Brembo (front) Swap Question...
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 403
Likes: 44
From: Montana
Two things of note:
- You have to run DOT 4 in the Brembos. If your '99 is a DOT 5 bike, you'll need to either completely flush out the DOT 5 or replace everything.
- The Brembos have the banjo fitting in a different spot, and the fitting is a different size from the older calipers (at least it was on my Night Train). No way I could have re-used the line.
- You have to run DOT 4 in the Brembos. If your '99 is a DOT 5 bike, you'll need to either completely flush out the DOT 5 or replace everything.
- The Brembos have the banjo fitting in a different spot, and the fitting is a different size from the older calipers (at least it was on my Night Train). No way I could have re-used the line.
Just my observation........goldie
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
Digging up an old thread yet again. I'm searching for Brembo answers of a different sort, but my search led me here. Do the brake lines have to be swapped on a pre 08 touring bike when upgrading to the 08 and up Brembo calipers? What about the master cylinder? So far it seems yes on the brake line and not necessarily on the m/c. I'm trying to get my ducks lined up in a row before swapping to an Enforcer front wheel. Thanks for any advice.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
Gonna bring my father back from the dead.
"Jim....did you go to engineering school? No dad.
"Jim...do you think your smarter than the guys who went to school for years and designed these machines ???? No dad.
Jim why the fuc would you think you can remove a brake caliper from a bike that was designed by Engineers to have two?????
Jesus son....you never cease to amaze me ......
"Jim....did you go to engineering school? No dad.
"Jim...do you think your smarter than the guys who went to school for years and designed these machines ???? No dad.
Jim why the fuc would you think you can remove a brake caliper from a bike that was designed by Engineers to have two?????
Jesus son....you never cease to amaze me ......
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Digging up an old thread yet again. I'm searching for Brembo answers of a different sort, but my search led me here. Do the brake lines have to be swapped on a pre 08 touring bike when upgrading to the 08 and up Brembo calipers? What about the master cylinder? So far it seems yes on the brake line and not necessarily on the m/c. I'm trying to get my ducks lined up in a row before swapping to an Enforcer front wheel. Thanks for any advice.
Before you go to all that trouble take a look at Hawg Halters. They have a nice six piston set-up that's chromed (or black) and fits your scoot with no other mods. Just install the new caliper and bleed (and you can stay with the stock DOT-5 fluid).
Another benefit is there's no name plastered all over the caliper - very nice touch.
They work far better than stock (one or two finger braking) and I've used the two piston models on my '06 SG as well as the six piston model on the wife's '07 Heritage.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Rotors
The whole idea behind twin rotors is to dissipate the heat. Reducing kinetic energy (you and your bike moving) requires the exact amount of energy opposing the moving object. On your bike the method is increased friction. The formula for kinetic energy (KE) = 1/2 X Mass X [velocity(m/s)2. That energy is transformed into heat on your bike. Energy can never be created or destroyed, that is the physics of our planet (never been anywhere else). If you do not utilize the calipers/pads/rotors within the operation temperature they were designed for, than you will not stop.
Either you can believe you will never ever need to stop quickly and an emergency will never happen to you than, I say, go for it. You only really need brakes at the end anyhow. Your decision is yours alone and will not effect me at all unless you run through my bike. Do what you like as it is not my or anyone's business here unless you run through my bike.
I am fully expecting a barrage of replies asking 'why in the heck would you do that...' or some other such statements. Nonetheless. I'm asking anyway.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 17
From: San Jose
You could replace the lines or just ream (or drill) the fitting on the lines. Of course this will require a thorough cleaning after drilling the fittings.
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A few years ago, I swapped out front brakes, first just the calipers, keeping the old rotors and master cylinder. That works, kinda, but the pads don't quite line up to the rotor. No real difference in braking, better or worse. Next, I changed out to the 300mm rotors, but kept the old brake lines and master cylinder. Better fitment of pads to rotors, but still no significant improvement in braking over the stock brakes. Next, I added the new style master cylinder and clutch perch. This improved braking by reducing lever pull. Finally, I swapped to six piston, single side brakes, which was a step backwards in braking performance, and increased lever pull. Next change will be to add another six piston caliper, and return to dual front brakes.
