OMG PO was an IDIOT! Front Brake Calipers.

Went to replace my brake pads-- had already just pulled the calipers because I was restoring the front end so I didn't notice this next little zinger.

I went to inspect the brake pads and they had a wear pattern as though only 50% of the brake pad was contacting the disc.

Now I know why. I figured out the PO swapped out the front end for what appear to be H1 LTD forks, but he didn't swap out the caliper assemblies.

Take a look!



Does anyone know what range of models' parts I can look for to get proper brakes? I don't know for certain which model the forks came off, but maybe someone out there knows for certain how universal the mountings are to that era of KZs? I got my eye on some ebay auctions, but I'm not confident enough to make a purchase yet.

It also looks as if the tire was not properly mounted. There's no reason it should take so much lead to balance that front wheel. The tire should have been rotated to different positions until a minimal amount of weight was needed. Ed

Thanks for pointing that out. I'll bring it to a shop and maybe get them to rebalance and also resurface the discs.

Any advice on replacement calipers? It appears the three years of the H LTD all use the same brake assemblies?

650ed wrote: It also looks as if the tire was not properly mounted. There's no reason it should take so much lead to balance that front wheel. The tire should have been rotated to different positions until a minimal amount of weight was needed. Ed

I've had tires that took that much weight to balance...

Dealers can (and will) send a tire back to the manufacturer and get a replacement if a new tire takes more than a reasonable amount of weight to balance. Just something to keep in mind for future reference. Ed

650ed wrote: It also looks as if the tire was not properly mounted. There's no reason it should take so much lead to balance that front wheel. The tire should have been rotated to different positions until a minimal amount of weight was needed. Ed

That much weight surprises me on a Pirelli, but I've had Shinkos that took more. No amount of rotating the tire would help. I just wanted the weight in a different spot. Not all Shinkos are like that, but I've had a couple.

Looks like you need a larger rotor. Pics? There's a dot on the tire that shows the lightest point of the tire. It's supposed to be aligned with the valve stem. If not, it could take that much weight to compensate.
Steve

swest wrote: Looks like you need a larger rotor. Pics? There's a dot on the tire that shows the lightest point of the tire. It's supposed to be aligned with the valve stem. If not, it could take that much weight to compensate.
Steve

No, it's not the rotor size-- it's because on the stock forks the wheel is further back thanks to the bottom mounted axle. If the rotor were bigger then it wouldn't fit under the top part of the caliper.

The discs are the same, and I think even the piston assembly is the same... it's the geometry of the bracket that is different to account for the different axle positions.

I guess I'll just buy the assemblies that I think will fit and hope for the best. Wish me luck.

Before you go and spend your money, spend a minute of time and try swapping the caliper brackets side to side and see where that gets you. If it's still messed up, then do what you gotta do.

havakaw wrote: Before you go and spend your money, spend a minute of time and try swapping the caliper brackets side to side and see where that gets you. If it's still messed up, then do what you gotta do.

+1
There is something about the fit of the calipers in your photo that just does not look right

Hi I think its the hangers that are incorrect. The calipers are used on many models, but the hangers are different depending on the fork whether it is a leading axle or not.

Check the bottom of the warning sticker on the forks. Some have a print date. That would at least narrow down the year of the forks.