GSXR 600 SRAD 98' Brake Upgrade

Recently bought a 98' GSXR SRAD 600 and the brakes scare me, they're either on or off there's no squeezing the lever to increase the breaking force.
Feels like it's going to get me in a bad situation this time of year.

Tried looking on the GSXR forum directly (the SV forum is clearly better) and from what I've seen most people seem to change the master cyclinder to a more recent 'radial' one? for the best improvement.

Thought about taking the bike to local Suzuki garage and asking for a 'brake rebuild' if that's the right thing to ask? (tell me if I'm wrong)
Clean brakes, new seals, new fluid and providing them with a new master cylinder.
I'd like to get HEL braided lines front and back as well but I don't know where to start with which master cylinder or anything else for that matter.

Chris

[Sid Squid]

If they're truly rubbish then they're not working right, and not even the bestest master cylinder in the world is going to help. As standard those brakes are still good even nowadays amongst more modern stuff, not the best you'll ever get it's true - things have moved on, but they really shouldn't be poor at all.

Work out what's wrong before fitting different parts.

Your description- "they're either on or off there's no squeezing the lever to increase the breaking force" is confusing.
Brakes ARE either on or off. How much they're on depends on the hydraulic pressure applied to the pads, and the condition of everything in the system
Does some brake pressure get you some stopping force? Does it remain weak no matter how hard you squeeze? Is the lever firm initially? Does the lever go to the bar? Have you looked to see if the friction material on the pads is within limits? What pads are in it?

If I gently squeeze the lever it won't move, squeeze it a bit harder and the lever jumps towards me and the brakes are firmly on.
There's no middle ground as if I was filtering in traffic, I can't gently introduce the brakes.
Haven't particularly looked at them to be honest and I've only really sat down today and thought about it when I got home from work (by which time is was dark)
I've only had it since Thursday so still getting to grips with everything but it certainly doesn't feel right. I'm going to pop into the garage tomorrow and ask if they can have a look at the brakes seeing as its getting a few bits fitted as well as a service

[Tomor]

Personally sounds like sticking pistons?

[Sid Squid]

Sounds more like the lever isn't moving freely, try lubricating the lever pivot, also check the end of the lever where it presses the piston, if it's worn and has a flat on it rather than a neat radius, the brake action can get odd.

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Sounds more like the lever isn't moving freely, try lubricating the lever pivot, also check the end of the lever where it presses the piston, if it's worn and has a flat on it rather than a neat radius, the brake action can get odd.

+1

I think id strip the caliper n rebuild anyway, even if it is the lever. Cant do it any harm on an old bike!

Originally Posted by otaylor38

I think id strip the caliper n rebuild anyway, even if it is the lever. Cant do it any harm on an old bike!

Quite a lot of damage is done to calipers during rebuilds.
I'd look them over well for leaks, clean them up, check the piston action, make sure they aren't dragging, then bleed new fluid into the system, which is a good time to look for dirt in the reservoir. Checking the condition of the boot around the M/C piston is a good idea too. If you find something that needs fixing, fix it.

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by wideguy

Quite a lot of damage is done to calipers during rebuilds.

How so? If it's done properly there should be no damage at all, if one is not capable of doing it properly one should not try to.
Brake calipers are very simple assemblies, it should be within most people's abilities to make a suitable job of it.