FJR clutch master

[aviationfred]

I know this thread is about the FJR Clutch mod. There has been a few members lately that have had issues/complaints with this mod, i.e. clutch switch wiring, and bleeding issues. Here is another option. I have been very happy with the following mod.

I did the VFR clutch and brake master cylinder mod on my 89'. The fluid holders look a bit different than either the FJ, FZ or the FJR. You can get them in Black, Painted silver or polished aluminum. For the clutch/brake switch. The VFR switches are 2 wire. Plug and play. For those interested here is the write up that I did for the mod.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9635.0

Fred

[1tinindian]

Those look nice, Fred!

Leon

[aviationfred]

Those look nice, Fred!

Leon

Leon,
I knew you would like them. I can't lay claim to the polished look. They came that way when I purchased them.

Fred

[Tapartacus]

I'm running with the fjr unit and i reckon its all good! Seems better than the original.  I also have it set so the lever engages with the slightest release.  FWIW

I thought the adjustment on the lever was just for rider comfort and had nothing to do with actual engagement/disengagement of clutch.


Fred, I also don't mind the VFR clutch MC but is it 5/8's bore?
Andrew

[nurse]

I'm running with the fjr unit and i reckon its all good! Seems better than the original.  I also have it set so the lever engages with the slightest release.  FWIW

I thought the adjustment on the lever was just for rider comfort and had nothing to do with actual engagement/disengagement of clutch.


Fred, I also don't mind the VFR clutch MC but is it 5/8's bore?
Andrew

When you have fingers as short as mine it has everything to do with engagement!  Set at normal the tip of my middle finger just about reaches!

[oldktmdude]

Fred, I also don't mind the VFR clutch MC but is it 5/8's bore?
Andrew

14mm.

[eeshed]

So, what is the difference between the original FJ Master Cylinder, which is 14mm, and the VFR? What are the advantages for moving to the VFR clutch and brake?
Eyal

[aviationfred]

Shortly after I got my VFR master cylinders the clutch master started to weep/leak past the seal. For some reason I thought the set were 2004 models. I ordered a 04' VFR800 rebuild kit and when it came in it was too small in diameter. The rebuild kit had a 14mm piston and the clutch master I have has a 19mm piston. I am going to assume the brake master will be the same. So the reality is.... I don't know what year of master cylinders I have.

To answer the question of what is the benefit of replacing the OEM FJ clutch master with the VFR800 master. No real benefit on the clutch side, other than having a much newer assembly. The biggest performance gain was with the brake master. My brake system has the Arashi 300mm wave rotors, braided stainless steel lines, and R1 blue dot calipers. With the OEM FJ brake master the braking was greatly improved with the mentioned mods. Once the VFR master was installed there was an INCREDIBLE increase in stopping power.

A disclaimer here.... the master cylinder set I have was a brand new Chinese knock-off set. The year is not specified. I have spoke to a Honda parts manager and he is pretty sure that I have a 98'-01' set of master cylinders.

Here is the eBay link of the set that I have.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Honda-CB750-CB1000-CB1300-VFR800-Clutch-Brake-Master-Cylinder-2PC-/221115321758?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337b800d9e&vxp=mtr

Fred

[oldktmdude]

So, what is the difference between the original FJ Master Cylinder, which is 14mm, and the VFR? What are the advantages for moving to the VFR clutch and brake?
Eyal

The original FJ master is 5/8" (15.825mm) not 14mm. The reason I switched to the VFR m/c was to achieve lighter clutch lever pull because I'm using  double diaphragm springs. The VFR m/c is easy to find second hand, cheap and easy to source parts for. Adjustable lever is also useful for those of us that have limited reach due to small hands. The appearance of the Honda m/c is also in keeping with the original FJ equipment.   Pete. 

[Arnie]

AvFred said, "With the OEM FJ brake master the braking was greatly improved with the mentioned mods. Once the VFR master was installed there was an INCREDIBLE increase in stopping power."

Sorry, but this is not correct.  The stopping power was there all the time.  Changing the m/c would affect how hard you have to squeeze and how much movement the lever will have, but the stopping power is the same.
I think you mean that after the changes you didn't have to squeeze hard to get stopped.

Arnie

[Tapartacus]

Hi all just wanted to revisit this thread as I have done a bit of work on the fjr clutch I installed on my 92. As I said I was not happy with the clutch engagement/disengagement and went ahead and ordered a new fj rebuild kit for the oem master, thinking I was going to swap it back out. while I was waiting on Randy, which wasn't very long I might add I decided to try and re bleed the clutch and see if that would help. I used the reverse bleed tech from the slave up and you know what?... Seems to be better. I also positioned the lever all the way out so there was to be no mistake on whether I pulled the lever all the way in or not. Long story longer I did end up rebuilding the fj master and installed it on my 89!

Andrew

[airheadPete]

Hey, AvFred, one question before the thread expires.
So the stock brake master will work with blue-dots? (As an interim solution.) I was under the impression that I needed to have my whole kit assembled, (+ FRJ m/c), before starting on the conversion. I plan to do the whole thing, but would love to get at least halfway there, while I can wrench on my '92 during vacation. The blue-dots are sitting on the shelf right now. Thanks, Pete.

[FJmonkey]

My brake master is not stock, but it the same diameter piston so my Blue Dots don't know the difference. Lever pull is stiffer than using the 14MM master, but it works well for me. With the OEM equivalent master and HH rated pads I feel confident I can lock up the front wheel with a two finger pull.... I say feel free to upgrade now.... 

[keand3]

My brake master is not stock, but it the same diameter piston so my Blue Dots don't know the difference. Lever pull is stiffer than using the 14MM master, but it works well for me. With the OEM equivalent master and HH rated pads I feel confident I can lock up the front wheel with a two finger pull.... I say feel free to upgrade now.... 

Did it turn out good for you?

[airheadPete]

Well, he did say he's stiffer...   
Thanks for the info, since the fairing is off at the moment, I'll do the lines and blue-spots. Can wait for the increased st....  Oh, never mind.