Weak Brakes

[Balky001]

One Suzuki trait seems to be weak brakes. My SV brakes were very average and my GSXR's seemed OK until I road a few others at speed and it showed mine to be weak in comparison. I've got braided steel lines, and Carbon Lorraine pads, systems working perfectly but I'm losing ouot on track days, and as most overtaking on track is on the brakes, not the throttle, its one area I want to improve.

I've spoken with Crescent Suzuki who recommended a Brembo Radial Master brake cylinder. This helps increase the pressure on the pads. The cylinder, with road kit comes to about £270. Has anyone fitted an aftermarket brake cylinder and if so, do you think it was worth the extra money.

I'm also thinking about the AP Superbike kit, lightweight disc, 6 pot calipers etc. At about £1200 I'd appreciate feedback from anyone whose tried these before I seriously considered it. Comments welcome on any other alternatives (I'm on Diablo's to tyres sticky enough to make the use of brakes upgrade). I know this is a GSXR query but I think it probably relates to all Suzukis.

[northwind]

There's a cheaper way of doing the Brembo radial MC- there's an equivalent part used as stock on some Duke Monsters which is available at a lower price.

FWIW I don't think the SV's short of braking power, it's just lacking in the ability to use it, with its budget front end. With absolutely stock brakes, you can lock the front wheel in the dry... I've gone with braided lines and EBC HH pads, but in my opinion the benefit's not extra power, but being able to use the power that's there better- there's much more sensitivity and feedback with the upgrades.

I'm not going to speak for GSXR bits of course, but it could be that the same applies, and a revalved front end and correct spring rates for your weight would make the difference you're looking for...

[Balky001]

Thanks for your comments Northwind. Your bike has the same set up as I had on my SV (EBC HH and HEL braided), better than stock but lacked the initial bite, especially when 100mph+ and whilst stoppies and front locks are possible, its the initial scrub off I need.

The GSXR's forks have been re-valved and re-sprung and are perfectly set-up. I'm up against my friends MV Agusta SPR with awesome 6 pot Nissins, and a SP2 that, although 4 pots non-radial, are fantastic. They can brake a good 50 metres later than me on most straights at similar speed - and they are heavier. On similar bikes I can usually outbrake both these riders so I don't think its technique although that's not to say any of us are any good!

I'm reluctant to pay £££'s out on minor increases so I was interested if anyone had seen great improvements. I let you know if I go for it

Cheers

Just to hijack things here,

Can you get ABS on bike's, and if so is it possible to fit it to a SV?

I find the rear locks up really really easy and the front sometimes feels like its on the limit when you have to throw the yankers on.

[northwind]

Hmm. If you'd not revalved already I'd say get 750 K4 forks on it with the radials... You need to speak to GSXR people I think though. Maybe, what is it, motoforum? It's a racer's site, mainly...

Reload, you can get ABS for bikes but I don't know if there's a retrofit system available. ATM it's mainly on Hondas, BMWs and really big tourers... I'd love it if it were done well and had an off switch...