I've assembled all the parts over the spring to swap out my front brake calipers, larger rotors, lines, and master cylinder with '08 model Brembos on an '02 RKC to (hopefully) improve the braking ability.

After looking at the little project, I don't see any reason why my existing master cylinder would need to be replaced. The '08 unit seems the same in every respect with the exception of the shape (and probably manufacturer). My existing lines are upgraded stainless lines.

Is there any real reason not to use the existing master cylinder and sell/recoup part of the cost of the project peddling the '08 master cylinder?

Thanks for any insight.

 

I did learn a couple of things fiddling around with the Brembo swap that may help others get it right the first time without extra trips to the parts department.

- The older calipers were mounted to the legs with one long bolt on top and a shorter bolt on the bottom while the 08' calipers require two short bolts and are the same length andthe same part number as shorter bolt on earlier models 44160-00 $1.65 each.

- If you use your original master cylinder the banjo fittings are the same diameter on the 08'but the banjo bolt for the master cylinder isadifferent length andthread. You will need to use the oldbanjo bolt on the master cylinder if you don't use an '08 mc.

-Of course you have to use the 08' banjo bolts on the 08' calipers.

 

Just a couple of notes for others contemplating swapping front brakes on earlier Touring models to '08 Brembos.

The fitting elbows on my Russell ss brake lines were not going to work with the Brembos, so I ended up installing '08 lines.

For now I kept the '03 master cylinder until I can figure out if its brake lever will swap to the '08 master. If you know let me know. I know the clutch levers are not compatible with the '08 hydraulic, but not sure about brake lever.

 

thanks for posting, thought you would like to know I am interested as I am doing a pair right now myself. Thanks..........H

 

DJW

If you do change to the 08 master
I would like to hear what you think about the differances between them as I went with the 08 master. I considered rebuilding and using my 03 master, but was able to pick up a take off 08 with lever for $45 off of Ebay I went that way.

 

Please post what you think of the braking difference,thanks.

 

bob2002

The differance for me is a Wow. I have not measured this, butI feelthat at 60mph the stopping distance is around 15 feet shorter with theBrembos. I did aquick stop from 60 with my wife on the back (she knew it was comming) and she was impressed on how quickly the bike came to a stop.90% of my riding is with my wife on the back so she isfully aware of the differance.The brake feel is so much better also and two fingers is all I need to stop quicly from any speed I have driven.