86 GSXR 1100G broken braking!

[Southern Biker]

Hey, my 86 gixer 1100 has the worst brakes in the world, and I know sweet FA about brakes in general so It's out there.
They are soft, unresponsive and you almost need two hands to pull her up, the back isnt much better although at least you can stand on that sucker.
Any ideas are much appreciated.. Thanks in advance.
Also I'm wondering what is the biggest tyre i can put on the back?

DDD

[vifferman]

Hey, my 86 gixer 1100 has the worst brakes in the world, and I know sweet FA about brakes in general so It's out there.
They are soft, unresponsive and you almost need two hands to pull her up, the back isnt much better although at least you can stand on that sucker.
Any ideas are much appreciated.. Thanks in advance.
Also I'm wondering what is the biggest tyre i can put on the back?

DDD

Your brakes need an overhaul. Replace the brake fluid, clean out the calipers, mebbe relace the seals if they're ferkt, polish the pistons if they're corroded, replace the calipers if the pistons and bores are REALLY corroded. If none of that is the case, then look at replacing the lines. After 42 years, the lines are probably 'ted, and spongified. Some good braided lines'll fix that puppy.

[Max Preload]

This should be fun!

[MSTRS:Me]

...worst brakes...
Also I'm wondering what is the biggest tyre i can put on the back?

Vifferman has covered what you need to do brake-wise.
Tyre...not sure. But would think that 150/90x18? is close

[Katman]

I know sweet FA about brakes in general

Your brakes need an overhaul. Replace the brake fluid, clean out the calipers, mebbe relace the seals if they're ferkt, polish the pistons if they're corroded, replace the calipers if the pistons and bores are REALLY corroded. If none of that is the case, then look at replacing the lines. After 42 years, the lines are probably 'ted, and spongified. Some good braided lines'll fix that puppy.

I would suggest taking it to a workshop might be the safest option.

[Max Preload]

Also I'm wondering what is the biggest tyre i can put on the back?

Tyre...not sure. But would think that 150/90x18? is close

You don't understand the purpose of the question...

I would suggest taking it to a workshop might be the safest option.

Nah. It's only brakes. Just replace the brake hoses with a length of garden hose with well secured duct tape connections to the ports. She'll be right!

[Southern Biker]

Your brakes need an overhaul. Replace the brake fluid, clean out the calipers, mebbe relace the seals if they're ferkt, polish the pistons if they're corroded, replace the calipers if the pistons and bores are REALLY corroded. If none of that is the case, then look at replacing the lines. After 42 years, the lines are probably 'ted, and spongified. Some good braided lines'll fix that puppy.

An overhaul it is thanks a mill bruv.

[fatzx10r]

if you know FA about brake's then it might pay to get some one that does to look at them for ya. as for the tyre size you'd be best just to stick with the standard size

[Bonez]

After 42 years, the lines are probably 'ted, and spongified. Some good braided lines'll fix that puppy.

Must be a classic if it is 42

[Katman]

Nah. It's only brakes. Just replace the brake hoses with a length of garden hose with well secured duct tape connections to the ports. She'll be right!

Are you thinking of the same Trademe thread I'm thinking of.

[Southern Biker]

cheers, I've had a look they are just old basically, no surprises there, I've used a steel braid for one of the lines, and just that has improved it slightly, new fluid and braided lines for the rest is next, plus the front pads are a bit worn, but, I want brakes that stop me NOW! so will see how it goes.
Back tyre is currently 160/60 I'd like to go bigger if possible.

[MSTRS:Me]

The whole brake system really should be stripped and cleaned. You might be surprised how much crap is in there, and just renewing fluid (and pads) may not be enough.
A 160/60 is probably as big as you can go. If there is room within the swingarm, maybe a 170 will go...but how do you know that the 160 is not already oversized? Besides, hasn't your girlfriend ever told you that bigger is not always better?
This says that 150 is the right tyre... http://hem.bredband.net/b375786/history.htm

[Southern Biker]

It's funny you know she's never brought it up.

[FROSTY:Me]

SB. Mstrs has it really well covered.
Before ya replace brake lines and suchlike you need to make sure all the current opperating components are --well operating the best they can be.
Rather than braided lines I'd be buying seals for the pistons NEW pad slides,some fresh brake fluid and a set of decent pads.
The whole system needs a huck out.
Once you know that all is operating correctly then if you're still not happy then go down the braided line path

[Max Preload]

It's funny you know she's never brought it up.

Probably doesn't want to give you a complex.