New here, where does this go?

RadMax, I replied to your post in my thread I linked above for my mc source. My bars are the Emgo Chrome Flat Track Handlebar Part #: 23-12583. Bought them from Dennis Kirk, about $33.
Comfortable bar for me, about 33" wide. Put those old fashioned Gran Turismo grips on, like them.
 
So, does anyone know if the earlier single-disc XS650 uses the same front caliper as my ‘80 Special? Or what about like an RD or SR, would anything with a flatter bar just plug-n-play on my bike?
 
So, does anyone know if the earlier single-disc XS650 uses the same front caliper as my ‘80 Special? Or what about like an RD or SR, would anything with a flatter bar just plug-n-play on my bike?

Hi RadMax,
I use "caliper" for the thing that squeezes the brake pads onto the brake disk.
You use "caliper" for the thing on the handlebar that pumps the brake fluid?
Anyhow, all XS650 front brake parts will swap from 1977 to end of production.
The '80 Special's slanted reservoir brake lever works OK on straighter bars.
You just need to push the bar to full lock &/or slacken the lever's bar clamp
to bring the fluid cover level for top up.
 
Sorry about the confusion... I’m asking if they have the same caliper because that would mean it’s more likely that the master cylinders are interchangeable. What about before 1977, single-disc?
 
Interesting question as to whether an earlier master cylinder may even be better ? I am only familiar with the 77 and up XS’s myself but have known a long time now of the “inappropriate” size of that master cylinder for a single disc setup. That and the fact that the 77 and up plastic master cylinders have often suffered sun damage and shape deformities, internal corrosion too. It is getting hard to find a nice one.
:thumbsup:
 
Yeah, that’s what I’m wondering. And I’ve always wanted an XS, but my ‘80 Special is the only one I’ve ever owned or even worked on. I’m no stranger to motorcycles or turning wrench, but this is, dare I say...

“XSoteric knowledge”?
 
The '76 and older master cylinders are different and larger than the '77 and newer ones. They would be no good for you. You actually want something a little smaller than what came stock (14mm). Most of us change to something in the 11 to 13mm range. These give a more progressive brake application and better "feel". The trade-off is more brake lever travel, especially on the 11mm one. I have an 11 on one of my 650s, a 1/2" (12.7mm) on the other. I like the 1/2" better. It gives the better "feel" but hardly any more lever travel than the original 14mm unit. The 11mm works fine but has much more lever travel.
 
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