Seeking opinon of the hivemind

I have found myself out of room in the garage and need to part with some bikes. The 550 Seca, while a great ride, is getting neglected, and really should go where it will be ridden more.

The dilemma I have is this: I have everything needed to convert the US-spec single disc front to the Euro-spec dual disc. Complete fork legs, calipers, discs, new hoses. Actual European XJ550 parts I brought to US. Should I do the conversion before trying to sell it, or should I sell the dual disc kit (a rarity in the US) separately? I don't think I am going to increase bike value much, it's a good runner, but painted matte black, not in very original condition.

Also, what might such a kit be worth, you think?

 

I'd sell the kit seperately. MAybe make it an optional add-on to the bike sale.

 

are the fork tubes the same size as the US seca or the mm larger maxim tubes?

 

Same as Seca. The left lower is different, with the caliper attachment.

 

Do you have/need a larger master cylinder with the euro set up?

 

I believe you can use the same MC. It will get you a softer handle

If you really wanted one for dual calipers, you could use one off the 650.

 

better figure on a bigger MC, your asking the same amount of fluid to do twice as much work

 

+1. Emergency braking won't happen without a larger MC

 

That is absolutely not how it works.

I have replaced master cylinders on my FJ with smaller ones, so I know exactly the effect it has. It increased the lever travel and reduced the hand effort. It didn't make braking any weaker.

A larger MC would be stiffer and require a harder pull. The 550 single disc MC gives you a pretty good workout with the stock caliper, and using a smaller one would be an improvement.

Don't take my word for it:




Now, the difference between the single and dual caliper MCs might be not the same as between FJ and FJR cylinders I used, so YMMV. Like I said, if you want a MC made for dual calipers, one off of a 650, or a FJ600 oughta do it. BTW, FJ600 and FJ1200 use the same MC, despite the 1200 calipers being larger.

 

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think the stock MC would not provide the best rate with dual calipers. Control is just as important in an emergency situation as it is under normal riding conditions.

 

take a look here
http://www.vintagebrake.com/mastercylinder.htm
any combination MC/WC that gives what he calls good braking doesn't look so good when the WC is doubled, isn't even close.
if some combination of sizes seems to work well and you move left or right in MC size you change the way the brakes feel. maybe you like that better but
your not changing that ratio drastically, as in doubling the WC area