I have a 1973 FX Superglide with the stock 35mm front end and single banana caliper on a 10" disc. Can anyone tell me how I can upgrade to a better caliper? I do have another fork leg with the bike which has a bigger disc and a tiny chrome caliper which is absolutely useless but the banana caliper cannot mount to that fork leg. Would love a caliper conversion that bolts straight onto the stock fork leg which has the banana caliper on it.

 

Wildwood or Peformance Machine (PM) are the usual ones. There may be some else I'm unfamiliar with so hopefully others will join in. But it looks like they only have 4 piston calipers which may require the use of the different master cylinder. So you might reach out to their Support group for help finding what you need along with other requirements are necessary.

Another option is to consider using a later HD 35mm tube and slider (and matching wheel) set that uses better calipers. Either way isn't going to be cheap.

The bananna calipers weren't the best even when new. What fluid are you using in the brake system? The DOT3 and DOT4 absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which will cause corrosion in the master cylinder and calipers. That can cause the pistons to stick and reducing braking power. Moisture in the brake fluid can contribute to brake fade if the fluid reaches boiling because the water in the fluid reduces the boiling point and released oxygen when boiled. Air in the system will will cause a spongy lever feel.

If you haven't done so already, be sure the fluid is fresh, the caliper can slide easily and the piston is not sticking.

Nice looking bike.

Paul

 

my banana works perfect

 

Put a sportster 1200R front end on it! dual disc brakes and great forks, transformed my FXR

 

I like the Sporty 1200R front end idea. Excellent - I have a 2007 XL1200R, decent brakes. That banana caliper you have was on the FL’sand on the rear of my FXE. I have the original single “pie slice” disc that was also used on the XL’s back then. It’s got to be the absolute worst HD disc stopper ever. I kept it for originality only. It’s not been without issues. At 2600 miles one pad cracked and the piston cocked. I hate those riveted pads too. If You’re gonna ride your shovel a lot - get modern brakes. If you’re concerned about the correct look like I was, be prepared.

Original pie slice caliper on the FXE before resto work. It’s not much for scrubbing off speed on its own. It’ll hold you still on a hill at a stop though.

 

The Pie slicer is Not perfect in any way...But can be made to function...The original Banana?? Jillions of Shovels riding about perfectly content..
the secret is to Match the rotor material to the Pad Material...and bleed Completely...Mine work just Fine thank you... Not a Jap Bike...But, entirely Functional!! But...What do I know...Not ridden a Jap Bike since the early 70's

 

I bet you say that to all the girls....

 

i have an FXS duel disc front end that from the factory only had 2 single piston floating calipers,
after a full rebuild and fitting of steel braided hoses they worked resonabley, but compaired to ANY jap bike, they were still utter crap,
so i fitted a set of 4 piston GMA calipers and a later 5/8 bore master cylinder from a road king as well as the steel hoses, and it now stops on a penny and gives change,
Harley were and have never been able to produce a brake that could stop a heavy bike,
even today with good Brembo designed calipers and masters they generally only fit a single disc to the front,




that in these days is not enough stopping power for bikes that can weigh in at ovet 700-800 pounds

 

1200R front end. Bought the forks new from HD complete with oil then sourced the other stuff used and did the swap on both of my fxr's.

Im debating doing the swap on my 72 FX as well. Great upgrade and I see complete used front ends for sale on ebay.

 

So did Fred Flintstone's feet...