Front Brake Upgrade Question(s)

[cyclenutk75]

The Mod God was smiling on me today.  It was 55 degrees in north central OH - plenty warm to work  in the unheated shop - and when I got home from work a box containing R6 blue spots and a 14mm MC was sitting at my door. Have started clearing the way for the install.  My question is how have you guys mounted the MC reservoir (urine specimen cup-type). The original stay was not included in the deal but I know I can get one if that's the way to go.  Descriptions / pics sought and very much appreciated.

Also, I think I've found a local shop that will make braided lines for me.  Seems the easiest way to go is to stay with the 3-line system so I can just take the old lines in and have them match the length.  It appears that the stock hose lengths should work fine with the new setup.  In fact, I believe I read that in a thread  while searching the files on the subject.  Confirmation on that would be much appreciated, also.

Still him-hawing on where to get the rotors.  Found a place with Japan-made replacement for $140 each but out of stock.  Have heard good reviews on the $200/pair Chinese variety.  Would have to save a little longer before I could afford EBC's.

Thanks in advance for any help.
GT

[Pat Conlon]

Good for you Gary!   Soooo...You need to figure out how to hold your urine cup?  

Our FJ forum talented machinist Jon Cain makes a very cool reservoir adapter bracket many folks have used. You may want to PM him.

This is a hands free solution.

Yes, you can re-use your oem 3 line set up. Just reverse the left/right lower hoses. Of course, check fitment before you duplicate the hoses.

Cheers! 

[mickarch]

If your considering new braided lines, I think it's generally advisable to ditch the 3-line setup and get a double banjo bolt for the MC and run a line directly to each caliper.  This presumably makes it easier to bleed the system, air can get trapped in the stock splitter and be difficult to purge.  A tip I've read (and used) to get the new hose lengths was to string wire from the MC to each caliper the way you'd route the hose and adjust the length allowing enough slack for full suspension and steering movement and check for any binding / pinching potential. It worked for me.  Braided lines and blue spots stop the FJ quite well.

hth,
mickey

[cyclenutk75]

Thanks for the feedback, fellers.  My wife thinks I'm nuts pouring over this forum every night.  I told her I'd get at least two replies before she went to bed. HA! Take that!  Now she really thinks I'm nuts (and she just went to bed).

Anyhow, I'll contact John about the bracket.  Supposed to be unseasonably warm tomorrow, so I'll get the old brake system out, mount up the new, and see how the hoses match up. I've never had trouble bleeding with the 3 lines, so will probably stick with it - I guess it will keep the cockpit a little less cluttered.

BTW, picked up the 2002 R6 parts for $100.  Only 5k miles on them.  Brake pads are still about 75% there.  Already bought new ones though.  Got til spring so not doing anything half-assed.

Thanks again.
GT

[cyclenutk75]

Pat,
I couldn't find John Cain in the members list.  Could you give me his user name?
Thanks.
GT

[Pat Conlon]

JCainFJ   His first name is Jon  You also can e-mail him at: ridewell@fuse.net

Cheers!

[cyclenutk75]

Great! Thanks.
GT

[fj1289]

I'd highly recommend using the new pads from the start!  I tried re-using pads when I did the blue dot conversion.  What I couldn't see was the pads had been contaminated with brake fluid.  Needless to say I was not impressed with the stopping power on the first test drive!  Installed new pads and nearly ate the screen on the first good stop!

Oh, next time you're on forum, surprise the wife by getting to bed before she does!

[cyclenutk75]

I'd highly recommend using the new pads from the start! 

Thanks, fj1289.  That's my plan.  The pads in the blue spots will be chucked in favor of new.  I actually found a good deal on Carbone Lorraine pads, so I bought 2 sets.  I used CL pads when I was riding beemers and had no problems with them.

As far as the wife - she just doesn't get it.  But then I don't get why she changes dish towels, drinking glasses and rugs with the seasons.  Sometimes she even swaps out lamp shades .  After 30 years together we learned to neither ask nor try to explain.
GT

[X-Ray]

If your considering new braided lines, I think it's generally advisable to ditch the 3-line setup and get a double banjo bolt for the MC and run a line directly to each caliper. 

This exactly what I did, and I'm pretty sure it was from John Cain that a few of us aussies got our blue spot kits from a few years ago. Only thing I got made up locally was the braided brake lines, which is bread and butter for any hose fitting place. Works extremely well!.

[frano]

  I purchased some of the Chinese brake rotors for the front of my 91 and they only lasted about 1100 miles! They looked good and I thought what could go wrong but they are totally warped.  No racing or hard braking.  A waste of $200 and time, that could have been $200 towards EBC, or Yamaha parts etc.

[ccsct203]

I bought a set of used Ducati rotors after doing my research

[cyclenutk75]

I bought a set of used Ducati rotors after doing my research

That's a new one on me.  Which model/year duc works on the 17" 89 and on FJ front?
Thanks!
GT

[ccsct203]

Here is one on ebay
My bike is a 1985 FJ
the front end is a 1988 FZR1000 with blue dots

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-Ducati-900-ss-super-sport-front-right-brake-rotor-monster-750-800-4-05mm-/350521440992?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item519cb4bae0#ht_4873wt_952

[Arnie]

That Ducati disk will fit the FJs with 17" front wheels, but its already under spec on thickness.
I would advise not to buy it.

All the bikes listed below have same size disks as the late model FJs

EBC Front Disks & bikes used:  MD2001LS  MD2001RS  298mm dia
TZR 250 (3MAI) 89
FZR 400 RR (4DX) 92
FZ 400 96
FZR 400 (3TJI/2/6/7)
FZR 400 (3ENZ) 89
MD2001C XJR 400 95-
FZR 600 89-93
FZR 600 R 94-95
FZS 600 Fazer 98-03
FZ 750 89-91
TDM 850 91-01
TRX 850 96-99
FJ 1200 (3CV/3XW Type) 88-95
APRILIA
RST Futura 1000 01-04
DUCATI
900 Supersport 89-90
907 IE 90-91


Arnie