Master Cylinder Alternatives?

I realize that there was already another thread dedicated to this but the info I gathered from it didn't seem to lead me anywhere. I just switched from clubmans to drag bars on my '81 kz550 and I don't have room for my stock master cylinder to fit in the triple tree. BUMMED. Does anyone know of an alternative to the stock MC for this bike? I was dead set on these bars as soon as I got them on there. They're way more comfy and they look tough as hell! If anyone has had the same experience and has pics I'd love to see 'em. And any advice at all is greatly appreciated.

Don't be afraid to use just about any... you can use a remote resivoir type from a new model sportbike... "eBay" I have no direct knowledge of the 550, but I have used many on the KZ1000's

I have this one on a KZ1000 with superbike bars
www.powersports.magura.com/productfinder...30346b5e550be69af278
It works fine although I would suggest a larger piston if you ride hard.

I don't have drag bars but I bought a Nissin master cylinder imported by Shindy that might work. I think I got it from Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse.

That Nissin is the most popular option that I found. Any chance I could find one of those or comparable for under $100? Also I only use a left bar-end mirror. Is that hose sturdy enough to use without that bracket? Thank you so much for the input. This is still my first ride and each task I tackle is a new learning experience for me.

You can install a front brake mc from just about any Japanese bike. 7/8" bars, single disk (or dual disk if applicable), mirror mount orifice. You'll have to splice the brake lite wiring. The brake lever will be different than the clutch lever. You may want to get a shorter upper hose. If so, an easy way to figure out the needed length is to install the new bars & mount the old mc temporarily, then lower the brake pipe joint there at the forks until the line looks about right, then measure the overage & figure out the needed length from that. simple.

You might be able to use a dual disk mc no problem - here's a quote:

by steell: That is an accurate description, but I disagree with there being a significant difference in feel between the 1/2" and 5/8" master cylinders on single disk brakes.
The 79 750 twin has a 5/8" master cylinder and single disk brake.
The 80 750 twin has a 1/2" master cylinder on a single disk brake, and has the same caliper as the 79.
I have both models, and while there is a difference in feel, it's not very much.

Here are some quotes from KZR that I've saved:

My master cylinder is from a 1993 Honda CB-600 and it works awesome!It's now on a 77 kz1000.
It DID, however take some time to blead my whole system after going to dual disks,but I got it and WOW!talk about responsive.
Like others have stated here...just make sure the fitting sizes are the same.
In most cases,they will be.

I'm using a 93 ZX-6E master cylinder for the dual disks on my 78 Kz1000. I didn't have a problem bleeding them and they work fine. I'm almost ready to swap to a complete brake system (disks, calipers, lines, splitter and MC) from a 93 Zx-11 so I might put the Zx-6 MC on here for sale.

early 1980s suzuki master cylender will work on77kz900-1000 up to a 82

So i went ahead and put a master cylinder off of a 1982 Suzuki (I dont know model, all that was left was a frame and handlebars) onto my 78' KZ650B. Ya'll were right, it works GREAT!

And yes you can put a different master on your bike...I just put one on from a 93 Honda CB-600 and it works great!

93 CBR F3 on a KZ440.

just put on a 01 ZRX 1200 master on my 78kz1k w dual disc.
works mint!

on ebay I got my zx10 mc for 50 bucks...that is cheap and it's a good quality nissin m/c.

Colossus wrote:

That Nissin is the most popular option that I found. Any chance I could find one of those or comparable for under $100? Also I only use a left bar-end mirror. Is that hose sturdy enough to use without that bracket? Thank you so much for the input. This is still my first ride and each task I tackle is a new learning experience for me.

The lowest price I've seen on the Nissin is about $125 and I looked quite a bit last summer when I bought it. I agree with the posts above that many MCs for 7/8" bars would work.

If you go with the Nissin, you could just put a 10mm bolt in the mirror mount to hold the bracket. The hose is pretty stiff but I wouldn't use just the hose to support the reservoir.

many of the racerboys take the master cylinders off of their new sportbikes and put on brembos, so they sell the nearly new take-off nissins for little money, like I said I got mine for 50 bones...

Awesome. That's opening up a whole lot of doors for me. The zx10s look like what I'd be into. Also found one for a zx6? would that work also as long as it fit the handlebars? It's $30 buy it now on ebay. I'm about to head out to some salvage yards in hopes of instant gratification but if not I may try the ebay option. Thanks so much for all your input y'all!

Got myself a new MC from a pull yard yesterday. It's a Nissin but I Have no idea as to what bike it came off of. I bled the brake. Took it for a ride and it went from normal to unbearable in terms of grip strength. Before I could get it back home the caliper was almost completely locked against the rotor. I left it alone for the afternoon because I had some place to be. Came home later and it was back to normal. Took her out for another ride and the same thing happened. This time it locked up so bad I couldn't get through the front yard and had to leave her on the lawn for the night. There's nothing in my manual about brake adjustment. Any advice? I wanna ride this beast!

Since you picked up the master cylinder from the cycle recycler did you pull it apart and clean it out?

Is it hard to grip as in it's too hard to get it to brake, or as in it applies too much pressure on the disk?

yeah I cleaned it up. I mean it's hard like I can barely pull it. Which wouldn't be a bad thing if it was braking normally.