Brake Upgrade options

[mrbindc]

Hi,

The 4-pot Brembo conversion thread got me thinking about a brake upgrade to my 1982 R65 with a single Brembo.  My mechanic said the dual disc set up for the R65, like on the LS, doesn't really help much and it might be worth the money to try a k-bike front end conversion or even try something more radical like a CBR.  

I'm open to trying anything, my bike is my hobby and I like to tinker with it.  That said, my budget isn't "skies the limit" so I'd like to try something that isn't too expensive.

What do folks think are the best upgrades for stock?  Dual disc, ss lines, different pads, bigger MC?  

How about conversions?  K-bike vs "other" front ends?

Just added a /7 solo seat to the bike this weekend.  Needs a recover but I got it fairly cheap from a guy in Scotland off Ebay.

[tvrla]

I'm very happy with my dual Brembo brakes on the LS. I don't know why anyone would need anything stronger. Maybe for two up touring more brake would be a good thing - but the solo riding I do doesn't tax the system at all.

[Bob_Roller]

If you have the OEM rubber brakelines, a change to braided stainless steel lines, is a relatively cheap upgrade .

I replaced the OEM rotors on my '81 R65, with EBC steel rotors and EBC pads, all of the parts were wore out and were less costly than OEM .

The steel rotors and EBC pads greatly increased wet braking capabilities, can't say I notice any 'real world' increase in dry braking .

[mrbindc]

Thanks for the tip on the SS brakelines, I've contacted someone from ADVrider that makes them.  I'll look into the EBC rotors and pads too.

I'm intrigued with swapping out the front end now.  I found a website that computes the possible swaps based on inner and outer diameters of the head bearings.  From that list, there are many different options from Aprilia to Yamaha...  

My wife said whatever I do I have to keep the R65 headlight because its cute.  

Here is a pictorial of the subtle changes to the rear of the bike thus far...  

Bike as I bought her.



Removed the racks, fairing, and recovered the stock seat.



Added the solo seat.



Removed the crash bars.  In the process of replacing the brake and turn signal lights with a 3 in 1 unit from Hyperlites. Bobbed the fender last night using a Dremel tool and a fiberglass cutting bit, like a hot knife through butter.  



The license plate holder is from BoxerMetal.  It comes with a Lucas style light so I'm planning to cut it down some and rivet the Hyperlites mounting bracket to it.

I was enjoying a couple Fat Tire beers, which seemed somewhat inappropriate after the fender bob.  I couldn't help but notice how skinny that Metzler is now...  But I like it.  

 8-)