Since I can't leave well enough alone, I decided to try upgrading the last untouched components in my brake system...the calipers.
Personally, I never experienced the problems with the OEM calipers that many have (excessive lever travel / mushy feel). I simply figured that if it's a chance for an upgrade, I'm going to run with it! My biggest complaints on the stock ones were lack of initial bite to the brakes, and the fact that there was a bit of drag as well (pistons not fully releasing). I had already upgraded brake pads, brake lines, rotors, and a Magura 195 master cylinder.
I purchased almost a brand new set of 06 GSXR1000 calipers off of Ebay for a whopping $80 for the set. If you buy them brand new from Suzuki, they go for about $280/each!
Since the brakeline mounting location on the GSXR calipers is different from the stock Triumph's, I had to purchase a couple of new fittings, but no big deal. I already had a 28" line on the left, and a 26" on the right. They fit, but the right side was a little tight for my taste, so I ordered up another 28". Now the slack on both sides is almost identical.
One thing that I noticed was that the GSXR caliper pistons release properly (unlike the stock ones). When I took it for a ride, I could tell that I have more initial bite...just what I was looking for. Once you start putting more pressure on the lever, you really start to notice the extra power that you have. I went to hit a small stoppie, and it turned into a really big one in a hurry! I'm sure that once I get some time on these, and get the new SBS Race Sintered pads bedded in, I will like it even more. I'm heading to Mid Ohio here in a few weeks for the real test at track speeds.
On another note, I took apart the OEM calipers and removed the pistons. From what I can tell, these are a coated piston (there's been a lot of debate on whether or not these are). I don't know if they've made any kind of running change (as Triumph is notorious of doing), but it ended the debate for me at least.
So if you're wanting to do this mod, here's what you'll need:
1) 05-06 GSXR Calipers...Ebay for $75 - $100/set
2) 28" Goodridge lines
4) 35 degree banjo fittings
2) 10x1.25mm single banjo bolts (caliper)
1) 10x1.25mm double banjo bolt for master cylinder. Use 10x1.0 with a Magura setup
7) crush washers
1) 19 or 20mm radial master cylinder (aftermarket, or buy the OEM GSXR one...Ebay)
4) GSXR caliper bolts (or modify calipers and use stock Triumph bolts)
4) spacers. I got some nice M10 chrome ones at my local dealer.
ummm, I think that was it...
Since I had the chrome spacers/washers, I also polished the GSXR caliper bolts to match.
Let me know if you have any questions...have fun!
Here's a pic of the OEM Triumph caliper pistons:
Linear Mode
