RPC3
XS650 Addict
I've got a 78 xs650E with what I thought was the stock brake set up. I've got the caliper rebuilt and new brake lines ready to go (running single disc front brake), but unfortunately I haven't been able to get the m/c rebuilt. I bought the mikes rebuild kit and it ended up being a little different than what came out of my m/c. The piston was a bit longer, it didn't have a brass disc, and it included a washer which I didn't initially have. I also ordered a reservoir-m/c body o-ring off e-bay and it ended up being the right diameter but too thick, again making me think something is off.
In attempting to install the kit I measured the snap ring and washer both to be 18.5mm, and the snap ring would compress to just about 17mm when the eyelets touched. The piston from both old and new are 14mm, so I think that part is re-usable. The bore the snap ring fit in measured 17mm exactly, so I dind't think it was going to be possible to insert the parts I had. In an effort the get the snap ring to fit I ended up bending it, so that part is toast.
In reviewing multiple master cylinders on e-bay (stock, same years - granted some have the sloped reservoir where mine is flat), all look slightly different than what I have. The drain hole pattern where the reservoir feeds from the body to the bore is a bit different, and my m/c is stamped with "ASCO 12" opposed to Nissin. So perhaps I'm off, but I'm pretty sure my m/c isn't stock, but instead something similar to: http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Y.../RD400E/MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE HOSE/parts.html which is 14mm in bore but a bit different.
To be honest, my m/c body is fine, but the assembly isn't great. The mirror threads are stripped, the reservoir has seen much better days, and the o-ring is still likely shot between the reservoir. My options at this point are:
1) struggle to get the rebuild kit I bought fit into the m/c I have with a smaller snap ring (just bought a few from napa, but I think the inside diameter is going to be too small to retain the piston). Potentially no more money but also probably not going to work
2) get a "proper" used m/c body (a forum member might have one that I could be fortunate to get), which will likely still need a rebuild and either a new rebuild kit or a special ordered snap ring to go with the rebuild kit I've half destroyed. Potentially $30-$40 and a week or two wait on shipping
3) get a newer, high end m/c either from mikes/650 central/dime city cycles - perfectly good option, but expensive. $75-$150.
4) get one of the $30 m/c off e-bay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Maste...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4174b1ea70&vxp=mtr) that look fine and come with a spare rebuild kit, but are just the furthest deviation from the stock look. Still, an attractive option assuming they don't look too modern.
I get bird brained when it comes to spending money on my bike, so I could probably talk myself into a $100+ option, but I think more importantly is that I want to get the bike on the road before the 6 weeks of summer in Maine are gone. Given the options, what path do you think I should go down?
In attempting to install the kit I measured the snap ring and washer both to be 18.5mm, and the snap ring would compress to just about 17mm when the eyelets touched. The piston from both old and new are 14mm, so I think that part is re-usable. The bore the snap ring fit in measured 17mm exactly, so I dind't think it was going to be possible to insert the parts I had. In an effort the get the snap ring to fit I ended up bending it, so that part is toast.
In reviewing multiple master cylinders on e-bay (stock, same years - granted some have the sloped reservoir where mine is flat), all look slightly different than what I have. The drain hole pattern where the reservoir feeds from the body to the bore is a bit different, and my m/c is stamped with "ASCO 12" opposed to Nissin. So perhaps I'm off, but I'm pretty sure my m/c isn't stock, but instead something similar to: http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Y.../RD400E/MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE HOSE/parts.html which is 14mm in bore but a bit different.
To be honest, my m/c body is fine, but the assembly isn't great. The mirror threads are stripped, the reservoir has seen much better days, and the o-ring is still likely shot between the reservoir. My options at this point are:
1) struggle to get the rebuild kit I bought fit into the m/c I have with a smaller snap ring (just bought a few from napa, but I think the inside diameter is going to be too small to retain the piston). Potentially no more money but also probably not going to work
2) get a "proper" used m/c body (a forum member might have one that I could be fortunate to get), which will likely still need a rebuild and either a new rebuild kit or a special ordered snap ring to go with the rebuild kit I've half destroyed. Potentially $30-$40 and a week or two wait on shipping
3) get a newer, high end m/c either from mikes/650 central/dime city cycles - perfectly good option, but expensive. $75-$150.
4) get one of the $30 m/c off e-bay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Maste...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4174b1ea70&vxp=mtr) that look fine and come with a spare rebuild kit, but are just the furthest deviation from the stock look. Still, an attractive option assuming they don't look too modern.
I get bird brained when it comes to spending money on my bike, so I could probably talk myself into a $100+ option, but I think more importantly is that I want to get the bike on the road before the 6 weeks of summer in Maine are gone. Given the options, what path do you think I should go down?