79 front brake upgrade what calipers

[neilx7]

Hi,
Of what model of Honda and year would I need to use to have twin pot calipers, using existing discs (rotors), if that is possible.

Thanks
Neil

[NobleHops]

Neil,

Do a couple searches while you wait for replies. This topic has been covered pretty extensively.

Search>Read>Ask is the best possible practice.

N.

[EMS]

F series twin pot calipers (CB900F, CB1100F) you need the hangers for these. Euro CBX750. Probably a few others.
I would not use existing rotors. The swept area of the twin pot calipers is narrower. There will be a band of blank steel towards the inside of the rotor that will not be touched by the brake pads and you will have to stay on top of this to keep it clean and rust-free.

[neilx7]

thanks for the info i have seen some cb750f 81 caliper which i think will do the job.

[EMS]

thanks for the info i have seen some cb750f 81 caliper which i think will do the job.

CB750F may be single piston...??

[neilx7]

uk spec were twin pot seen pic on flee bay

[RJ CB650]

Not sure the specs, but what about the early nighthawks? Will 82/83 nighthawk 650/750's hook up?

[EMS]

Yes, they would. Nighthawk calipers are the same as CBX750. I forgot!

[herdygerdy]

Something like this ? They are 1100F rotors and all are direct bolt ons.



But be aware the improvement, while better, is still NOTHING like modern bikes so don't expect too much.

Am rather partial to getting a 5/8" radial master cylinder from CBX-tras when the $$ amass sufficiently.....

(Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please put a "Nissin 5/8" radial master cylinder" in the Old Man's hat!)

[daves79x]

Nice looking set-up! Keep in mind for us North Americans, the 1100F rotors we know won't bolt up to Comstars. Well, I guess the Canadian ones will. But the US version of the 1100F won't. 900F of ours will work just fine, however. One of these days I'll have to try a modern 5/8 master cylinder. I must be missing something, or else there's something else significantly different, because all CBX master cylinders are 5/8 bore as well. So what must be the difference apart from 35 years' age?

Dave

[EMS]

Radial master cylinders usually provide a better response and feel from early to about mid-way through the actuation travel. While you have to pull your lever with a conventional MC quite a bit, before you feel the brake to work, radial MCs will provide a reaction almost immediately. It all depends on the specific application, however.....

[RJ CB650]

Radial master cylinders usually provide a better response and feel from early to about mid-way through the actuation travel. While you have to pull your lever with a conventional MC quite a bit, before you feel the brake to work, radial MCs will provide a reaction almost immediately. It all depends on the specific application, however.....

That is a good point actually. While the modern master cylinders have better braking, I like my old ones because I find I get better control and feedback. I much prefer knowing what my brakes are doing before the stopping energy is already engaged. I can live with a harder pull for that. I actually dislike some modern bikes because while the brakes are strong, i do not get that feedback.

[neilx7]

did a quick fitting with the cb750f 1982 twin calipers and bolt straight on, just need to see about the discs/rotors now.

[herdygerdy]

Oops, sorry folks, my error. The radial m/cyls CBX-tras sells are 3/4" and not 5/8". Hence the improvement in braking power.

[neilx7]

got hold of some calipers from 1984 cb900fd on fleebay



stripped them and had them powder coated



purchased a refurb kit and some new pistons.



just need to put them back together and fit to bike.

cheers
neil