weak front brake

[eslmatt]

On my KZ 250 the front brake is very weak and does not give me the stopping power I need. Could it just be old break fluid? It is 27 years old, and the front tire looked original until I replaced it. Or should I plan on putting on a new Master Cylinder? Would I want more volume or less?

thanks
Matt

[steell]

Rebuild or replace your master cylinder with a new one of the same size, don't go modifying the brake system unless you are absolutely certain you know what you're doing.

New brake pads may be all you need, like you said, 27 years old.

[MFolks]

I'd replace the brake lines as the original ones will age and expand when the brakes are applied instead of transmitting the pressure to the brake cylinder(s).

[Lawn Masters]

I agree with these guys. fresh fluid, new lines and possiby new pads, plus flush all the old fluid out of the system, service your caliper and it should be ok.

[herk]

Does the bike have the original master cylinder? Any leaks?
When braking, does it seem like the the pads are applying pressure but simply not stopping the bike. If so, maybe they're glazed. I would try sanding the pad braking surfaces - (sand carefully & evenly - don't overdo it). Are the forks leaking fluid onto the front brake? Or is the front brake full of grease & grim? If gunk is getting on the pads or disk, the bike won't stop. If so, clean up the front brake; use brake cleaner on the pads & disk (I would remove the pads to clean them).

Trying gripping each brake line tightly w one hand, then squeeze the brake lever hard to see if the lines are expanding. If they're the originals, then they're overdo for replacement by a factor of 4.

As for a replacement mc, you can use one from just about any Japanese bike that has a single disk (1/2" piston bore - mine has 1/2 cast on the underside of it). usa-motorcycles-inc on ebbaayy sells new aftermarket units: the single disk units have a 12.7mm piston bore, while the dual disk units are 14mm. You could look those over as a reference, then see if anything that meets your criteria is available in China (note: some of them don't have a mirror orifice).

[eslmatt]

I took a look at the pads today and talked to my mechanic. Pads are gone, I think I will have a hard time locating them in China.

Here is my plan...
Put a Chinese caliper and mc, connect with a new hose. I can get a bracket machined fairly cheaply. I need to get a friend to help me explain what I want to do... they are not very creative at times. What do you guys think?

Herk: my MC says 14 on the bottom. Could even be the wrong MC.

[Andy the gringo]

Matt, you may want to contact these guys. They list a pad for an 81 CSR305 which should be a direct replacement for what you have. They only cost $14.04 your plan for replacing your entire brake system seems like a lot of unnecessary ****ing around. I can't say for sure if they will ship to China but it wouldn't hurt to ask. The ironic part is they are probably made there to begin with, seems like everything is today. I've bought from them before and they are very helpful.
KAWASAKI STREET 81-82 KZ 305 A1/A2 CSR Front Brake Pads: ES06634 BrakePlanet

[eslmatt]

I guess I will get on them about tracking down a set, or a compatible set. Length, width, hole spacing if those line up it should fit.

Thanks for the site Andy, It looks like they have good parts at a good price. But even if I were at 'home' in Canada, I would have problems getting them. They ship to the all 48 states AND "Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO / FPO or U.S. Territories"

Which means: 14.04 + 5.00 + 250 = 269.04. Any shipping method that takes less than a month costs about $250. I can get them brought with a friend in late august for free, but that is still late august. Time to start searching...

[Andy the gringo]

Matt just a thought, since you are so close to Japan is it possible for you to order parts from there? I don't have a clue as to where to tell you to look but surely those pads can be had in Japan somewhere.

[Andy the gringo]

Ok Matt I found someone a bit closer to you that might be able to fix you up. They are a manufacturer so they might not be willing to sell to you directly but they may point you to someone who will. Brake Pad Manufacturer exporting direct from China

[eslmatt]

Thanks for the site Andy, I will have my friends wife contact them. It is actually fairly easy to buy from a manufacturer here. But first we need to make a list of all the bikes that need brakes and clutches. We have all ended up with old Japanese bikes. Last year it was 'new' 98' and up.