Author Topic: Front Caliper Compatibility  (Read 893 times)

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Offline SOHCiro

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Front Caliper Compatibility
« on: August 30, 2018, 06:19:24 AM »
Hello,

I have a 76' 750F which I'm thinking about putting a second front brake on.
The question is, would a 750 "K" calipers (the ones with fins) fit onto "F" rotor and caliper mounts?

Looking at 4into1 store, the brake calipers seem to be specified for each model.
They also mention that "K" calipers have 2" spacing between the mount bolts, and are also compatible for 450 "K"s, while not much info is given for "F" calipers (no fins).

Interestingly, my bike currently has a single caliper WITH fins, I guess installed by the previous owner.
The braking still feels weak after SS brake lines and a rebuild, but I have no idea if it's because of the non-stock caliper, as I have no experience of using other older single piston brakes to compare from.

I hope my explanation makes sense.
All comments will be appreciated!

Thanks.
76' 750F SuperSport

Offline Don R

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Re: Front Caliper Compatibility
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2018, 04:10:46 PM »
 The F0/1 and K7/8 caliper has a bigger piston and should provide more surface area to push with. Hence, a smaller one will push less.  That said, it should still stop well. The pad might need to wear into the fit of the caliper and rotor. Check everything.
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Front Caliper Compatibility
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2018, 06:30:15 PM »
I tried to put the finned calipers on my '75 cb750f.  They work on the left side as you know, but will not work on the right.  IIrc, it is because the finned caliper swinging arm is offset in such a way that you will not be able to shim the arm correctly.

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Offline scottly

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Re: Front Caliper Compatibility
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2018, 08:12:49 PM »
Sean, you may have been trying to use the finned caliper with the later arm; I know things don't line up in that situation. I have a pic that shows the mismatch in off-set, but I can't find it. :( Bottom line is that a finned caliper will work on the right side with the correct arm, and a second caliper is well worth the trouble, whether it's the finned or smooth version.
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Offline Sdsbassist

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Gus, Austin, MN.
Current Bike:  75 750F

Past bikes: 76 750K - "Iowa Blue",78 750K Craigslist find - "Black Beth;" 77 CB750K Basketcase, with a 75K engine; 1970 Cb750 K1, "Rosa Luxembourg"
74 cb750, 75 cb550, 77 kawa 650, 81 virago 750, 83 virago 920, 80 Honda Twinstar 200, 71 Honda CT70, 1971 Honda CB750 Rat Project "Black Dahlia Bitsa"

Offline krusty

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Re: Front Caliper Compatibility
« Reply #5 on: August 31, 2018, 12:00:07 AM »
Sean, you may have been trying to use the finned caliper with the later arm; I know things don't line up in that situation. I have a pic that shows the mismatch in off-set, but I can't find it. :( Bottom line is that a finned caliper will work on the right side with the correct arm, and a second caliper is well worth the trouble, whether it's the finned or smooth version.

Quite right.
I've done the conversion on my 76F. Used a gl1000 m/c. I no longer have to plan stops.
Honda
1976 CB750F1
1978 CB750F2
1972 CB350F
1961 C100 Cub
1962 C100 Cub
1959 C76
1963 C92
1964 C95
Suzuki
1963 M15D 50cc
1961 250TA Colleda
1961 250TA Colleda x 2 primed ready for paint and assembly
Yamaha
1977 DT175E x 2
1978 DT125E
1979 DT125F
1976 DT250E
1978 DT250G
1984 FJ1100
1990 FJ1200

Offline SOHCiro

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Re: Front Caliper Compatibility
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2018, 08:49:44 AM »
Thank you people!
I'll soon be installing my second caliper!
76' 750F SuperSport

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Front Caliper Compatibility
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2018, 09:49:07 AM »
Sean, you may have been trying to use the finned caliper with the later arm; I know things don't line up in that situation. I have a pic that shows the mismatch in off-set, but I can't find it. :( Bottom line is that a finned caliper will work on the right side with the correct arm, and a second caliper is well worth the trouble, whether it's the finned or smooth version.
do not agree Scottly...the reason I tried to use the finned calipers in the first place is because I did not have 2 of the smooth f model calipers or arms, but had plenty of 73-76k finned calipers and arms.  Perhaps my right fork leg is somehow different, as the whole dual disc swap difficulties arise from Honda not finishing the machining process on the right fork leg.  My problems ended as soon as I sourced a second smooth caliper and arm.  I certainly agree that the second caliper is well worth the trouble.
If it works good, it looks good...