Why Do Zx10r Brakes Suck So Much? - Page 6 : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

Dup · 08-08-2008, 11:25 PM

Sure thing on the ZX14 / ZX6 Calipers!!

I am racing my '07 ZX10R and had the same problem after a couple of laps.

We have guys here that modify the stock MC by shortening the push-pin on the piston, but only solves a tiny bit of the problem.
Then I went for the braided hoses and Castrol SRF fluid, this fluid is by far the best there is!! Solved another 30% of the problem.
Then fitted the ZX14 Calipers!!!! Amazing! All problems solved!! Now run with AP Racing pads, and they are excellent once warmed up, just be carefull if you use them and they are cold, they must be warmed up a bit - two or three good sqeeses on the brakes.

The main problem is definately the calipers!! Before I changed the calipers, I used to take the Tokico's off every weekend, clean them properly and put some Hi-temp grease on the outside of the pistons and work them properly in- and out. (carefull not to get some on the pads or disc!!!!!!!) and that helped for two or three sessions. But since I changed the calipers, no more problems, brake like the ZX6 - which have got some of the best brakes in the business and use the same calipers as the ZX14!!

Vertigo117 · 08-09-2008, 12:48 AM

stock zx10 brakes make me want to punch babies. End of story.

Elvis. · 08-09-2008, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dup

Sure thing on the ZX14 / ZX6 Calipers!!

I am racing my '07 ZX10R and had the same problem after a couple of laps.

We have guys here that modify the stock MC by shortening the push-pin on the piston, but only solves a tiny bit of the problem.
Then I went for the braided hoses and Castrol SRF fluid, this fluid is by far the best there is!! Solved another 30% of the problem.
Then fitted the ZX14 Calipers!!!! Amazing! All problems solved!! Now run with AP Racing pads, and they are excellent once warmed up, just be carefull if you use them and they are cold, they must be warmed up a bit - two or three good sqeeses on the brakes.

The main problem is definately the calipers!! Before I changed the calipers, I used to take the Tokico's off every weekend, clean them properly and put some Hi-temp grease on the outside of the pistons and work them properly in- and out. (carefull not to get some on the pads or disc!!!!!!!) and that helped for two or three sessions. But since I changed the calipers, no more problems, brake like the ZX6 - which have got some of the best brakes in the business and use the same calipers as the ZX14!!

Yeah! You are right man. Enjoy that feeling. It is a new bike. Am I true? I know that feeling.

Thats my CBR1000RR calipers which solved the problem too: http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1QUqVS

And this is me on my bike on public roads now:
http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1sZsHr
http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1yAX4S

But I really love riding a bike on race circuit. I hope I will make some photos from race track sometime :-)

atticdog · 08-12-2008, 03:55 PM

anyone know the size of the stock zx14 master cylinder?

Gloofy · 08-14-2008, 05:53 AM

I just bought SS lines for my 10. Should I hold off installing them and get a set of 14 calipers?

I haven't noticed a problem with the brakes, I haven't beat on them yet either.

I'll see if I can boil some brake fluid today. I assume

amounts of brake fade?

frombelgium · 08-14-2008, 03:38 PM

I think that the brakes on the 04/05 (gold calipers) are less bad than on the 06/07 (black calipers). Most of the people complaining own a 06/07 ....

frombelgium · 08-14-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frombelgium

My friend has Beringer MC, braided lines and ordered zx14 calipers too. I'll tell you the result.

Think it'll be awesome cause only the the swap of calipers is already impressive

I tried my friend's bike with the Beringer MC and 14 calipers. The feeling is even better than on my bike (only 14 calipers), softer lever but an expensive mod for the difference, I think (about 450$). The only swap of calipers is enough for a very good braking without lever travel.

frombelgium · 08-22-2008, 11:47 PM

If someone is interested, my seller sells calipers again, I recommend him, he's fair.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=160274923787

Gloofy · 08-24-2008, 02:36 PM

My 05 brakes seem fine. I installed SS lines today and they are better.

I noticed that my master cylinder is a NISSAN and the calipers are TOKICO. Is that right??

frombelgium · 08-25-2008, 10:24 AM

Yes axial mc on 04 05 radial on 06 07 but Nissin for both .

cgifly2 · 08-26-2008, 09:11 AM

Well my experience was different. I had my first Track Day, out at streets of Willow last friday, and went there thinking my brakes were going to suck but it was not the case. Althought the lever has more movement before it starts it never faded and I always had more than I needed. No granted "Streets" is not a fast track, infact down the straight the most I saw was 125mph so maybe that was part of the reason. But I still do hate the play in the lever and will be looking for the cause and cure with "stock" equipment.
Skeet

frombelgium · 08-26-2008, 12:19 PM

What do you want to do ?
I think pistons are too tight in the calipers.

kdankenb · 08-26-2008, 02:44 PM

ok,, just put on the Nissin 4 pots from an 07 6R, which are the same as the 14's... they feel the same as with my tokico's.., that is sitting still, as I said before, there will always be some lever travel before hitting rock solid feedback. Even with my Billet Brembo MC, SS lines, and Nissin 4 pots, there is still minor lever travel.. JESUS... really you want a bit of slack there anyway, for those OH SHIT moments.

so the real test will be in 2 weeks at the track, even with the tokicos and the Brembo MC, I didn't really notice much fade at all last race.. So maybe with the nissins, it will be a bit better... :)

my name is kale, and I appove this message....

how long can we beat this horse anyway... :)

Vertigo117 · 08-27-2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdankenb

how long can we beat this horse anyway... :)

was thinking the same thing... this thread has like, become my legacy. Long after im dead i will live on in ZX10 brake problems!

08kwacker10r · 08-28-2008, 01:33 PM

Sorry to kick the same horse again, but I have a few questions.I have the 08 ZX10, and do not think these brakes are nearly as good as the brakes on my other bikes, which have all been brembo MC w/ Brembo 4 pad calipers.I prefer a rock solid feel with my master cylinder especially at the end of the front straight at road america.I am planning to put a brembo MC on the new 10, but are the calipers better on the 08 than on previous models.Besides stainless lines and a MC arethe calipers on the new bike better as well?

kdankenb · 08-28-2008, 02:01 PM

hmm, not sure on the 08, but you have tokico's, so who knows, i doubt it would hurt gettin some nissins, that would be cheaper than a Brembo MC. Forged or Billet, I think ? Got mine on ebay for $225, new GP billet MC is $390

in an effort to continue Vertigo's legacy and make it stronger, we shall make this thread last throughout eternity

no horse shall be safe!

Vertigo117 · 08-28-2008, 05:00 PM

If it gets stickied i'll be a legend.

kdankenb · 08-31-2008, 11:51 AM

defibrillator hit :)

Vertigo117 · 08-31-2008, 12:19 PM

hahaha.... well theres a new thread now... about hitting the calipers with WD-40? hes trying to steal my glory!

kdankenb · 09-02-2008, 11:33 AM

well, after the overnight wait, and final bleed on the nissins, i must say there is still an improvement over the tokico's as far as lever travel, and "stiffness" .

this post is completely meaningless I know, just trying to keep the dream alive...