Aftermarket front master cylinder

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Edwing1972
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Aftermarket front master cylinder

#1

Post by Edwing1972 »

Hello all,
Proud new GW owner from Cape Cod MA.

Converting an 83 Aspencade to a Cafe.

Is anyone aware of an aftermarket front master cylinder, preferably with a remote reservoir, that works well with the original linked brakes?

I’d like something that is smaller in overall size bc it’ll be mounted to clip-ons.
Behemoth
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#2

Post by Behemoth »

You may be able to find something with a similar piston size from another bike. Some sport bike masters are pretty good.
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Easter
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#3

Post by Easter »

Do you plan to maintain the linked brakes? I am currently doing an 83 with un-linked brakes (have done this before), no particular reason other than simplicity and ease of installing stainless lines. I am in the process of installing the front master cylinder. An inexpensive Chinese kit with separate reservoir and matching clutch. I haven't connected it yet but the quality seems quite good. It comes partially disassembled and doesn't include instructions so assembly was challenging but so far so good. The cable receiver/adjuster on the clutch perch had to be replaced with one for a larger cable but fortunately I had one available and the mounting threads are the same as stock. (see Red Belly build thread.)
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Easter
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#4

Post by Easter »

A partial follow-up: I am still happy with the quality of these units but bleeding them has proven to be a real challenge. Mostly because it is difficult to position the MC so that the air bubbles can flow up all the way from the calipers. The angle of my bars (clip-ons) combined with the curvy hose of the remote reservoir work to trap the air in the lines. I am using two lines with a double banjo at the MC. But I finally got them mostly bled. The bike is on the table still so I will come back to the brakes later. It will be a while before I can test them.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
Edwing1972
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#5

Post by Edwing1972 »

Thank you for the info. I will probably un-link mine bc they just feel lousy! I’ll most likely use a double banjo on one caliper, and thereby be able to use a shorter hose to go caliper to caliper. Then add a single shorter hose to the double banjo to mc. I think this will give me less hose over all vs 2 hoses on mc. May be easier to bleed, and have better feel.
What is the bore size of your master?
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pidjones
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#6

Post by pidjones »

My experience with the Chinese master is to take it apart, clean it thoroughly and reassemble it properly (with brake fluid lubricating everything) before putting fluid in it.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Edwing1972
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#7

Post by Edwing1972 »

Any more specific info on the Chinese MC?
Brand, model, supplier, etc.
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Easter
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#8

Post by Easter »

Here is a photo of the unit mounted on my bike. There is a matching clutch. "Black 7/8" CNC Motorcycle Front Brake Clutch Master Cylinder Lever Set Reservoir" The dealer on ebay was neverland-usa. $26.39 for the pair. Free shipping even. action1
Attachments
004 (11).jpg
004 (11).jpg (111.25 KiB) Viewed 409 times
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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gdonlo04
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#9

Post by gdonlo04 »

is this ebay item number 173677899996?
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Easter
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#10

Post by Easter »

It appears to be the same thing. If I recall, I did have to switch the adjuster on the clutch perch for a larger size to fit the GL cable. I happened to have one in my spares.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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codyjames707
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#11

Post by codyjames707 »

I have this one on my bike, easy fit, lower than the other one. You can usually find it on ebay or any of those other places
Brake Resevoir.jpg
Brake Resevoir.jpg (48.99 KiB) Viewed 340 times

.
1977 Gl1000 DARKGREEN-WING
BOTM April, 2018
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=59710
brewer013
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#12

Post by brewer013 »

I've used the ones above on 2 bikes now with success. I just ordered a set for the 1200 I picked up.
1975 Honda Goldwing GL1000 (café project, started Oct 2018)
1978 Honda CB400T Hawk II (son's project)
1980 Honda CB750C Café
1986 Honda Goldwing GL1200 stock dresser
82_GL1100
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#13

Post by 82_GL1100 »

When you replace master cylinders or clutch levers that don't have mirror perches, you can get replacement handlebar clamps that include a perch. Suzuki part number 59671-32F00 is one that works. You can also get similar units on amazon/ebay/aliexpress - search for Motorcycle 7/8"(22mm) Handle Bar Rearview Mirror Mount Holder Clamp Adaptor.
82 GL1100 Standard 44k miles 83 wheels & forks
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pidjones
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Re: Aftermarket front master cylinder

#14

Post by pidjones »

Get the 5/8" or 16mm piston units to handle the dual front/unified (83 onward) calipers. And, probably best to replace all lines along with rebuilding the calipers. Since you'll need shorter lines, consider custom building your own with the Goodridge system.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
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