Hi everyone, Grateful for your recommendations for brake upgrades for my 2008. Following my experience of 5 days on track with new good quality pads on the standard brakes i know that i really need better brakes on the bike. While i would be fascinated to read about gold plated discs and hoses made from strands of unicorn hair, i would be very grateful for what may be considered 'cost effective' upgrades. I'm not really sure where to begin to look to be honest, even what to enter on an internet search. Not being pathetic, just a newbie. As ever, i'm really grateful for the time you guys give when replying - its been excellent; thanks. Mike aka AbuJane
I’ve got a few bikes and the first thing I always do is upgrade the brakes, my favourite mod is to go for iron discs with appropriate pads and to increase disc size, I’ve gone to 330mm on a couple of my bikes and it makes a big difference.
I'd say got braided hoses, better pad and mastercylinder in that order. Probably look around 400 quid for all them. Then If that's not good enough be like someone else has said look at discs and them calipers.
I had a 2011 Blade, fitted HEL Calipers, Master Cylinder and Braided lines..... Best upgrade ever.. I have even done the same on my 2020 RR-R
I put iron discs on my VTR SP-1 and it transformed the brakes from “meh” to “oh-shit I’m going over the bars” Only downside was that every morning I noticed a layer of brown on the discs (rust obviously) but that disappeared the moment you move the bike.
I’ve got 3 sets of Pfm, 2 sets of braketech and a set of sicom ceramic on my 08 blade, the sicom are something else.
This is something we're trying this season. We have Accossato master cylinder, braided lines and EBS GpFax pads.
long story short @Boothman, i am selling the bike advertised but buying Gary Hinds old bike from a mate of mine. It was Gary's old bike that i originally was going to buy but my mate couldn't get it back on the road and i needed a bike that i could track and take on the road ideally. Having done 5 days at Almeria on the one i am selling the over riding memory is that the brakes need to be upgraded - they are stock brakes/hoses/master cylinder which is the same (now ) as the bike i am buying. Hense my question mate
I’d say start with the master cylinder as it’s crap on the fireblade, then braided lines and pads and see how you go. If you feel you need more then go the full lot and get some pfm discs and racing fluid like this. Best front I’ve had but definitely not cheap
I think almost any master cylinder would be an upgrade. Not necessarily a big spend. Obviously a caliper stripdown and clean before any other changes.
Guys as ever a really great and helpful set of responses. I have left an individual thanks on each post. To summarise my understanding of your feedback, there appears to be two basic ideas: 1. put better pads on the bike - possibly the cheapest route to see real results 2. upgrade some or all elements of the brake system from master cylinder, then braided hoses, (refurb or ) change callipers, (iron) discs. Excellent just what i was hoping for thanks guys I will keep an eye out on the for sale area of the group too in case any components come up
You have said you need better brakes - but why - what are they doing or not doing that you need more of? I would suggest the following: decent clean/service of the callipers proper bleed and better fluid = DOT 5.1 not 5.0 braided hoses - bleed again! Pads - everyone has their preference for feel, Honda worked for me, Ferrodo Race for more feel, hated EBC's in the rain. Never tried any other discs There is loads you can spend money on, petrol, gives the best value - probably!
I haven't tried any other race pads but my Vesrah RJL are great on road and track. They seem to get better the harder I use them and last ages.
