Universal master cylinder/lever, will it work?

This might be a dumb question but I do not know a lot about hydraulic brakes, and I want to switch brake and clutch levers on my '82 650 Maxim (front brake needs rebuilt and flushed so it will be apart anyway). A "universal" master cylinder should work with the original front caliper as long as the bore is the same correct? I know it doesn't exactly scream quality but this is an example of what I'm looking at: http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-8-22mm-Un...m51f962c2d6:m:mu21mM67QYklbRTFsIJMtaQ&vxp=mtr

 

XJEver.

Is there something wrong with the original beyond what a rebuild kit wouldn't fix?

IMHO - do NOT deviate from what was originally engineered for your bike.

This should be all about safety and not looks. I understand the link your presented was just an example... However I would bet dimes to dollars that any aftermarket 'universal' MC will not scream (or even whimper) quality. Your best bet for safe reliable braking is to refurbish the existing system including upgrading to braided stainless steel brake lines.

 

A replacement MC with the same bore will work as long as the mounting clamp is the same size (usually 7/8" or 1") and the angle of the reservoir is correct. The stock bars on that bike are curved where the MC mounts so using an aftermarket MC could leave the reservoir at the wrong and potentially dangerous angle.

I'd rebuild the original or get an aftermarket one from Chacal. He has a reasonably priced aftermarket MC that will work with that bike. You never know what quality junk you're getting from the bay.

 

The previous owner actually already changed out the bars, and the stock reservoir is at an insane angle, which still works but is a huge pain in the ass to fill, that's a big part of the reason I am looking for a new one. I will certainly look into getting one from a quality company or chacal and not a janky one from some dude on ebay

 

I also am upgrading to stainless brake lines when I do this for sure, since I will have the whole brake system apart it really would be stupid not to

 

there are better master cylinder/clutch perch kits on ebay than the one you linked to even come with an extra rebuild kit the big concern is the levers may not be the correct shape to work. the 550 brake lever is curved actuly looks bent but has to be to work correctly so you can squeeze it far enough

 

I have one of these on my Maxim: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/5-8-Bore-Yam...750-YZ490-Brake-Master-Cylinder-/272103501892

I had to swap out the stock slanty master cylinder when I changed my handlebars. You can get these with the outlet either on the front or side of the reservoir.

It was $35, fit beautifully, looked very much like the stock MC, came with a free extra rebuild kit, and works incredibly well - feels exactly like the stock MC did in use.