New brake

Leonardo Sá

Leonardo Sá

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2025
Total Posts
32
Total likes
23
Location
Brasil
Hello my friends, good evening to you all!! I would like to hear your opinion! I'm thinking about upgrading the brakes on my 1989 Honda CB 450 DX motorcycle, as I can no longer find new front brake discs for sale! I would like to know if it's possible to adapt discs from more modern motorcycles? Brake calipers with two pistons? And if anyone has already upgraded the front brakes on their motorcycle, please post photos here so I can get some inspiration and new ideas! My motorcycle uses two solid brake discs and calipers, each with only one piston!1000963505.jpg1000372191.jpg
 
Your motivation stems from a lack of replacement rotors? Are you experiencing any problems?

Probably you're already aware, but a common way to accomplish what you are contemplating is to swap in a front end from a more modern motorcycle. Otherwise, you are likely stuck fabricating brackets and mounting plates to accommodate the replacement rotors and calipers.

Your current setup looks like science fiction from the perspective of my mid-70s braking technology!
 
There is a good chance any of the 5 bolt Honda rotors from a newer bike will fit, but, you will need to make brackets to hold calipers for larger diameter rotors.
I used 5/8" (~16mm) T6061 when I put Suzuki calipers on my Yamaha XS650.
It's thick enough to machine recesses at mounting points to line up caliper with rotor then 'carve' into a nicer shape than basic rectangle.KatanaBrakesonXS650Right.jpg
 
stl360+450 said:
Your motivation stems from a lack of replacement rotors? Are you experiencing any problems?

Probably you're already aware, but a common way to accomplish what you are contemplating is to swap in a front end from a more modern motorcycle. Otherwise, you are likely stuck fabricating brackets and mounting plates to accommodate the replacement rotors and calipers.

Your current setup looks like science fiction from the perspective of my mid-70s braking technology!
Click to expand...
Brother, thank you very much for your attention! I can't say there's a problem with my motorcycle's brakes! But I find them somewhat inefficient in braking, I believe it's because of the condition of the brake discs, which are quite worn! And I use my motorcycle every day and need a good front brake! Since I can't find the original discs for sale in stores anymore, I'm thinking about upgrading these brake systems! I liked your idea of replacing the entire front suspension, since it has new brake calipers and discs, I'll start researching that! Maybe even an inverted suspension? Or just put on a brake disc, but with a larger diameter? We'll see... Here in Brazil we also have problems with tires, because the tires on my motorcycle, which are 90-90-19 in the front and 110-90-18 in the rear, are no longer manufactured with the same design as the originals, so we are forced to use tires with off-road trail bike treads...
 
crazypj said:
There is a good chance any of the 5 bolt Honda rotors from a newer bike will fit, but, you will need to make brackets to hold calipers for larger diameter rotors.
I used 5/8" (~16mm) T6061 when I put Suzuki calipers on my Yamaha XS650.
It's thick enough to machine recesses at mounting points to line up caliper with rotor then 'carve' into a nicer shape than basic rectangle.View attachment 58843
Click to expand...
Awesome, my friend, I love the idea! I'll definitely check it out! You could even install a much bigger disc, which here in Brazil we call a "SPORTS DISC"! THANKS FOR YOUR IDEA 💡
 
crazypj said:
Oh, have you changed brake hoses yet?
I made up some stainless braided when I did dual disc on Yamaha, deliberately used 'loop' over fender to show people I knew how to bleed brakes even though a 'splitter' would have been easier
Click to expand...
Did you prepare your brake hoses yourself? How did you get that steel rod and the fittings?
 
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