Blue dot calipers

[aviationfred]

There are actually many choices you can make concerning master cylinders. The obvious choice is late model Yamaha masters. Members here have also used Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki masters with success.

I use a matching set of Honda VFR800 master cylinders for the brake and clutch. They both work great. I do have blue dot calipers and braided lines.

The following file is actually for the Honda VFR800 clutch mod, but also shows the brake master install.

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

Fred

[rktmanfj]

<snip>The '02 YZF-R6 came with a radial 14mm master cylinder (though a 19mm is yet a further upgrade) that worked with the blue dots, and that's what I have referred to above. <snip>

You sure about that?   

[1tinindian]

Ok so when ordering braided brake line. Where would you guys get it from and how do I order. Should I order line for a 1992 Fj nonABS? Seeing I'm getting rid of my ABS on the 93? Also do you guys upgrade the rear caliper? Or leave it stock?

I would NOT order new lines to fit the "FJ" as the stock banjo fitting is not correctly positioned for the blue dot calipers.
Just take a look at my photos.
Number 1 is the stock Yamaha FJ set up.


The second photo is with the OE FJ lines mounted on the blue dot calipers.
Looks kinda dorky to me, sticking out like that.


And the last photos are with the custom ordered and fit Spiegler lines mounted on the blue dots.
Much cleaner install because of the different mounting angle of the banjo fitting.



I also went with FZ1 front master cylinders on both my FJs to avoid the dreaded "urine cup"!


On the ABS model, be prepared to do some minor wiring to get the brake light switch to work, as it uses a 3-wire, where as the non-ABS models use a 2-wire.

Leon

[Pat Conlon]

Leon, I found that the stock FJ lines fit my blue spots just fine....
I had to reverse the R/L  sides and flip the lines upside down.

[rktmanfj]

When I first swapped over to the blue dots, the braided line I already had wouldn't bolt up.

Then I turned them upside down, and they worked great... well, at least well enough that I'm still using them.

Hah!  Looks like Pat did about the same thing...
Leon, the 'dreaded urine cup' looks a lot better with DOT5 in it!   

[1tinindian]

You guys are CRAZY!!!
Turning your brake lines up side down???
What has the world come too? LOL!

If I had known that/s what was being done, I would have tried it.
No worries, I can still play around with the 93 to see how they look.

Leon

[Pat Conlon]

Leon, just remember...if you reverse the lines, you don't squeeze the brake lever to stop...

You have to hold the brake lever in then release it when you want to stop...don't worry, practice, you will get real good at it while the same hand works the throttle...

[1tinindian]

Leon, just remember...if you reverse the lines, you don't squeeze the brake lever to stop...

You have to hold the brake lever in then release it when you want to stop...don't worry, practice, you will get real good at it while the same hand works the throttle...

Good catch, I'll  have to remember that! LOL!

But seriously Pat, this just gave me a reason to post pictures of my FJ.
Leon

[Tex]

Ok Leon right when I thought I was starting to figure out what I need to do you threw in another curve.  Well first I'm getting Galfer lines in which the banjo's are adjustable. I think I'm correct at my measurements. 17" from caliper to elbow joint and 15" from elbow joint to master. I hope.  I emailed them to see what the lengths of there Non-ABS lines are. Over the phone the girl sdaid "we cant give our Specs out"  Really? not even the length of a line in a model specific kit. I can see not the full specs of the line it self but length>?

But where the curve comes in is the brake light wiring. So is this just the case for the FZ1 or any master I get? Is the wiring easy? If I just upgraded to the blue dots and SS line will that be a significant upgrade? would I feel the difference from stock? Or is the master a must? Funds are the reason I ask. I can only put so much into her right now. 

[Tex]

BTW I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for helping me out. Its so much appreciated.  I have two separate threads going and trying to soak in as much as possible, so when I start this mod I have everything I need and it is all going to work. Limited down time, 1 day I hope, the weather is breaking and I need to ride. 

Also when I have it all figured out I will make something up to put into the files section on how to add Bluedots and convert from ABS to Non-ABS.

[1tinindian]

I have not done the wiring yet on my 93, but it shouldn't be too difficult.
As far as ordering lines, I would suggest to eliminate the  "Y", and make two complete, and separate lines all the way to the master cylinder. It is what I did and it works fine. I just took a roll of solder and used that as my pattern, allowing for extra length for when the forks are fully extended.

I would say ANY master cylinder you use will need to be wired as a two-wire, as the ABS bikes 3rd wire is supplying info to the ABS unit, which you will no longer be using.
It's just a matter of determining what 2 wires you'll need for the brake light and attach the needed ends to plug into you master new master cylinder.

Leon

[rktmanfj]

I have not done the wiring yet on my 93, but it shouldn't be too difficult.
As far as ordering lines, I would suggest to eliminate the  "Y", and make two complete, and separate lines all the way to the master cylinder. It is what I did and it works fine. I just took a roll of solder and used that as my pattern, allowing for extra length for when the forks are fully extended.

I would say ANY master cylinder you use will need to be wired as a two-wire, as the ABS bikes 3rd wire is supplying info to the ABS unit, which you will no longer be using.
It's just a matter of determining what 2 wires you'll need for the brake light and attach the needed ends to plug into you master new master cylinder.

Leon

A piece of Romex works pretty well for making a pattern, as well.

[fintip]

Not a lib: Yes, I am sure. I actually looked up the stock specs and found that out. I have this radial unit in my possession, and got it from a local guy who owned the wrecked bike himself.

Tex: You will feel some upgrade, but we would love to hear how much. Some will be from the stainless lines themselves, and some may be from the calipers. You might try doing a hard brake test fron 30 to zero, say down your street, and use some marker on the street to determine how long it takes. Do your best. And then do the same after the upgrade and tell us.

Leon: Some like the urine cup, some don't. To me, it looks like a performance, late model part with the urine cup. You can buy metal 'urine cups' cheaply on ebay, though, if you don't like the plastic look...

Noel: I've heard that, but... Can't you just use the adjustment screw to back off the rear brake? Or maybe just add some air to the line? It's not that hard to make a brake work less efficiently than maximum.

Anyways, I'm just used to it I guess. I'm sure it could be upgraded. As long as it locks the wheel at the very end of the range, it's good.

[1tinindian]

 

Leon: Some like the urine cup, some don't. To me, it looks like a performance, late model part with the urine cup. You can buy metal 'urine cups' cheaply on ebay, though, if you don't like the plastic look...

Or use a master cylinder from a FZ1 and have it look stock for an FJ.



 

[fintip]

Leon, you are misreading me. I was talking about a radial master cylinder, not radial calipers. (deleted your comment?)

I enjoy the look of the so-called 'urine cup'. But yes, that's your prerogative.