Need a new master/brake lever. Brembo? OEM? Help please..

Scratch · 09-22-2005, 11:48 PM

Not sure on which brembo to get, 19x18, 19x20, these numbers just confuse me? Or should I just try and find an OEM replacement, I think Kevin at mrcycles might be able to help me out.

If yours was trashed would you upgrade to aftermarket or would you replace w/ oem? Or would you just go with whatever you can get done for cheaper?

I still don't have SS lines yet (love the brakes on the k5 gixxer!), and still running stock front pads though they're getting close to done.

Also wanted to ask as long as I'm replacing levers, do you guys think the CRG clutch lever would be worth the $$ or is it better to just get a couple stockers in it's place?

Thanks guys... This trackday **** has me pulling what's left of my hair out!

I have to hook the wife up something big this winter, she's been so kind even though she's horrified at the costs involved so far. How the hell do you guys manage this stuff? I haven't even looked at generators yet

Scratch · 09-23-2005, 1:06 PM

Bump, everyone running stock mc?

evl_twn · 09-23-2005, 1:08 PM

If you haven't have any problems with the stock one, why not just replace it with the same? Probably be cheaper , too, if buying online.

HondaGalToo · 09-23-2005, 2:50 PM

I guess it depends on how much moolah you want to spend. I'd get the stainless lines first. Sounds like you need money for racing, so why not stick with OEM if you're happy with it? Unless the Brembo isn't much more money

. I have no idea what the stock master cylinder costs, but the Brembo is around $300. I have it on my 929. It doesn't stop the bike better, but I like the feel. I have a 19x18. Looking at a site that carries Brembo, they state the 19x18 is supposed to have more lever travel, but more feel. The 19x20 has less travel and a harder pull, I think is what it says. DK recommened the 19x18 for my bike. Actually, I wish there was a way to have tried them both out to decide...

One thing to keep in mind is that you have to use the supplied Brembo brake lever. Stock or CRG won't fit. That also means you'll need to purchase the Brembo brake lever as a spare, if you want to carry spares.

Trackho · 09-23-2005, 2:50 PM

The Hondas all have pretty awesome stock masters and braking systems. The Suzukis have been notorious for having crappy brakes(insane fade when the get hot). I am NOT positive about the K5 Gixxer, most of my friends that have them, just transfer their Brembo master onto the new bike. I am NOT sure what the size is, Dan Kyle would know. Personally, I would do the Brembo, get Vesrah SRJL pads and lines. BUT you cannot use CRG levers with the Brembo master. I personally love the CRG levers, so I would definitely get a CRG clutch lever and see what others are doing w/the m/c.

HondaGalToo · 09-23-2005, 2:53 PM

....he's baaaack!!

Scratch · 09-23-2005, 3:08 PM

Thanks guys, great info. Trackho good to see you back, ya troublemaker

Honestly I am happy with the stock stuff, of course ss lines and new pads will make a big difference in and of themselves. I'm "guessing" that OEM master is probably not cheap, even if purchased online but I could be very wrong on this. I guess if the price comes down to within $100 between oem master and lever and brembo, I might wanna try the brembo to see what the hype is about. Of course it would be nice to get a 'set' of crg shorty levers (only use 1-2 fingers for both clutch and brake) and if I need the OEM master in order to do that, well that's something to consider also. Right now my current, rashed up master is working. I'm just a bit concerned because it's ground down pretty good (both the master and lever), and it's not something I'd want to ride around on for a very long time.

Aren't the Vesrah SRJL's something like $150 a set?!!

Are they that much better than just the regular RJL's?

HGT you're right, I do need money for all this, man I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Just spent $90 to fix my 2 trackday old leathers!!

Trackho · 09-23-2005, 3:25 PM

The Brembo master is around $200 from Dan, it comes with the lever.

My experience with the SRJL's is that they last 2-3x as long as the OEMs, so at $160/set they actually are more cost effecive. The stopping power is INSANE. I have also heard that they are easier on the rotors (honda OEM rotors are notorious for getting "flatspots/high runnout" after 3-5K miles)--so its all pretty much worth it.

My buddy learned the hard way on his 04 GSXR750. In a race the brakes faded to nothing--he pile drived the guy infront of him--very expensive. Now he has a Brembo and some other stuff.

Scratch · 09-23-2005, 3:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trackho

The Brembo master is around $200 from Dan, it comes with the lever.

My experience with the SRJL's is that they last 2-3x as long as the OEMs, so at $160/set they actually are more cost effecive. The stopping power is INSANE. I have also heard that they are easier on the rotors (honda OEM rotors are notorious for getting "flatspots/high runnout" after 3-5K miles)--so its all pretty much worth it.

