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The 2-Stroke Garage => General Chatter => Topic started by: 2smokenNick on October 31, 2019, 05:45:47 PM

Title: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on October 31, 2019, 05:45:47 PM
Hello all! I am pretty new to the forum and have found a gold mine! I am only 19 and have already been hooked by old two strokes! I am in the process of getting my '77 RD400 on the road for the first time in 35+ years and would like to do a brake upgrade. I have seen many great builds of the folks on the forum and would like to give it a shot. So far I have been able to acquire a 2001 r6 caliper and a fzr600 rotor, and am working on the caliper adapter by hand. Pretty much all I need is a rotor spacer. I don't have the precision equipment needed to make one and would like to know if anybody could help me out.
Thanks everybody!
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: The Red Scourge on November 01, 2019, 09:45:28 AM
http://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=184.0

Mark mentions a 12mm spacer at the beginning of this post.  I'm about to embark on this journey myself.  This one is in the Tech Library section.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: sav0r on November 01, 2019, 10:22:07 AM
I'm about five days from having my mill back on line. I can machine you one once I'm back working. I forget what I charge to do that, but as I recall it's not too expensive as it's a fairly easy part to make.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: m in sc on November 01, 2019, 10:22:17 AM
TBH I THINK I NEED TO UPDATE THAT TO 13MM. SORRY CAPS, DOING SPEC SHEETS AT WORK. I'LL MEASURE MINE, THE PROJECT IS HERE AT WORK IN THE WAREHOUSE.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 01, 2019, 03:03:47 PM
Thanks guys! Much appreciated!
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: m in sc on November 01, 2019, 04:10:41 PM
yup. 13mm (1/2")
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 03, 2019, 11:28:47 PM
I used 1/2 and I barely had to file the caliper for clearance.

I've got to say now that I've actually made the rotor spacer, pretty much by eye and trial and error, I should have just bought one..! I used close to $150 in materials and tools when one could be bought for 50 now...

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152807931675 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152807931675)
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 03, 2019, 11:57:48 PM
Quote from: Frank B on November 03, 2019, 11:28:47 PM
I used 1/2 and I barely had to file the caliper for clearance.

I've got to say now that I've actually made the rotor spacer, pretty much by eye and trial and error, I should have just bought one..! I used close to $150 in materials and tools when one could be bought for 50 now...

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152807931675 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152807931675)
Cool! It's nice to see I have some options! What caliper/rotor did you use? I'm not sure what size thickness spacer to use...
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 08:53:00 AM
I used fzr600 rotor and an fz8 caliper, Zuma 50 11mm master cylinder . Just because that's what was a good price when I did it. There are a lot of models that use the same rotors and calipers and different colors too. You'll need A new or different brake line, cheap on eBay as well. Longer bolts to hold the rotor on, and chase the threads in the wheel with a tap all the way in.
There still was a little filing and massaging to do but it works great. Don't be put off if it rubs a little and you need to file something to get it to clear..
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: m in sc on November 04, 2019, 09:02:32 AM
yeah, frank did good on his for sure.  :patriot:
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 04, 2019, 02:15:09 PM
Sweet thanks for the tips. Found a master cylinder that will work, but can't seem to find the right brake line. Any advice? Most seem like the universal type that probably won't work...
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: rodneya on November 04, 2019, 04:05:36 PM
Quote from: 2smokenNick on November 04, 2019, 02:15:09 PM
Sweet thanks for the tips. Found a master cylinder that will work, but can't seem to find the right brake line. Any advice? Most seem like the universal type that probably won't work...
Nick

Russell stainless brake lines come in all sorts of lengths and ends just thread on so you can chose straight or angled as needed
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 09:58:27 PM
Cheap eBay ones I used, front and rear.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273463710704 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273463710704)
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 10:03:04 PM
Quote from: m in sc on November 04, 2019, 09:02:32 AM
yeah, frank did good on his for sure.  :patriot:

I had great guidance  ;D
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 04, 2019, 10:07:41 PM
Quote from: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 09:58:27 PM
Cheap eBay ones I used, front and rear.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273463710704 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273463710704)
Thank you for the link. I'll give the 31.5 inch ones a try...or maybe go longer? Shorter?
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: pdxjim on November 04, 2019, 10:08:30 PM
Quote from: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 10:03:04 PM
Quote from: m in sc on November 04, 2019, 09:02:32 AM
yeah, frank did good on his for sure.  :patriot:

I had great guidance  ;D

Wow, that's cheap!

