XT Brakes
 

Hi there, new to the forum, so hello to one and all.

I'm the proud owner of an 88 XT600. Bought it in 02 when I was commuting in London, used it for a year or so, since then its been parked in the back of the garage gethering dust. Now living in Devon, dragged the old girl out, sorted a few things, and got her MOT'd yesterday. Lovely to have her back, been riding a fireblade and a KTM 250exc for a while now - couldn't find 2 bikes more different than the XT.

Anyway, 7 years in the garage dont seem to have improved the brakes at all - I seem to remember they were pretty bad first time round. I'm thinking maybe twin pot caliper from a newer model might be the way forward. Can anyone tell me what, if anything , fits. Or are there any other mods I can do to get them to work a bit better. Got fresh fluid, newish pads and the disc isnt worn.

Any help gratefully received.

its time for a over haul
 

hi if you have|t already fitted a braided hose that will make a difference also a caliper and master cylinder over haul seal kit , if its been sitting all those years the seals are not going to be at their best , also look at the pads are they glazed or coming apart (friction material coming away from the metal backing) so seal kits , braided hose and new fluid ( maybe pads) should have them back to their best steve

So you think a simple overhaul will be enough? Thats good to know. I'd sort of asumed that cos they went to a twin pot caliper on later models that the single pot wasnt really up to the job.
To be fair to the old beast they do stop it, but the feel is terrible - very wooden - and you definately need all 4 fingers on the lever and a bloody hard squeeze to pull it up in a hurry.
I will get the bits ordered and give it a go. Many thanks.

Second hand braided hose and a seal kit at both ends seems to have done the trick. The pads were still good, so i left them, and obviously new fluid.

Got feel and stopping power like I didnt have before. Excellent stuff.

Generally speaking, the XT brakes feel pretty sufficient, considering the time the bike was built, and what its intended purpose was/still is.

Glad you got yours sorted. My front brake is due for a good bit of service here also in the not too distant future, as my lever jsut doesnt feel as strong as it could.

I am sure that the disc as fitted to an 88year XT is smaller than the 4PT disc/twin pot caliper.

Hi,

Glad things worked out for you.

For general background, I have a little information. In 1990 the XT600 moved from the previous 38mm x 1 pot caliper to the 32mm x 2 pot Nissin caliper. The mounting holes are spaced differently (i.e. different matching fork lowers) and so are not interchangable.

It's a shame the spacing of the mounting points is different, and I guess we have to stick with the original caliper (unless a more major upgrade is planned)?

Geoff

Actually, you can ABSOLUTELY upgrade to the 2 piston unit, all you need to do so, is an adapter made up for it if you've got a good measuring system and a steady drill press, its quite simple. I've seen an upgrade adapter offered for the SV650 to put better 4 piston calipers off an SV1000 onto that bike, so theres absolutey nothing stopping you.