Check out these brakes

Does anyone know what these brakes are off? They were on it when i bought it 25 years ago.Now I'm resserecting it .I ran it around the block yesterday and thought I had to pull the lever fairly hard to stop fast.Is this normal for kz's,or could i have a problem? I'd like them to be more sensitive. Would a differant master with a bigger piston help? [img size=500]
Post edited by: mark1122, at: 2006/06/28 08:52

Post edited by: mark1122, at: 2006/06/28 08:53

what brakes?:whistle: now i see it,thats a 1/2"mastercylinder normally used for single rotor it will work with dual discs you just need to pull a little harder,did you try flushing and bleeding brakes again might be more trash in there after all these years.

Post edited by: wireman, at: 2006/06/28 08:55

Sorry I'm a newbee

i rember those brakes 76-77 frontend with 76-80 rotors im still drawing blank on calipers though.:S longer brake lever would probably help too.

I'm sure your right on the longer lever but I like to use 2 fingers on the brake and would like more stopping power. How sensitive are yours ? can you stop her fast with an easy two fingers or do you have to pull hard on the reins?

when is the last time the brake fluid was changed/bled and are those the original brake lines?

Assuming brales are in good condition:

Larger (5/8") master cylinder means harder lever pull but shorter lever travel.

Smaller (1/2") master cylinder means less lever pull but longer lever travel.

I agree with Wireman that that is a 1/2" single disk master cylinder, and that means that with it on a two disk sytem, it should require little force for a rapid stop.
Many people with the same setup have complained about the brakes being to "sensitive", so it seems like you have a problem somewhere.
Might want to consider replacing the rubber lines and rebuilding the calipers.

I agree with Mark, I always thought my Z1R had good brakes till I rode the kids' bikes, a GSXR-1000 and a CBR900RR. After running off the track because of a lack of braking power, I grafted on a set of ZX-6 calipers, 12 pistons total (though each is slightly smaller than the stockers) and they work great with the stock master cyl. and cable setup. Now I get that two finger lockup (or stoppie with better tires) I'm using HH pads on stock discs.

[img size=150]IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b42/rogerstu/DSCF0001.jpg[/img]

Post edited by: Z1R rider, at: 2006/06/28 18:40

I just finished converting to dual disc on my `77 KZ1000 and I kept the 1/2" single master cylinder on the recommendation of the salvage yard I got the rotors and caliper from.

I've noticed the lever pull is kinda soft but it really stops nice without a lot of effort. And if you really jab the lever it will really nose over.

Like the other recommemdations on this thread I did clean and flush the system and used DOT 4 fluid.

I have not changed the lines or blead the system.I gess thats next.Is dot 5 better than dot4?Will I notice any diff. with braided lines?Z1 those brake look great!

Post edited by: mark1122, at: 2006/06/29 02:00

I'll get it yet!!!

Six pistons on each caliper, yeah I bet it does stop in a hurry!!

Looks like you got the picture posting down pat now, so I whacked the extra posts