looks more like the swingarm is at fault.

[Red93stang]

red93stang is that a stock brake line?

Yup, I need to swap ends around and it will fit perfect. It depends on which caliper you use to wether you can use the stock brake line.

[vtech007]

I bought the full kit from ASB (new gold Brembo caliper, mod bracket, new brake line) and am just waiting on the time to install it. I always plan on keeping the stock master cylinder. I have read on here some time ago about changing the MC to the Brembo, and I think I recall you need a custom bracket to do that properly. I recall the thread said you don't HAVE to use this bracket, but the foot lever actuator doesn't exactly line up with the plunger and you have to bend the actuator, or something like that, and you don't end up with as clean of an install. Then there was somebody on here that was going to make and offer this Brembo MC mod bracket for sale if they got enough interest.

[snrusnak]

Yup, I need to swap ends around and it will fit perfect. It depends on which caliper you use to wether you can use the stock brake line.

Good to know. My caliper looks just like yours(bleeder and line on top together). So you just reverse the line and it fits without weird bends or kinks? And you have a regular model, not a low or long or anything like that, right? Thanks.

[Red93stang]

Mine is a CG, I think netty had a problem with a stock brake line on a reg S model. Come to think of it I had to get a longer brake line made when I did it to my 9R.

[snrusnak]

Ok thanks. Looks like I'll measure for a custom made one.

[cb750]

I used the stock brake line, just flipped it over so the bend at the caliper went to other way like in the picture above. I didn't like the feel of the new caliper, it felt like I had to stand on it to do anything. I bought the bracket from a member here and the caliper from ebay, so maybe it was the wrong caliper even thought I am very sure I bought the correct one.

[snrusnak]

I got a custom made spiegler line. I tried flipping the oem line in different ways but never found a position that was great. It's usable though. The spiegler line fits great:

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/snrusnak/Buell/CAM00038.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/snrusnak/Buell/CAM00037.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/snrusnak/Buell/CAM00034.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/snrusnak/Buell/CAM00033.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/snrusnak/Buell/CAM00032.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/snrusnak/Buell/CAM00049_zpsa59f87cd.jpg

I also gotta say the rear brake feels weaker. But I did this just mainly as a cosmetic mod, and I also haven't actually ridden the bike yet. I just noticed this in my garage after bleeding it. It's probably fine. Hard to say really cause I haven't even ridden my bike since thanksgiving lol.