I was looking at about $70 to have them made locally.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 10:09:37 PM
I'd have to measure it later, but I think that'll work.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: m in sc on November 04, 2019, 10:10:38 PM
hopefully we'll be getting some cnc machines again soon, the shop quit and went dormant when i left back in 09, and im back at that company. we were looking at new ones today actually. stay tuned.  :haw:
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 10:11:33 PM
Quote from: pdxjim on November 04, 2019, 10:08:30 PM
Quote from: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 10:03:04 PM
Quote from: m in sc on November 04, 2019, 09:02:32 AM
yeah, frank did good on his for sure.  :patriot:

I had great guidance  ;D

Wow, that's cheap!

I was looking at about $70 to have them made locally.

The seller is in California so I'd guess that they're made in and imported from China but they're holding up to some hard riding..
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 10:15:43 PM
Here's a completed pic of the front brake upgrade on mine,

(https://i.ibb.co/N2WBbh1/CF126-BB6-42-C5-4-D2-B-B046-5-DDD2-A20-D092.jpg)
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 04, 2019, 10:24:36 PM
That looks fantastic! Pretty much exactly what I'm aiming for!
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: SUPERTUNE on November 05, 2019, 08:09:50 AM
Mine on the Yellow Screamer

(https://photos.imageevent.com/supertune/motorcyclepics/large/20191021_204715.jpg)

(https://photos.imageevent.com/supertune/motorcyclepics/large/20191021_204734.jpg)

Chuck
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: SUPERTUNE on November 05, 2019, 08:15:24 AM
RD400 with a rules restricting 2 piston caliper off my F-500 racebike, on Daytona Special 35mm forks. 

(https://photos.imageevent.com/supertune/motorcyclepics/large/20191021_202726.jpg)
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: pdxjim on November 05, 2019, 09:44:23 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/LgtVh9D/F59-A346-C-C26-F-4454-AB8-B-776-C50-A50-CE2.jpg)
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Organicjedi on November 05, 2019, 10:33:18 AM
I have 27.5" on the front but have lower bars than you and am using the hard line.

Measure with some string and make sure you can turn lock to lock with enough clearance.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2 Stroke Jamoke on November 05, 2019, 10:46:23 AM
Heres mine!
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Seizer on November 05, 2019, 02:16:21 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191105/1e1782c6adeb5e574e5405ffad89456c.jpg)

Bought the fabbed bits from Garrett, caliper from eBay, a new FZR600 disc from the local motorcycle shop, Galfer braided line and a 13(?)mm "Slimline" master cylinder from Mike'sXS. A fantastic upgrade.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: pdxjim on November 05, 2019, 03:55:01 PM
Yeah, Garrett's CNC hanger is super nice.   :cheerleader:
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 05, 2019, 04:18:27 PM
I was told he no longer makes these parts. Is that true? All of these conversions look killer!
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Joshua on November 05, 2019, 08:44:50 PM
Got mine from Garrett as well. Still putting my bike together, so I'm a ways out. He was super nice to deal with.

Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 05, 2019, 08:59:38 PM
Quote from: Joshua on November 05, 2019, 08:44:50 PM
Got mine from Garrett as well. Still putting my bike together, so I'm a ways out. He was super nice to deal with.
Looks great! How long ago did he make the parts for you?
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: pdxjim on November 05, 2019, 09:15:18 PM
I think Garrett has access to a CNC mill again, so you may be in luck 👍
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 05, 2019, 10:00:58 PM
Quote from: pdxjim on November 05, 2019, 09:15:18 PM
I think Garrett has access to a CNC mill again, so you may be in luck 👍
Sweet! I have just about all the parts I need for the conversion except for the rotor spacer. I am trying to make the caliper adapter by hand and it seems to be working out ok. Attached is a picture of my progress so far! (Keep in mind I'm just a novice 19 year old:)
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 05, 2019, 10:03:33 PM
Here's another picture.
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Joshua on November 06, 2019, 07:38:39 AM
Keep rocking it!  You got it!
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: m in sc on November 06, 2019, 10:21:12 AM
yeah, looks good.  :patriot:
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 06, 2019, 01:29:34 PM
Thanks guys! Can't wait to get a spacer made and have me some big brakes! There's a cool factor to keeping a bike mostly original, but an even cooler factor of making it your own!
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 06, 2019, 04:06:32 PM
Looking good  :righteous:

