See this thread
So I install the new master cylinder. I even take out every Speed Bleeder and clean the threads, and add teflon sealant. I then crank the brake line fittings on the caliper down as tight as I can, just this side of round the fitting off. So they are definitely tight.
I fill the system and bleed it. Ran an ENTIRE BIG bottle of fluid through it. Started inboard left, then outboard left, inboard right, outboard right. Used the vacuum pump. Then even did it by pumping a bit on each to "make sure". Same thing.
Yanked the master cylinder off and installed the original, installed the banjo bolt with bleeder and tried it all again.
Same thing.
Good brakes...just too much travel. The lever does NOT get firmer / tighter pumping it up. Just too much travel.
What am I judging travel by? Last night I installed a master cylinder rebuild kit on a friend's OLD cruiser. Added speed bleeders, new pads and used the vacuum pump to flush / bleed the system.
With 15 year old rubber brake lines, he had a ROCK HARD lever with very little travel.
After riding his bike, then riding a newer bike last week, I'm about ready to sell the Katana because of the freaking brakes. It's ridiculous...
And before you ask if I tried this or that, read the thread I listed. If someone has mentioned, I have tried it.
Next step is buying ANOTHER set of brake lines (of course I threw away my old ones) and try that. Then I'll take the calipers off and go through them AGAIN.
NOTE: When pulling the brake lever, I get good brakes. At the end of the lever travel, when I JUST let off the lever there is an audible 'clunk' or 'click' that seems to be coming from the caliper(s).
So I install the new master cylinder. I even take out every Speed Bleeder and clean the threads, and add teflon sealant. I then crank the brake line fittings on the caliper down as tight as I can, just this side of round the fitting off. So they are definitely tight.
I fill the system and bleed it. Ran an ENTIRE BIG bottle of fluid through it. Started inboard left, then outboard left, inboard right, outboard right. Used the vacuum pump. Then even did it by pumping a bit on each to "make sure". Same thing.
Yanked the master cylinder off and installed the original, installed the banjo bolt with bleeder and tried it all again.
Same thing.
Good brakes...just too much travel. The lever does NOT get firmer / tighter pumping it up. Just too much travel.
What am I judging travel by? Last night I installed a master cylinder rebuild kit on a friend's OLD cruiser. Added speed bleeders, new pads and used the vacuum pump to flush / bleed the system.
With 15 year old rubber brake lines, he had a ROCK HARD lever with very little travel.
After riding his bike, then riding a newer bike last week, I'm about ready to sell the Katana because of the freaking brakes. It's ridiculous...
And before you ask if I tried this or that, read the thread I listed. If someone has mentioned, I have tried it.
Next step is buying ANOTHER set of brake lines (of course I threw away my old ones) and try that. Then I'll take the calipers off and go through them AGAIN.
NOTE: When pulling the brake lever, I get good brakes. At the end of the lever travel, when I JUST let off the lever there is an audible 'clunk' or 'click' that seems to be coming from the caliper(s).
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