My buddy learned the hard way on his 04 GSXR750. In a race the brakes faded to nothing--he pile drived the guy infront of him--very expensive. Now he has a Brembo and some other stuff.

Definately alot to think about. Also good to know that the srjl's are easier on the rotors. My friend put on some EBC HH pads on his F4 and man those pads ate through his rotors like nothing! They were a decent thickness but now are wafer thin, that was one of the reasons I was always hesitant about switching to aftermarket brake pads. You've got me seriously thinking about the brembo setup, and the SRJL's as well for the longevity. $200 is a great price for the brembo setup, best I've heard of so far.

Scratch · 09-23-2005, 3:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

I have a 19x18. Looking at a site that carries Brembo, they state the 19x18 is supposed to have more lever travel, but more feel. The 19x20 has less travel and a harder pull, I think is what it says. DK recommened the 19x18 for my bike. Actually, I wish there was a way to have tried them both out to decide...

HGT-

Given that it's all personal preference, I don't think you made a mistake by going with the 19x18. Besides who are we to question DK? With the very limited amount of research that I've done it would seem that the 19x18 is the safest way to go. Although I do prefer a very firm lever, and as far away from the grip as possible, I'm thinking I could get into trouble with the 19x20, would hate to lock up that front wheel.

Trackho · 09-23-2005, 3:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scratch

You've got me seriously thinking about the brembo setup. $200 is a great price, best I've heard of so far.

Ooops just checked--looks like the Brembo is $350 with all the goodies, $250 w/o em

HondaGalToo · 09-23-2005, 3:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scratch

HGT-

Given that it's all personal preference, I don't think you made a mistake by going with the 19x18. Besides who are we to question DK? With the very limited amount of research that I've done it would seem that the 19x18 is the safest way to go. Although I do prefer a very firm lever, and as far away from the grip as possible, I'm thinking I could get into trouble with the 19x20, would hate to lock up that front wheel.

On my 19x18, the lever comes in very close to the bar, even after repeated bleedings, so you might want to check with people "in the know" to compare lever travel on the 19x20. If the 19x20 does indeed have less travel, you may want to consider it. I'm not sure about the exact differences.

Scratch · 09-23-2005, 3:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trackho

Ooops just checked--looks like the Brembo is $350 with all the goodies, $250 w/o em

Trackho, while I have your attention could you recommend some clip-ons? I was thinking Woodcraft, what are your thoughts?

Yes, $250 was the best price I could find on the Brembo master+lever alone.

Scratch · 09-23-2005, 3:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

On my 19x18, the lever comes in very close to the bar, even after repeated bleedings, so you might want to check with people "in the know" to compare lever travel on the 19x20. If the 19x20 does indeed have less travel, you may want to consider it. I'm not sure about the exact differences.

Thank you very much for that feedback HGT! Very useful to me... Going by what you just stated I think I would like the 19x20's more. I just wish I had an idea of what those #'s meant but a phone call should solve that. Oh and you're definately one of the people "in the know" as you've given me a wealth of knowledge ever since I joined this forum

HondaGalToo · 09-23-2005, 3:50 PM

Weeellll, there's lotsa stuff I sure don't know, like the exact differences between those 2 Brembos. Definitely call somewhere to find someone who has experience with both. At first, the amount of travel alarmed me, but I've had no issues and I do like the nice progessive feel. Oh, and the bling. Gotta have the bling!

Scratch · 09-23-2005, 3:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Oh, and the bling. Gotta have the bling!

Of course, remember I ride a Suzuki! Does DK offer chrome dipping services for that Brembo kit?

Trackho · 09-23-2005, 5:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scratch

Trackho, while I have your attention could you recommend some clip-ons? I was thinking Woodcraft, what are your thoughts?

Yes, $250 was the best price I could find on the Brembo master+lever alone.

Seems like woodcafts are pretty good. I tried the Satos on mine and they were quite nice, but I found an "issue" with them. Namely whenst I crashed HARD in July 04. The mounts on the forks tore the crap out of the top of my fork tubes--then they broke. I am not sure if this was just the nature of the accident of if they are just too strong. I would greatly prefer that the clamp or the bar break before it screws up my fork leg. I am pretty sure the Woodcrafts are designed so the bar or the clamp breaks first. Just food for thought. I still run the OEMs on the racebike as they dampen the vibartion much better than the unweighted aftermarket ones.

Nickelii · 09-25-2005, 5:33 PM

I have the 19x20 on my Honda and it works great. Never used the stock one so I cant really compare. My lever also comes in real close to the bar which I thought meant it needed to be blead. That is not the case, just how it works. I think that the 19x20 is great but the feeling is really vague. The ferrodo pads may also play a part in this. My vote, buy 19x18