XJ1100 Brake Circuits

Has anyone had any success in "un-linking" the brakes on this bike? I've never been a fan of linked brakes, especially when you have half of your already meager deceleration force controlled by the rear pedal.

I'm curious what other have done(if anything) to improve braking. Anyone have success in using more contemporary bits?

I realize these binders are never going to feel like dual 4 pot Brembos, but it'd be nice to know I could stop in less distance than Pinto.

 

bump

 

Bump right back. I'm familiar with the integrated circuit concept. I'm not familiar with the plumbing on your bike but the concept is pretty straight forward. The rear brake controls the rear caliper and the opposite side front caliper (at least in the pictures I've seen, let me know if yours is different please). You would have to re-plumb the front and rear brakes to eliminate this configuration. This means a new front master cylinder (capable of supporting two calipers) and a block-off bolt for the rear master cylinder for the front caliper port.

 

Yeah, that's the way this bike is set up. I'm not really crazy about it. Just not how a bike should be. Is the 1100 the only one with this linked system?

I also wonder if I simply block off the line from the rear master cylinder if the proportioning valve would get confused. Perhaps I should elimate the Prop valve altogether?

 

No, Honda saw fit to use it on their Goldwings in the early eighties. I would suggest you find out if the proportioning valve lives in the master cylinder or is external to it. If it is inside, You'll need to get a new master cylinder to eliminate it. I say this because I really don't know what the proportioning valve would do in the absence of a front line and, in the case of brake operation, I strongly urge you to err to the side of safety.
If the valve is external, simply bypass it and run directly to the rear cylinder. Don't forget to plumb the front line into the front master cylinder.

 

I think the proportioning valve lives under the right sidecover, but you'd have to ask an owner for sure. You could try the xs11.com website for an answer. If you disengage the valve, you may need to change the master cylinder, since it is a bit small to drive two front brake pistons. There is a good twin disc one at Parts N More for $76 that I put on my Seca turbo.

 

So That's where all the 11 owners are! Thanks for the link.