Any concern about changing it from original will be forgotten the first time you have a panic stop, and actually stop!
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Frank B on November 06, 2019, 04:11:33 PM
Quote from: 2smokenNick on November 04, 2019, 10:07:41 PM
Quote from: Frank B on November 04, 2019, 09:58:27 PM
Cheap eBay ones I used, front and rear.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273463710704 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273463710704)
Thank you for the link. I'll give the 31.5 inch ones a try...or maybe go longer? Shorter?
Nick

I half assed measured mine and it was 27.5 with stock handlebars. The line had a straight fitting on one end and a slight angle on the other. I put the angled end on the master cylinder.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 06, 2019, 08:07:40 PM
Thanks guys! It's fun to see a project slowly come together!
Nick
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: rodneya on November 06, 2019, 11:14:07 PM
When did the caliper mount move from the front to the back of the fork?
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 07, 2019, 12:09:28 AM
Quote from: rodneya on November 06, 2019, 11:14:07 PM
When did the caliper mount move from the front to the back of the fork?
Not sure what you mean...?
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: RDFL on November 07, 2019, 12:13:20 AM
Quote from: rodneya on November 06, 2019, 11:14:07 PM
When did the caliper mount move from the front to the back of the fork?
On US models came with the 400.
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 50gary on November 07, 2019, 08:44:45 PM
Quote from: 2smokenNick on November 05, 2019, 10:03:33 PM
Here's another picture.
Nick
Nick, good effort thus far.  If you're doing hand work if recommend making a complete pattern from display cardboard first, then test fit your parts to the cardboard pattern  The critical part is the alignment of the two sets of holes and their relationship to each set will determine the rotor path clearing the inside radius of the caliper.  Doing the one off part I would bore the holes first then cut your profile.  With square edges it's much easier and accurate to drill your holes while hold the part in a vice of some sort.  If you're doing it by layout measuring from a straight line is easy, a curved one.. not so much.  BTW, are you using the stock RD400 mag wheel, just to be sure?  Just trying to give few tips when learning how to make parts from metal.
   Cheers, 50gary
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: 2smokenNick on November 07, 2019, 08:58:57 PM
Quote from: 50gary on November 07, 2019, 08:44:45 PM
Quote from: 2smokenNick on November 05, 2019, 10:03:33 PM
Here's another picture.
Nick
Nick, good effort thus far.  If you're doing hand work if recommend making a complete pattern from display cardboard first, then test fit your parts to the cardboard pattern  The critical part is the alignment of the two sets of holes and their relationship to each set will determine the rotor path clearing the inside radius of the caliper.  Doing the one off part I would bore the holes first then cut your profile.  With square edges it's much easier and accurate to drill your holes while hold the part in a vice of some sort.  If you're doing it by layout measuring from a straight line is easy, a curved one.. not so much.  BTW, are you using the stock RD400 mag wheel, just to be sure?  Just trying to give few tips when learning how to make parts from metal.
   Cheers, 50gary
Thanks for the pointers. I know the alignment is the most important part and will be tricky. I got the template off of the forum so that should get me pretty close. Just doing my best. If it doesn't work out, I'll just try again! Yup, keeping the original mag wheels. Hopefully everything works out. Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: RDFL on November 08, 2019, 11:25:37 PM
What years of the FZR600 for disc?
Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: Seizer on November 08, 2019, 11:42:25 PM
1990-99 IIRC.


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Title: Re: Yamaha RD400 caliper conversion
Post by: RDFL on November 08, 2019, 11:51:30 PM
Quote from: Seizer on November 08, 2019, 11:42:25 PM
1990-99 IIRC.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks, must be the same as the 1000 (89 IIRC) that was what I used on one a couple of years ago thought maybe I remembered wrong.