Another '07 ZX10 Nissin caliper thread...

Well, since you're attempting to improve the feel of the system, individual lines running from the MC to each caliper is the way to do this. This creates individual activation of the calipers and is the preferred way to do it for performance reasons.

Running the calipers in series with each other (like the stock configuration) is fine, but the feel is diminished as one caliper has to start activating before the pressure can increase to the point of activating the other caliper. The reason it is done the way it is from the factory is for packaging reasons with the large rubber lines. Running two of those down from the MC would be difficult.

The newer bikes use a splitter block under the triple tree in an attempt to accomplish both goals, but it is still better to run individual lines from the MC to each caliper.

Thanks for the reply! Although a bit late as I got anxious and figured I'd go with the way the Nissin's were already setup, and, as you mentioned, the preferred method. I just finished and took her for a test ride. I can definitely tell a difference. I believe I've accomplished the 1-finger breaking setup, but it's not exactly as I had expected. Though I think that's probably a good thing.

I haven't tested at any real speeds, just neighborhood limits. I have another question though. When it comes to "1-finger breaking", does it insinuate that the brakes are now scary touchy-feely? Or should it still require a decent amount of force to stop the bike? I was under the impression that I'm likely to skid and possibly go down if I'm not EXTREMELY careful with the new setup. But from what I can tell, that's (gladly) not the case. It still requires that I squeeze quite a bit with 1 finger, but it can be done.

It's a significant improvement over the stock calipers and I'm quite happy thus far!

lilgodwin said:

Thanks for the reply! Although a bit late as I got anxious and figured I'd go with the way the Nissin's were already setup, and, as you mentioned, the preferred method. I just finished and took her for a test ride. I can definitely tell a difference. I believe I've accomplished the 1-finger breaking setup, but it's not exactly as I had expected. Though I think that's probably a good thing.

I haven't tested at any real speeds, just neighborhood limits. I have another question though. When it comes to "1-finger breaking", does it insinuate that the brakes are now scary touchy-feely? Or should it still require a decent amount of force to stop the bike? I was under the impression that I'm likely to skid and possibly go down if I'm not EXTREMELY careful with the new setup. But from what I can tell, that's (gladly) not the case. It still requires that I squeeze quite a bit with 1 finger, but it can be done.

It's a significant improvement over the stock calipers and I'm quite happy thus far!

Click to expand...

OK, I've got to get this out of the way first...

*Breaking = disassembly of an item by destructive forces. "I'm in the process of breaking your shit homie!"

*Braking = The action of slowing a vehicle using the brakes. "I need better braking on this Gen 2"




Now that the grammar lesson is out of the way, the terminology when describing "1-finger braking" is an overly descriptive way of saying that the braking is improved. No brake setup should ever be scary to the point of having to worry about it. And never should you be able to lock up and skid that easily. One person's finger is going to generate more force than another person's finger, so it will vary from person to person. So when one person uses a single finger, another person might use 3. (my fingers are exceptionally strong and girthy. That's good for braking and with the ladies).

If you can generate enough force with one finger to quickly slow the bike, it's still going to require a certain amount of force and lever travel to do so. But I like 2 fingers and sometimes 3 on the lever. Just means I have to generate less force with each finger the more I add. But I'm not going to pull stoppies with one finger even though I refer to the brakes as being 1-finger capable.

It sounds like you got what you set out to do, which is vastly improve the brakes. Different pads and stainless lines will also play into the feeling you get at the lever.