Broken T

[frozengoose]

Well not exactly, it's more about a thread a while back on how to improve the front brake on a T. I tried a search, but couldn't find the one I remembered that was about switching to a different master cylinder and brake line. Since I had an almost near death experience this summer, I figured maybe it was time to do something about the front brake. I found this ebay exchange in an old email, so I must have been looking up something a while back. Is this the correct master cylinder? And where do you source the SS brake lines? Thanks!

From the ebay ad...

Ducati OEM Brembo 12mm/13mm REC PS13 Front Brake Master Cylinder Pump Lever SLVR
Price: $129.99

Gothamcycles
• Located: Bradenton, FL, United States • Member since: Mar 17, 1999
• Positive Feedback: 99.7%
 
My Message...

Hi:  Is this the standard replacement master cylinder to operate a single F08 brake caliper. I am interested in replacing the old MC on a 1975 Moto Guzzi with a single front disc and was told there was a modern 12/13 mm REC Brembo MC upgrade.
Thanks, Jon

Their Reply:

New message from Gotham Cycle...

Correct, this is for a single front caliper.

[guzzista]

Yes, the  PS13 REC  cylinder will work for a single disc.
The Brembo PS13 REC   also comes  with a microswitch and pigtail ( but with a black lever from other sellers such as Opp Racing or Eurotrash Jambalaya) so you could omit the  stock splitter / brake switch and go  with a single hose from mc to caliper  to simplify things .
The one you picked will require 2 hoses sections as the stock setup, but  you get the silver lever

 Goodridge makes  braided  brake hoses in various lengths as needed with female threaded ends for the  (2 or 4) banjos  needed as well as banjo bolts , washers etc. ( Brembo threads are m10x1  at caliper and at mc, DNR the splitter thread pitch ) JP Cycles carry Goodridge brake hoses and fittings, link below

https://www.jpcycles.com/goodridge

[JBU]

I've had good luck making my own SS brake line using the BYO brake line kit from Magnum.  https://www.magnumshielding.com

[berniebee]

Switching to a 12mm master cylinder is a great upgrade.  That one will work but...



-It doesn't have a mirror mount.
-I don't see the exit point (connection point) for the brake line. Is it on the same side as the the original? If not you'll probably have to replace your front brake line, because brake lines don't like being twisted to fit. Ordering a new SS line for it gets a bit more complicated.
-It's a rectangular vs round shaped master cylinder like the original. Only important if you like originality or the old school bike look.

I would buy this one from MG cycle: https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=110&products_id=3107



A bit more money, but it's the "right" one for your bike. A bolt on replacement. With or without SS lines, it's going to be a major improvement over the the original M.C..

I was in the same situation as you with an '83 SP1000. I had a wooden feeling, weak front brake. A swap of the 15 mm master cylinder to a 12 mm master cylinder made a big difference in feel and power.

As for SS brake lines, there are many options. If you choose to make your own, MG cycle (And many other places) sells brake fittings and lines.  There are several vids on youtoob from suppliers that show you how to make a brake line. Or you can just send your original line to a maker and have them copy it. 

No, I don't work for MG Cycle!    Just a pretty satisfied customer.

[Kredge75]

Whichever option you decide, guzzista is spot on about the ease of buying braided brake lines. Summit has parts too. They're cheap enough that getting the measurements wrong the first time isn't the end of the world.
I installed the 09 caliper so retained the stock m/c. I'm currently measuring to install two steel lines (retain stock switch).

[frozengoose]

Thanks for all the great replies, I'll be looking into the rebuild/replacement this winter, since riding season will end here soon. As to the repro m/c, i did find a thread about it and this was Charlie's comment...

As you might notice, the round reservoir master cylinder doesn't say Brembo on it anywhere. It's a reproduction of the Brembo master cylinder made by someone else, as far as I know.

My only direct experience was with one on a customer Le Mans. The fluid reservoir had leaked and brake fluid had bubbled the paint. Genuine Brembo was anodized not painted.

I have heard reports of paint being inside the bore of the master cylinder causing leaks as well.

If it were me, I'd buy the genuine Brembo master cylinder even though it has a rectangular reservoir.

Charlie

[steven c]

 When I had my T I added a second disc which of course really helped. Never came to terms with the rear brake.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thanks for all the great replies, I'll be looking into the rebuild/replacement this winter, since riding season will end here soon. As to the repro m/c, i did find a thread about it and this was Charlie's comment...

As you might notice, the round reservoir master cylinder doesn't say Brembo on it anywhere. It's a reproduction of the Brembo master cylinder made by someone else, as far as I know.

My only direct experience was with one on a customer Le Mans. The fluid reservoir had leaked and brake fluid had bubbled the paint. Genuine Brembo was anodized not painted.

I have heard reports of paint being inside the bore of the master cylinder causing leaks as well.

If it were me, I'd buy the genuine Brembo master cylinder even though it has a rectangular reservoir.

Charlie

Yep. On another 850 Le Mans, the customer didn't like the feel of the original 13 mm (actually 12.7 mm) master cylinder/F08 caliper combo - too firm ("wooden") lever feel with stainless lines and soft pads. I ended up installing a Brembo PS11 master cylinder from OPP Racing and that had much better feel and power.

[Turin]

I like a brembo 4 piston caliper. my old set up.


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[Anomaly]

I like a brembo 4 piston caliper. my old set up.

Like this?  (mine were de-linked by a previous owner, but I'm pondering re-linking...)




This is the m/c I currently have:




Following this thread with interest!

[Turin]

yup. my old set up was a single EBC disc, steel braided line, and 0ne 4 piston brembo caliper.

The current set up is dual discs and calipers with the stock master. The factory master cylinder loves dual 4 piston calipers. 1 finger braking.