Caliper and master cylinder swap from new bike

I have a 1981 Yamaha maxim xj650. I restored it about 7 years ago, but since then have had many problems with the front brake. I would like to replace the front caliper, brake lines, and master cylinder with ones that will fit without to much alteration from a newer bike (2000 and up). Unfortunately I've been unsuccessful in finding any that will fit my bike. Does anyone know of any that will fit? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

master cylinder is easy. plenty to choose from just search. Same for the braided line. the caliper is not really gonna be possible. It mounts uniquely to the forks and i dont think there are any other bikes that swap over. If you wanna get crazy you could swap the front end off a newer bike.

 

Did you "rebuild" and replace all the wear items within the entire front brake system (in the past or recently)??

Unless your calipers are rusted to hell, everything should be rebuildable. MC sight kit, MC rebuild kit, NEW brake lines, banjo bolts, crush washers, caliper rebuild kits and anything I forgot.

If you just want NEW(er) parts for reliability or looks, it sounds like you'll have to be creative to make them bolt on.

 

I haven't rebuilt either of these things yet, just thought it would be more effective to replace with newer parts if possible before rebuilding them. Looks like that is my only good option with the caliper. With the brake lines do you have to order them by length or cut them to length at install? Thanks for your guys help!

 

Brake lines can be ordered to length. Just get a single line and get rid of the stock 2 piece junction block set up. Depending on your bike youll need one in the 42" range give or take a few inches.
For the master id probably just replace it. You can find some newer more modern ones on ebay or even from a dealer for a good price.

 

I'm also looking to replace my master cylinder. Can anyone that fits a 7/8" handlebar work? I'm kinda new to building/modding and looking to get this thing running. I apologize for hijacking the thread.

 

You have to be mildly careful when getting a new master cylinder. Bore size is probably the most important aspect but so are line placement and on our bikes if it can support a mirror. Brake light switch provisions are also important but most have them.
Id look into something in the 12.7-14mm bore size. On ebay there is a suzuki gz250 one that im a big fan of.

 

Does the master cylinder from the gz250 you like have the bore size you listed and is it comparable match to the original?

 

Forgot to ask on the last post. Are there any good "how to's" on caliper rebuilds out there for my bike?

 

The gz actaully has a smaller bore but for our bikes its good. Its better than the stocker. Youll have to modify the stock brake light wiring to fit the newer style brake switch. the brake line mounts to the back rather than the side but i dont think its too much of an issue. On my bike with the flat bars i can use a back mount more than a side mount but either works.

 

you can get mc rebuild kit new brake lines from chacal at xjbikes forever upper right hand corner click on it. so far everything I have needed Chacal has had it and delivery time is very quickl

 

I'd go with a rebuild kit if it wasn't all rusted and pitted.
Thanks for the info boost, much appreciated.

If anyone is lazy like me, here's the link to what he's talking about.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-BRAKE-MAS ... es&vxp=mtr