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

Vertigo117 · 03-17-2008, 10:35 PM

Sorry for the all caps but F-ING DAMNIT! I just spent an hour bleeding my front and rear brakes... it had DOT 4 brake fluid in em, the bike is 2 years old, and was due to have the brakes bled. The lever would travel about half way before kicking in, even on the most sensitive setting. Even then, I could pull it all the way to the grip. So i bled the brakes today, sucked all the fluid through, emptying the reservoir, (the stuff was like, black... it really needed to be bled) and ran DOT 5.1 fluid through it (said it was compatible with DOT 4) and the brakes STILL SUCK! I bled the furthest caliper, then the other, then the master cylender, i'm positive no air got in, and while the brakes are better the lever still travels a good 1/3 the distance before I get any stopping power. All ZX10 brakes this bad or do i just suck?

kdankenb · 03-17-2008, 10:39 PM

this is one of the reasons i'm selling my upgraded MC. The stock master cylinders are just cheap bunk. If you want rock solid brakes, get SS lines, a good billet/forged brembo MC, and castrol SRF fluid.... and use a good bleeding system, I use a giant syringe and it works great. Or a bleeding kit...

Vertigo117 · 03-17-2008, 11:02 PM

Yeah I used a bleeding kit. i was so meticulous though it took me an hour... im OCD when it comes to bike maintenence.

beansbaxter · 03-18-2008, 02:02 AM

I'm fine with the stock brake pads... I upgraded my fluid and lines and that was all I needed.

Vertigo117 · 03-18-2008, 11:56 AM

The fluid is upgraded, 5.1. Is there anything above that...?

Spliffyaid · 03-18-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo117

The fluid is upgraded, 5.1. Is there anything above that...?

Nope, 5.1 is as good as it gets, you need a Brembo MC, simple as :) oh and braided lines :)

Vertigo117 · 03-18-2008, 01:28 PM

Will the braided lines cut it? or is the MC the culprit of why the brakes suck? what is up with that anyway... I build an 05 ZX6RR and bled the brakes myself, with only DOT 4 fluid, and they were a million times better... now the ZX10R, a more poweful bike, has worse brakes? how does that work? ughhh kawi fustraits me sometimes.

Spliffyaid · 03-18-2008, 01:49 PM

The master cylinder is 90% at fault, the calipers 10% :)

Vertigo117 · 03-18-2008, 02:05 PM

Wasnt someone just selling a brembo MC from an R1 on here? will that fit the ZX10R? if so i'll take it. These stock brakes NEED to go.

1bad07zx10r · 03-18-2008, 07:31 PM

I've upgraded pads and SS lines and still have sucky brakes. I'm ordering the forged Brembo kit fom CalSportbike.com, These kits sell for like $210 and include everything you need...

I think Kawasaki's master cylinders would make good paper weights...

madmax2295 · 03-18-2008, 07:44 PM

nice, i may get that also

Vertigo117 · 03-18-2008, 09:49 PM

Man... thanks for the input. I was thinking of doing just the lines but now that i know that, def. doin the MC as well.

MotoVegas · 03-19-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spliffyaid

Nope, 5.1 is as good as it gets, you need a Brembo MC, simple as :) oh and braided lines :)

Pretty much on the money here. But also the stock calipers also can contribute to the problem of fade. But yeah, the MC and lines help the majority of the issues.

Vertigo117 · 03-19-2008, 10:47 PM

Well im still the winning bidder... the auction ends at 10 2morrow. NO ONE ELSE BID. Rawr.

madmax2295 · 03-20-2008, 06:05 PM

whats the item number? ill out bid you if u want lol

any more on ebay that i could get?

Jester · 03-24-2008, 04:23 AM

havent had a real problem yet (one a couple times I have noticed fade) but I havent had a really chance to track this bike yet only some of australia's best twisties.

Braided lines are a must but I will be upgrading the MC before I hit the track.

kdankenb · 03-24-2008, 03:49 PM

wooohooo, just got my Billet Brembo in.. she sure is purdy...

Vertigo117 · 03-24-2008, 06:44 PM

wow yeah that is... what are the advantages of it over the one you just shipped me?

kdankenb · 03-24-2008, 11:33 PM

well this one is made for racing applications only, from billet aluminum, larger piston, very hard brake pull.... serious shat meng.. and the cost is over $400

lanomann · 03-25-2008, 09:04 PM

Well hello board its been a long time since i been on the board. But, anyhow i havent tried to bleed my brakes or change fluid. I did notice on a track day the brakes started to fade after a few sessions on the track. But on the street i'm good.
kdankenb what do i need to stop this?