Caliper Swap

[SILVTR]

I posted this in the workshop section - I'm just trying to get as much exposure as I can - personally, I visit bike chat most of the time...

I want to fit later-model black front and rear calipers to my '98 FireStorm (purely for cosmetics - my silver bike would look better with black calipers than the standard gold ones). Mine are perfect - bike has done 23,500 miles. As I've become familiar with my VTR, I trust the brakes - I know what I can get away with - you all know what standard VTR brakes are like. Anyway, I'm happy to stick with original calipers. I'll be putting HEL steel hoses & Carbone Lorraine SBK3s in too, so things should be plenty good after that...

Del, if I understand right, you're some sort of workshop or something? Any chance you might happen to have, or have access to, a black set?

I guess first off - can it be done? Are the mounting points the same on the calipers/fork legs on pre- & post-2000 models?

[iggy1966]

Mark,

It might sound like a daft question but have you thought about painting your calipers black instead of swopping them???

Ian

[SILVTR]

Not daft at all, and if I thought it could be done perfectly and not look like my 3 year-old did it, I'd definitely get it done. And if I can't get a swap (which in thoery should cost nothing but postage), I probably will. I'm sure there are even companies in Dublin that could do it.

Would I take the pistons out? Should they be bead/sand blasted first? Or stripped with Nitromors? What type of paint should be used? Should bolts & nipples be left in place? Could I do the job myself? Anyone repainted calipers before?

I guess I'm just being lazy/thrifty... It's bad enough spending all the children's allowance on the bike in the first place, let alone extra money on aesthetic improvements...

[delmeekc]

yep they do fit and just sold a pair (ain't got no more) sorry

Del.

[NZred]

Ref; Piccies of my VTR.. in General Chat.. 6 pot calipers.. may as we upgrade with colour change