OEM Brake Master Lever Upgrade Options

1817 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Lanister, Aug 25, 2017

Lanister

Discussion Starter · Aug 25, 2017 (Edited)

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

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Honey Badger

· #2 · Aug 25, 2017 (Edited)

I ended up changing out my master as have several others I know on the Gen 5s. Mine, despite bleeding the crap out if it, would still get squishy by the end of a faster track session (think A or club race pace). I don't see that thing holding up to MotoAmerica pace unless I got a dud.

Went with the Galespeed myself and love that thing. Brake issues GONE.

I did reach out to Shawn to see what Bobby is running on his bike just out of curiosity.

ETA: According to Shawn, they've tried several but Bobby likes the stock one best, so I most likely got a dud....

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Lanister

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 25, 2017

Honey Badger said:
I ended up changing out my master as have several others I know on the Gen 5s. Mine, despite bleeding the crap out if it, would still get squishy by the end of a faster track session (think A or club race pace). I don't see that thing holding up to MotoAmerica pace unless I got a dud.

Went with the Galespeed myself and love that thing. Brake issues GONE.

I did reach out to Shawn to see what Bobby is running on his bike just out of curiosity.

ETA: According to Shawn, they've tried several but Bobby likes the stock one best, so I most likely got a dud....

Yes, Bobby's bike was one I was scrutinizing and I was absolutely shocked to see the stock master with the lightech lever. What's more, several Moto America Gen5s also had stock brake lines, which are fully steel-braided.

Which Galespeed MC did you get? Model that is. And why that model.

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