Loving the brembo radial M/C ...and a question

Don Abbondio Posts : 313 Join date : 2015-08-20

Massive double thumbs up for the radial conversion.

Perhaps my old clutch MC was a bit iffy because my clutch feels like about 1/2 the effort now...

Loads of feel from the front brake.

And I can now adjust my Jota bars to wherever I like.

Question - am I correct in thinking there is no adjustment procedure for setting free play on the clutch with the radial MC? Just bleed the system then dial the lever to where it feels good?

Life is good in GRiSO world right now

GRiSO Capo Posts : 1533 Join date : 2015-01-04 Age : 63

Not sure what you mean Lazlo, there is a free play/distance from bars knurled adjuster on the end of the lever (that's what I call free play anyway = distance until it bites). Sounds like you call it 'dial the lever to where it feels good'. The ratio adjuster is obviously the knob in front of the italian flag.

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Don Abbondio Posts : 313 Join date : 2015-08-20

free play as in free play in the lever travel before the clutch begins to disengage

Montanarolo Posts : 16 Join date : 2022-08-28

Lazlokovacs wrote:: Massive double thumbs up for the radial conversion.

Perhaps my old clutch MC was a bit iffy because my clutch feels like about 1/2 the effort now...

Loads of feel from the front brake.

And I can now adjust my Jota bars to wherever I like.

Question - am I correct in thinking there is no adjustment procedure for setting free play on the clutch with the radial MC? Just bleed the system then dial the lever to where it feels good?

Life is good in GRiSO world right now

Lazlo, could you provide pictures of your set up? I'm looking to make a similar change to mine, debating whether to replace with as close to stock as possible, or upgrade to the radial conversion. Are there any other "bits" you need to complete the conversion?

GRiSO Capo Posts : 1533 Join date : 2015-01-04 Age : 63

In case it helps I wrote up the parts list & fitting instructions for mine here Fitting RCS controls

Depending on your set up & how you want to implement; you may/may not need all the options but at least guides your planning

Montanarolo Posts : 16 Join date : 2022-08-28

paulbrice wrote:: In case it helps I wrote up the parts list & fitting instructions for mine here Fitting RCS controls

Depending on your set up & how you want to implement; you may/may not need all the options but at least guides your planning

Paul this is very helpful thanks for sending over the notes with Instructions/pictures and list of needs. Adding the reservoirs is what's driving the change for me as my clutch reservoir is worn much like yours. Give me a few days to study and I may need your assistance moving forward, but your notes are a godsend.

God save the King?

Don Abbondio Posts : 122 Join date : 2017-04-22 Age : 62

Lazlokovacs wrote:: free play as in free play in the lever travel before the clutch begins to disengage

I disagree.

Free-Play in a Clutch (or Brake) system is the travel of the Plunger/Pushrod (moved by the Lever/Pedal) before it contacts the Piston.

It's a subtle difference, but an important one.

If there's no Free-Play, the Clutch will still work, but you could have the issue of the Piston not returning fully, effectively creating a 'Closed System'.
Same in a Brake System.

Biondino Posts : 210 Join date : 2021-11-17

paulbrice wrote:: In case it helps I wrote up the parts list & fitting instructions for mine here Fitting RCS controls

Depending on your set up & how you want to implement; you may/may not need all the options but at least guides your planning

Interesting Paul..!
Studied your part list and see that you have included brake lines and adapters. Is that needed or did you just want to replace them? In other words, could you have used the original ones, - "plug and play"?

Biondino Posts : 210 Join date : 2021-11-17

Sorry Paul, see that you have described why you changed the pipes thoroughly in the guide you linked to.

In another topic however (New Brembo Pumps), there is a guy who changed to the same brake pump and re-used the old pipes, that's why I wondered...
However, he does not mention whether he changed both sides or only one, could of course be different...

Don Abbondio Posts : 313 Join date : 2015-08-20

I managed to just use my original brake and clutch lines. But obviously, I'm running a different handlebar to stock

Biondino Posts : 210 Join date : 2021-11-17

Lazlokovacs wrote:: I managed to just use my original brake and clutch lines. But obviously, I'm running a different handlebar to stock

Ok. How is your handlebar different? Lower, shorter?

Don Abbondio Posts : 122 Join date : 2017-04-22 Age : 62

For other cheapskates like me, an alternative for a Radial Brake M/C is one off the later GSXR Series.

I fitted one on my Stelvio, along with M4 Monobloc Calipers from an Aprilia RSV, phenomenal braking!
Just had to make a simple Bracket to hold the Reservoir.

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Don Abbondio Posts : 313 Join date : 2015-08-20

I have laverda jota handlebars, beetle posted some pics of his, mine are basically the same, maybe a touch lower

Biondino Posts : 210 Join date : 2021-11-17

Lazlokovacs wrote:: I have laverda jota handlebars, beetle posted some pics of his, mine are basically the same, maybe a touch lower

Ok, thanks!
What's the benefit of changing from the original? How are they different?

Don Abbondio Posts : 313 Join date : 2015-08-20

With the jota bars only remote reservoirs work due to space issues... The cost of radials wasn't much more than new standard ones, so I took the plunge.

Much improved feel on brake and lighter effort on clutch.

GRiSO Capo Posts : 1533 Join date : 2015-01-04 Age : 63

Rizoma reservoirs can be attached to the brake master clamp with rizoma clamps (they aren't cheap though), so don't need to make a bracket...
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Tanabuso Posts : 54 Join date : 2024-01-06

So i the general princeiple with doing this swap that a larger MC bore size will reduce effort and reduce lever travel?

Ive located some decent looking non brembo RCS for a Ducati but they are both a 20mm bore.

GRiSO Capo Posts : 742 Join date : 2019-08-17 Age : 70

850-Nero wrote:: So i the general princeiple with doing this swap that a larger MC bore size will reduce effort and reduce lever travel?

Ive located some decent looking non brembo RCS for a Ducati but they are both a 20mm bore.

No sir. A larger bore will increase effort and reduce travel.

Tanabuso Posts : 54 Join date : 2024-01-06

rick pope wrote:

850-Nero wrote:: So i the general princeiple with doing this swap that a larger MC bore size will reduce effort and reduce lever travel?

Ive located some decent looking non brembo RCS for a Ducati but they are both a 20mm bore.

No sir. A larger bore will increase effort and reduce travel.

Oh ok!

Thanks for the info - so based on people here using the RCS 16 - going to a 20mm piston would mean less of an improvement

So what is the size of the factory clutch cylinder? I had thought i saw it was quite a bit smaller than 16 (thought i saw 12 somehwere) ...

These were the RCS i saw (i realise they are probably generic brembo copies)

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GRiSO Capo Posts : 10716 Join date : 2013-05-29 Age : 67

I bought a pair of those. They're too big.

Tanabuso Posts : 54 Join date : 2024-01-06

Pete Roper wrote:: I bought a pair of those. They're too big.

Damn! they looked like a good option!

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» RCS16 & RCS19 Radial controls experience
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