front caliper upgrades

Post by **sirch345** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 10:31 am

gilson wrote:
sirch345 wrote: I appreciate you posting that Gilson Very helpful

Cheers,

Chris.
Not sure I understand the above? Am I getting a telling off from the admin?

No, I'm not taking the "P" at all, I genuinely thought your post was very good information for anyone thinking about different calipers for their Firestorm. A while back I was thinking about fitting a pair of GSXR1000 6 pots to my bike but it didn't occur to me to find out how good or bad they
were first, as you did by doing some research.

However after giving my calipers a good service I'm pretty happy with the standard set-up now

I was surprised though how much better the brakes were after the caliper service along with new brake fluid

Jonesey wrote:The only thing i would add regarding the 6 pots is that with those there is so much braking power, that unless you've had your forks modified to suit them, your front suspension could become overwhelmed under harder braking.
Don't know if this helps at all?
Chris.

I also thought that was a very good point too

Cheers,

Chris.

mik_str · Post by **mik_str** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 1:50 pm

I am running 98 Fireblade calipers with steel lines, HRC "hard bite" pads and the radial MC from a 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R. Ine one word: INCREDIBLE!!!! I have ridden numerous late model sportbikes and the only bike that outbrakes it is a Ducati 1098. I am extremely happy with this set-up (having tried numerous variations in the past, beginning with steel lines and EBC HH pads, then onto as SP-2 master, followed by SP-2 calipers then finally my current rig).

gilson · Post by **gilson** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:46 pm

sirch345 wrote:
gilson wrote:
sirch345 wrote: I appreciate you posting that Gilson Very helpful

Cheers,

Chris.
Not sure I understand the above? Am I getting a telling off from the admin?
No, I'm not taking the "P" at all, I genuinely thought your post was very good information for anyone thinking about different calipers for their Firestorm. A while back I was thinking about fitting a pair of GSXR1000 6 pots to my bike but it didn't occur to me to find out how good or bad they
were first, as you did by doing some research.

However after giving my calipers a good service I'm pretty happy with the standard set-up now I was surprised though how much better the brakes were after the caliper service along with new brake fluid

That's a relief, thanks. I've "taken" so much from this website that I genuinely glad to give something back.

gilson · Post by **gilson** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:48 pm

mik_str wrote:I am running 98 Fireblade calipers with steel lines, HRC "hard bite" pads and the radial MC from a 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R. Ine one word: INCREDIBLE!!!! I have ridden numerous late model sportbikes and the only bike that outbrakes it is a Ducati 1098. I am extremely happy with this set-up (having tried numerous variations in the past, beginning with steel lines and EBC HH pads, then onto as SP-2 master, followed by SP-2 calipers then finally my current rig).

"Hard bite" pads, man they sound good! Chomp chomp... never heard of them though but will be on look out for them....

mik_str · Post by **mik_str** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:18 pm

the HRC pads are a bit pricey but they work incredibly well. the pads fit Sp-1, Sp-2, and Fireblades (98-2003), may fit other models too

Collywog19 · Post by **Collywog19** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:40 pm

Got myself some sp1 calipers on, braided lines, but still original m/c. I'll be testing them on the way to work tmoro. And report back.

Im thinking about a new m/c but dont know yet, as i want braided clutch and oil cooler lines, also a damper, this, that, nc30 front wheel etc lol.

List is bloody long, but ill get her how i want her in the end

Col

Jonesey · Post by **Jonesey** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:30 am

Nice choice colly, you'll notice those straight away, even with the original master!!!
Good one mate.
chris.

Jbrebel · Post by **Jbrebel** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 9:40 am

sirch345 wrote:However after giving my calipers a good service I'm pretty happy with the standard set-up now I was surprised though how much better the brakes were after the caliper service along with new brake fluid

Same here Chris. Never had an issue with mine. Amazing what a new set of pads, lines and fluid can do

Think id have only chaged to different callipers if Id have been doing plenty of track days. On the road I found the standard setup, with HEL lines, more than enough.

Collywog19 · Post by **Collywog19** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:59 am

seemsa bit sh1t tbh lol

got a good solid lever and no air in system. think i just need some heat through them as i washed them with muc off once id finished.

Col

Post by **sirch345** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:28 am

Jbrebel wrote:
sirch345 wrote:However after giving my calipers a good service I'm pretty happy with the standard set-up now I was surprised though how much better the brakes were after the caliper service along with new brake fluid
Same here Chris. Never had an issue with mine. Amazing what a new set of pads, lines and fluid can do

Think id have only chaged to different callipers if Id have been doing plenty of track days. On the road I found the standard setup, with HEL lines, more than enough.

You're probably right, track days you may want that bit extra

I want to replace my standard brake hoses sometime. How did your brakes feel with the HEL lines

The reason I ask is years ago on my old Suzuki GSThou I fitted Goodridge stainless steel lines, from then on the brakes gave a wooden feel to them that I didn't really like

Chris.

Collywog19 wrote:seemsa bit sh1t tbh lol

got a good solid lever and no air in system. think i just need some heat through them as i washed them with muc off once id finished.

Col

Perhaps there's still some oil or grease on the pads

I'm not sure if Muc Off is any good for removing that

Chris.

Jbrebel · Post by **Jbrebel** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:47 am

Thought HEL lines were great Chris. Had them on 2 of my bikes now (no need tobother with the Buell as you get braided as standard

) felt far more progressive to me after the rubber hoses. Defo get rid of that spongy, pappy, weak bite you find with standard lines-especially when hot. Did'nt find them wooden. The finish of the product is good too.

Post by **sirch345** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:55 am

Jbrebel wrote:Thought HEL lines were great Chris. Had them on 2 of my bikes now (no need tobother with the Buell as you get braided as standard ) felt far more progressive to me after the rubber hoses. Defo get rid of that spongy, pappy, weak bite you find with standard lines-especially when hot. Did'nt find them wooden. The finish of the product is good too.

Thanks for that info JB. That's may me feel a little happier with fitting aftermarket lines sometime

Chris.

Collywog19 · Post by **Collywog19** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:10 pm

Yeh gonna get them heated up a fair bit on way home, as im meeting mate on zx6r so should get upto some decent speeds. Hopefully that'll burn any crap off lol.

Col

Jonesey · Post by **Jonesey** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:09 pm

hi col, any chance of some pics of your new set up?
chris.

Collywog19 · Post by **Collywog19** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:14 pm

I'll some when i get in from work mate.

Col