socal1200r's Caliper Question

If it's broken or just needs tweaked

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socal1200r
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Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:52 pm

socal1200r's Caliper Question

Postby socal1200r » Tue Nov 04, 2014 10:17 pm

Does anyone know of a replacement caliper that will bolt right on to the single disc front of a 1979 CB650 standard? The stock Tokico single piston caliper leaves a lot to be desired. Looks to be 65mm for the mounting holes (center to center), and I know there are some Brembo Goldline 4-piston calipers that have that same mounting measurements, but I'm sure they wouldn't just bolt right on.

I put new EBC FA45 pads, a steel-braided brake line, and got another stock rotor off eBay and had it crossdrilled. But it still leaves me underwhelmed. I'm thinking a 2-piston or certainly a 4-piston caliper would do the trick. I'm not really interested in adding a second disc setup, and want to explore getting a caliper first.
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Volker_P
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Location: southern Germany

Re: Front Caliper

Postby Volker_P » Thu Nov 06, 2014 3:09 am

Don't expect too much from a small single disk on a heavy piece of steel.
You may try to get a test ride with a 1982 Custom.
This is the strongest CB650 stock brake, it has double disks with 2-piston calipers and a stronger fork.
I would assume you still would be underwhelmed.

Guess you might be a candidate for "Buber tuning": sell the CB650 and get a CB1300 instead. :lol:
Cosky's great (free) online manual: http://cosky0.tripod.com

forum links to common technical issues

If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum

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Folsoml
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Re: socal1200r's Caliper Question

Postby Folsoml » Thu Nov 06, 2014 5:58 am

Welcome, socal1200r!

I split your question into it's own thread. That way no one gets confused as to which question is being answered.
Have a problem with your CB650? Have a technical question? Click here!


My Current Bikes: 2005 HD FLHTCUI Electra Glide Ultra Classic, 2007 Yamaha Vino,

socal1200r
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:52 pm

Re: socal1200r's Caliper Question

Postby socal1200r » Thu Nov 06, 2014 10:22 pm

Yeah, I'm finding out something as simple as a caliper upgrade isn't as simple on these bikes. Maybe what I'll do is take it for what it is, and keep it as stock as possible. Everything brake-related seems to work like it should (stock master cylinder, s/s brake line, stock caliper, EBC pads, drilled rotor), so maybe I'll just have to be grateful for that. If I want to stand on the brakes and flick something back and forth, I'll ride my '87 Cagiva 650...
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Volker_P
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Re: socal1200r's Caliper Question

Postby Volker_P » Fri Nov 07, 2014 1:52 am

In my opinion what to do for CB650 brakes is:
1. get stainless steel lines
2. keep the caliper glider bolts moving
Any effort beyond won't give a commensurate further improvement.

15wt. oil and stronger, progressive springs will help with the soft fork.

And a modern type rear tyre will improve rideability.

These are the changes from stock where you really get something feelable for your investment.
Cosky's great (free) online manual: http://cosky0.tripod.com

forum links to common technical issues

If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum

socal1200r
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Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:52 pm

Re: socal1200r's Caliper Question

Postby socal1200r » Fri Nov 07, 2014 3:59 pm

Volker - thanks for the advice, appreciate it! I think once I get all the powder-coated parts on, I'll consider her done, and just enjoy riding it on dry, sunny days! It's a classic bike, and I'll just have to resist the urge to tinker with it to the point where it loses its classic "charm". As has been suggested, probably the only front brake upgrade that might keep its classic style is the dual disc front end off another SOHC CB. But if I'm still not impressed with the brakes after that, at least comparing it to my Cagiva, it would've been time and money misspent.

my79650
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Re: socal1200r's Caliper Question

Postby my79650 » Mon Nov 10, 2014 2:46 am

Try a master cylinder off of a dual disc 650 or a Honda four wheeler. As long as the banjo bolt is the same that type for dual front brakes hooked to the single caliper makes better braking power. I have used the m/c off of my 450 Foreman and its easier to bleed, makes it stop quicker til you get used to the feel.


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