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Front Brake

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by schmidtap, May 19, 2006.

  1. schmidtap

    schmidtap Member

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    Hey just wondering if I can still ride with out the front brakes, I know my stopping distance will be greater, but due to problems with my master cylinder, I have to wait to get a new kit to rebuild it, tried to put the guts back in and the small rubber seal was torn in the process. when I do get the kit, any suggestions as to how to put things back together correctly with out recking anything.

    Andrew :cry:
     
  2. Knick

    Knick Member

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    my 2 cents.. i wouldnt ride it over 20 mph in the driveway :)

    80% of the brake power comes from the front.. so your going to be at 20% stopping power.

    If something goes wrong you would be SOL.

    in fact I parked my bike today due to a crack in one of my front rotors..

    It would still stop, but I didnt want to chance it grenading and taking out my front brakes or worse..
     
  3. Oblivion

    Oblivion Active Member

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    schmidtap,

    I'd only do it (did it) if I was on my way home to fix it. I'd make sure it was a low-traffic time of day and I'd give myself LOADS of stopping room. It's also comforting to have a chase car behind you in case it gets too hairy and you decide to park the bike somewhere until you can find a trailer.

    Would I ride it regularly without the front brake? No. Not on the road.
     
  4. Altus

    Altus Active Member

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    In short, you CAN ride rear-brake only, but treat it as an emergency only situation -- it's not a lot of stopping power.

    When re-assembling, lubricate all the seals with the brake fluid and be gentle but firm.
     
  5. Oblivion

    Oblivion Active Member

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    Yeah, I don't think I disclaimed that enough. DON'T DO IT. But if you do. . . .

    But don't.
     
  6. schmidtap

    schmidtap Member

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    Okay thanks, I guess it will sit until I get it fixed and completed, need to get new pads plus the stuff for the cyl.

    :cry:

    Also does anyone with the CD have any cross ref numbers on the master cylinder to what other bikes it fits, if I can find one locally, I'll just replace mine. Pleas email or PM me

    Thanks again
    Andrew
     
  7. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    I'll chime in on this as well. The cautions are valid. That front brake is where most of your stopping power resides. Can't say I'd want to risk riding without it.
     
  8. Injuhneer

    Injuhneer Member

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    I think the Virago and some other models used the same cylinder or repair kit.

    Did you check the Yamaha part list to see what else would fit ?
     
  9. CTSommers

    CTSommers Member

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    Andrew you may want to turn your problem into an opportunity to upgrade to the XS1100 Master Cylinder. They can be found new at partsnmore.com for $76. This will fix your problematic Master cylinder and you will gain greater stopping power. Win, win. I will be doing this upgrade after I am done with suspension upgrades.

    https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.ph ... ry=chassis
     

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