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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: NCAmother on October 20, 2025, 02:20:34 PM

Title: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: NCAmother on October 20, 2025, 02:20:34 PM
I have some brembo 4 pot calipers, is there an advantage to running them rear of the fork, or front of the fork?   Bike is an 75 T3. Thank you, Nate
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: SIR REAL ED on October 20, 2025, 06:41:23 PM
I have some brembo 4 pot calipers, is there an advantage to running them rear of the fork, or front of the fork?   Bike is an 75 T3. Thank you, Nate

Back in the olden days the prevailing theory was to move the calipers to the back of the fork leg to get the mass of the calipers closer to the pivot point of the steering stem and the bikes center of gravity.

In theory it is true, but I doubt very few if any would notice the difference from the front or rear caliper position.

Back in the early 1970's, it made for some good reading for a guy in his teens as I remember.....
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: Turin on October 20, 2025, 09:54:16 PM
It won't make much difference. Some 4 pot calipers have a bigger piston on the fork side. Theory is the bigger piston should be in front.... in theory.
I run mine pistons forward to see the birds on the forks.
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: Dukedesmo on October 21, 2025, 03:07:33 AM
Given a choice, I'd fit the calipers behind the forks, there are good reasons Guzzi and all other manufacturers switched from in front to behind; better protection from the elements and crash damage, stronger mounting due to braking forces pushing against the fork leg rather than pulling away from it, weight distribution and, probably others. 
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: SIR REAL ED on October 21, 2025, 07:05:17 AM
It won't make much difference. Some 4 pot calipers have a bigger piston on the fork side. Theory is the bigger piston should be in front.... in theory.
I run mine pistons forward to see the birds on the forks.

I recall reading something similar eons ago.  The smaller piston being towards the back of the bike supposedly evened out the brake pad wear.

If this was the result of testing fine, sounds hard to believe to my little brain.

To my eye, brake calipers behind the forks look "right."  Brake calipers in front of the forks looks pre-1975ish.
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: Dirk_S on October 21, 2025, 07:16:51 AM
I recall reading something similar eons ago.  The smaller piston being towards the back of the bike supposedly evened out the brake pad wear.

If this was the result of testing fine, sounds hard to believe to my little brain.

To my eye, brake calipers behind the forks look "right."  Brake calipers in front of the forks looks pre-1975ish.

Odd to think that BMW would do it on their R100 GS in the 90s:


(https://i.ibb.co/PsWcQchC/IMG-8656.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PsWcQchC)


EDIT: That looks like a two pot caliper.
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: John A on October 21, 2025, 10:41:03 AM
Some put them on the front for the perceived better cooling.
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: wirespokes on October 21, 2025, 02:39:32 PM
I'd read that contrary to logic, they cool better to the rear of the slider.

Did you have to mill off some of the mounting ears? I know that was necessary converting airhead two-pots to the four-pots.
Title: Re: Installing the 4 pot calipers and adapters question?
Post by: NCAmother on October 21, 2025, 04:41:29 PM
I'd read that contrary to logic, they cool better to the rear of the slider.

Did you have to mill off some of the mounting ears? I know that was necessary converting airhead two-pots to the four-pots.

I’m using shims to mock up, they seem pretty good