Topic: Best compact master cylinder on the cheap?

[zsno]

Hey guys, I'm putting drag bars on my 550K, and need to find a smaller master cylinder to put on to be able to clear the gauge clusters. What are some common replacements that keep everything clean/simple/easy and affordable?

[MaaseyRacer]

Anything off a dirt bike.  I got a DRZ400SM, for 25 bucks on ebay.  However, the DRZ400E or DRZ400S, would be cheaper (at the time I did not know they were the same as the SM).  Great looking master cylinder.  Also the CRF master cylinder would be a good choice. Clean with no plastic crap on it, like the RMZ. 

Take a look at what is on dirt bikes as parts are plentiful and cheaper than their street counter parts.  

P.S. I plan to use the DRZ400SM rotor and caliper as well on my build.

[dave500]

how do the internal bore differences affect stopping power,?,if the bore is greater,,less pad pressure,less lever travel,smaller bore,and you gain pad pressure.,and increase lever travel.

[Doctor_D]

The master cylinder to caliper swept area ratio has a profound effect on stopping power and brake "feel." An 11mm master cylinder has an acceptable ratio and will work well on a CB750.

Go to http://www.vintagebrake.com/mastercylinder.htm for help.

[Hannibal Smith]

I purchased NOS Triumph (Nissin) parts that had cable clutch and aluminum MC so the levers match. It was pretty cheap, and since it was NOS, no rebuild was required.