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81 XJ650 - Identifying a Master Cylinder

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Tristan Kernick, Mar 8, 2025 at 6:39 PM.

  1. Tristan Kernick

    Tristan Kernick Member

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    Rebuilt the master cylinder on my 81 XJ650 Maxim over the winter, and it’s occurred to me that it doesn’t look quite like any of the pictures of this bike online. Normally, I’ve seen master cylinders with the big “YAMAHA” branding on the cover, but mine shows no branding whatsoever. It also never sits completely flat on the buckhorn bars, even when the bike is on its center stand. This makes it a little annoying to bleed the brakes.

    IMG_7981.jpeg IMG_7982.jpeg

    So, is this thing an aftermarket MC, or is it OEM?
     
    Tristan Kernick, Mar 8, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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  2. slackard

    slackard Active Member

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    Looks a lot like what was on my 82 xj650. I don't think mine had the big YAMA logo on it either. From the diagrams It looks like the correct/original MC & also looks like its in very good shape. Top of cap at angle (not parallel) to the piston bore, integral mirror mount, etc. Looks correct.

    These integrated reservoir levers never sit completely level.. a modern caliper w remote reservoir is the only real solution.

    Partzilla 81 XJ650 Master Cylinder
     
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
    slackard, Mar 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM
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    Tristan Kernick likes this.
  3. Tristan Kernick

    Tristan Kernick Member

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    Huh. So, I guess there’s just different styles of stock master cylinder. I really wish they came up with some way for it to sit more level (would be easier to fill and bleed), but I suppose it can’t be helped.
     
    Tristan Kernick, Mar 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM
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