Hey all.

I'm trying to find who makes a good front caliper upgrade that bolts on in place of the underwhelming harley front caliper for my XL883N.

It looks like Jaybrake makes one, but that seems to be all I can find. Strangely, I seem to find plenty of REAR caliper upgrades (ironic considering that 80-90% of the braking force is on the FRONT wheel under hard braking), but very few front caliper upgrade options.

What I'm really looking for, is a bolt on kit that replaces the entire front caliper assembly, from someone like Brembo, Wilwood, Jaybrake, Performance Friction, etc...

Anyone? All I can find is Jaybrake and their website sucks about as much as the Drag Specialties site....

Thoughts?

 

I haven't found anything simply because I don't see the need. (quite yet)

If I had the money to upgrade the brake system I would go with a twin FB setup off of an R model complete with larger master cylinder, upgrade the pads and fluid, and change into some stickier rubber. Either that or swap out the whole front end with an XR setup.


As it is now on my 48 I will break the front loose before the front brake goes soft by a long, long way. This tells me that the weakest link in that chain is the stock Michelin. I come from the other world of two wheels too, so I use the front brake nearly exclusively unless I need to stop 20 ft ago or something. The only time I have had any issues is when I followed my brother into a canyon on his Ducati and forgot I was on a sportster for the first 6 turns or so. They were definitely toasted then.

I still think better pads, fluid, and tires would be sufficient though I'll be upgrading to an XR type front end once I get some other stuff sorted out.

 

Check out Performance Machine for a direct bolt on 4 piston. They make them for your bike and they are $375 for chrome or black.

 

Thanks guys, I also found this:

https://shop.zanottimotor.com/part/42943-08-0

Its the front left 4 piston caliper from the XR1200, its a straight bolt on for the 48 and Iron, and works VERY well with the existing master cylinder.

From:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...1166307&page=2

 

The left hand 4 pot caliper from an XR1200 is a direct bolt on to your Iron which should give you the improvement that you crave.

Personally I would try upgrading to a braided front hose as a first step, this makes a surprising amount of difference to the brakes performance.

 

Already did that...I'm running a Magnum SS braided front line. It made a nice improvement, but its still not enough for my tastes.

I know that a single disc is never going to be as good as a dual disc, but I came from sportbikes with dual 4 pot calipers in front and I would LOVE to get as much front brake power as I can on this bike.

I miss being able to stop in a hurry with one finger....

I'll probably get an XR left front caliper this winter and do it as a winter mod...