Brembo Caliper

[Julio A.]

Compared to the ATE calipers, is the Italian brand better?

I found an R65 compatible Brembo Caliper, although it is still a left side one, I'm planning to replace my current ATE ones so I could use my dad's hoarded supply of Brembo Brake pads for his past K100. The Caliper I got looks like it's going to need an overhaul; Pistons might be seized and lying on the cabinet for some decades did not really do it a favor, I already took it to a brake specialization center for overhaul.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I don't know what a Brembo caliper from  K100 looks like, so I can't say, for sure.

But the ATE, and the Brembo caliper that replaced it on the R65 series through 1984 are virtually identical.

Whether the pads from the K bike will work, you will just need to measure them, and see if they fit.

[Julio A.]

The Calipers from a Early K100 bike is identical to the Brembo made ones for the R65; With the exception of the threaded mounting hole. The pads are the same; they are identical.

I'm just curious on whether there is an improvement over the ATE made system.

[Semper Gumby]

yes becareful...not all brembos are the same.  I have moded the Brembo pads to fit in the ATE calipers.  You just need to cut a square notch in the top of the backing plate so that the spring has a place to rest -- The width of the ATE spring at about 4-5mm deep.  About 30 minutes with a dremel tool I think.

The paded surface will be about 0.5 mm higher than the ATE pad but this is still on the R65 rotor.  I changed them so I could get Kevlar pads on my ATE calipers.

Of course now I have a entire 1988 K100 front end on my R65 making it the best handling R65 in the world!  I'm not kidding.

Good luck.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Of course now I have a entire 1988 K100 front end on my R65 making it the best handling R65 in the world!  I'm not kidding.

What about that other guy that put a K100 fork on his R65?
(I am kidding! )

[larstorders]

I believe the ATE , Brembo look-alikes had chrome plated pistons, and associated risk of this chrome flaking off.

[Semper Gumby]

Of course now I have a entire 1988 K100 front end on my R65 making it the best handling R65 in the world!  I'm not kidding.

What about that other guy that put a K100 fork on his R65?
(I am kidding! )

I missed it.  Who was it?  I thought I was the only one!  You wouldn't believe how much better it handles...  

Really!  8-)

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Now Bill - I said I was kidding.  (I said so, even put up a smiley face.)

Not that it has not been done to another R65, but yours is the only one I have heard of.

[Semper Gumby]

No worries.  If there is anybody else that has done the Best Farkel Of All Time I would love to know.   [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]8-)

[DgM]

Brembos look better, both work very well.  Sent Brembo calipers from 1983 R65 to a renowned automotive brake restorer, received telephone call from restorer, delighted - Brembos are equal to automotive six pots in quality, have one third the pistons.  ATE's on 300D never a problem.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And looks are totally subjective.

[DgM]

If you think so.

[Semper Gumby]

moo...

[Julio A.]

How does the K100 front end improve handling?

BTW, the Brembo calipers needed new piston seals. Took some time to find those in the bottomless parts cabinet. Never knew I even had those.  

[Teo]

ATE stainless replacement pistons are (or were) available from Motobins.  Everything I saw indicated that the difference between Brembos and ATEs was related to the outer piston seal.  The ATE's have more overlap so that a large steel circlip can secure the outer seal but the bores appear to be the same.  

SS pistons weren't cheap but when it comes to the baby ... I mean, come on!!!  Whats $45 or so apiece.  But, alas, it appears they are no more on the motobins website.  You might query them for availability.

Teo