Topic: 1978 CB550 Radial Master Cylinder Upgrade

[DaveBarbier]

Hi guys, my master cylinder doesn't fit on my clip on bars. I've been looking around and this poster pretty much had my problem back in '09. The stock MS is too long and hits the clip on clamp.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=61559.0;nowap

In this picture you can see what I mean. My MS is almost touching the clip on clamp and it can't be moved anymore "up" the bars closer to the triple. I had to make a little spacer to extend out the MS banjo area away from the clip on clamp.

I'm curious if anyone has upgraded a CB550 to a radial master cylinder. I can't seem to find anything in radial that is a 14mm bore. Also, I don't want to break the bank. I'd love to spend under $150. Any idea of existing bikes that I can take one off of? I hear people using a GSXR radial a lot but I think that's a larger bore.

OR, I was wondering if a conventional axial Nissin MS will give me the clearance I need. These I can find no problem and aren't too expensive.

Oh, and just some info: SS lines, single disc, stock caliper. The clip on clamp seems to stick out about 3/8" off the handlebar so I'd need at least that amount of clearance from an axial MS.

Thanks

[DaveBarbier]

So I got the regular Nissin MC off eBay for about $140 and it fits very well. If anyone wants to know for future reference, the same measurement on the Nissin (part number 17-652) is 5/8ths.

Now all I need is my phenolic piston and brakes are done!


---
1978 Honda CB550K

[bwaller]

I use those 5/8 Nissins on a 550 & 750 and they're fine. I did however go with a brand new 12mm Brembo for my racebike and the feel is way better. Sorry to be a bit after the fact!

[DaveBarbier]

Thanks Bwaller, no problem, haha. A working brake system is going to be light years ahead of what I had before. I'll be amazed, "What is this foreign sensation of quick negative acceleration!?"


---
1978 Honda CB550K

[Puntas13]

I've got a 500 and I just had the same problem. I picked up a used master cylinder off of an '03-08 sv650. Its a 14mm bore and works fine with my single caliper setup. Only paid $30. It had no problem clearing my clip ons.