I am the proud new owner of a 81 XJ750R Seca! It needs some work, and the first thing I'm doing is a brake system rennovation/rebuild.

I'm real surprised at the horrible location of the master cylinder!! It took me about 10 minutes with my mag-light to find the darned thing, let alone gain access to it!

My question is this - is there a semi-easy way to gain access to it for rebuilding/bleeding purposes, or do I have to indeed do what I think I have to do - disconnect every little connection in the headlight bucket!!! ??? OUCH!!


Chad

Columbus, OH
1981 Yamaha XJ750R Seca
1978 (same year as me!) Suzuki GS550E

In my experiences no. It's the most ridiculous, complicated and tiresome front brake system I've ever seen. The master cylinder is the the WORST place possible with the exception of having it inside the engine cases.

To help aid the problem I tore off the gauges and headlights and replaced them with little tiny units that give me somewhat easier access. But it's still way more work than I'd like.

Has anyone done a conversion to a more traditional style lever/master cylinder? With the master being on the handlebar? Almost seems worth it.


However - You can get at it for filling/bleeding purposes without having to disconnect any wires, it's just tight. Pull the headlights down and push the gauges up, you should be able to get enough access to take the top off, it's a pain though. Just make sure everything is working how you want it before you put it back together :P

A couple of guys from the XJowners mailing list (see links) have convered their MC to a different type with SS lines. I wish I had links to a guide....

Doesn't sound too hard.
I assume you'd just replace the master cylinder and brake lines (so they reach the new location on the handlebars) and use a double banjo bolt to tie both lines to the same master cylinder.