So it seems like the OEM Brembo brake master cylinder on Gen5 is a pretty good performer. I have been hanging out at Moto America paddock at Sonoma and checked out a number of impressive Superstock 1000 Gen5s and noticed that the OEM brake master was being used. Looking at how these teams have decent budgets, it's safe to assume that they've tried other Master Cylinder options but went back to the OEM, as that's what riders preferred. Per Moto America rules, upgrading of master cylinders is allowed in Superstock 1000 class so that's not the reason. So I figured that if it's good enough to run in Moto America, it's good enough for me.
The only difference is that the brake lever was aftermarket 100% of the time, which is not surprising, as it was evident from my first Gen5 test ride on track that the OEM lever was not good. I couldn't get close enough to see but I think one team was running the lightech lever with a remote adjuster. Other teams had a different option but I couldn't tell what it was.
I see that some folks tend to throw on the traditional Brembo 19x18 but that is actually an incorrect match for the M50 calipers, as it's more powerful than the calipers need so rider loses feel/modulation. Rather, Brembo had made an RCS17 specifically for these calipers and it seems like the OEM master is also well matched since it's being successfully used in high level racing.
So I figured we'd explore some Brake Lever upgrade options. Thus far, I've only been able to find Lightech. If you know any others, feel free to let us know.
LighTech Kawasaki ZX10R 2016 Fold Up Brake Lever
The only difference is that the brake lever was aftermarket 100% of the time, which is not surprising, as it was evident from my first Gen5 test ride on track that the OEM lever was not good. I couldn't get close enough to see but I think one team was running the lightech lever with a remote adjuster. Other teams had a different option but I couldn't tell what it was.
I see that some folks tend to throw on the traditional Brembo 19x18 but that is actually an incorrect match for the M50 calipers, as it's more powerful than the calipers need so rider loses feel/modulation. Rather, Brembo had made an RCS17 specifically for these calipers and it seems like the OEM master is also well matched since it's being successfully used in high level racing.
So I figured we'd explore some Brake Lever upgrade options. Thus far, I've only been able to find Lightech. If you know any others, feel free to let us know.
LighTech Kawasaki ZX10R 2016 Fold Up Brake Lever
