Ducati Monster Forum

I'm interested in hearing what others have done to upgrade the brakes on the S2R 800. I have a 2006 S2R 800. The bike has been very reliable but the brakes leave alot to be desired especially when compared to the Tokico's on my CBR600.

You can get brakes from some of the older Monsters/Ducatis, and/or find some from the larger displacement Monsters.  These are the 4 pot calipers.

Or, you can get better performing pads.  But, that's kind of like polishing a turd (= 2 pot calipers).

I went with S2R1K set-up.

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/hundredpercentkill/Motorcycles/ducgif.gif)

I added 320mm rotors off a 998, calipers off of an 06 SC1000 and 999 Clutch and Brake Radial master cylinders. Aside from rerouting the brake cables it was all bolt on.  I upgraded to Ferodo Platinum pads as well.

I'm very happy it.  Great initial bite, good feel. 

For the dollars though the DP brake kit offered for the S2R is actually very competetively priced.

Is there a difference between the S2R803 and the SC1000 calipers?  They're both 2 pots right?

NO difference Dark. Forks are the same millimeter spacing. Like mentioned prior, brake lines are different. Best bet is to choose from an older model bike. Mine (as you know since you helped me put them on) are from my old M800 (2003)

the sc1000 comes with a 2 pot 4 pad 65mm brembo caliper.  the stock s2r is 2pot 2pad.  if i could've found 4pot 4 pad i would have but none were avail at the time.

Although the brakes on my S2R1K were ok in stock form, I rarely leave anything stock on my bikes.

I went with the brake/clutch master from a 999R, the Brembo 4 pad/4 piston calipers (the same one's found on the 999/749 but in gold), Alth Superbike rotors, Rizoma reservoirs, Pazzo levers, and custom Spiegler lines.

It was a HUGE upgrade in braking performance but not cheap.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/NewMonster021.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/NewMonsterMods001-1.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/NewMonsterMods028.jpg)

you should tryout some more aggressive pads before you change anything else. It just might be enough to get what you are looking for.

It's a easy and affordable test before getting the more $$$ brake parts.

just my $.02

Q

I agree with the above statement. Change the pads first before you drop all the cash . I put EBC HH pads on the front of my S2R800 and it was a significant inprovement. If I was going to track it I might think about a system upgrade but for the street...how much braking do you really think you need? I can still brake with one finger...you just have to squeeze a little harder. I rode a friends with 4 pot and it's easier to brake but on the street it really felt like overkill.

I've been thinking about this lately as a cheaper way to upgrade. Do you need to replace the brake lines? Did you buy new?

 I have to disagree with the overkill statement. Not only is the braking improved dramatically, it also give you much more control and is much easier to modulate.

 I found that I have to pull the lever further to get all the power the brakes provide and give you more feedback rather than the on/off feeing I got with the factory brake setup.

Another option if you might be interested in doing a fork swap and are considering the GSXR fork route, you can get GSXR radial calipers (ie Tokico) and masters and do it all at the same time. Could likely find a package deal on ebay or something with most the pieces you need

 True, but thats opening up a whole new can of worms.

 Plus I'll take my brake setup over the GSXR stuff any day of the week.

The lines have to be changed also.  Different lengths and ends.

Very true, that being said one nice thing about going w/ the GSXR forks is you get adjustability - which I believe the S2R 800's are lacking.  Not quite as nice as your setup though ... but a lot less expensive  [beer]

-Adam

 Exactly. But the you have to worry about all the other stuff like the shim kit and installing the correct spings for the bike/rider etc.

True, but the springs are an issue that's the same for any forks, any bike, any rider ... You really think those non adjustable 800 forks are well suited for everyone and any riding style?  Of course not  [moto]

-Adam

 Good point, but at least they are a universal fit for the S2R. I've been saying this since last year when I did Jewcati's GSXR fork swap, the GSXR forks are just too stiff for the S2R unless you respring them.

Absolutely, when I took that thing for a spin it just about knocked my fillings clear out ...

-Adam

Guys...thanks for ideas...I'll be busy on ebay.

Rob

So all I need is the rotors, lines and calipers? I can still use my coffins?

Your stock master will work, but the piston is smaller (-1mm?).  This may make the lever feel a little "sloppier/spongier ". 

FWIW:  Others have done just that with little to no complaints though.

you don't need to change your coffins if you don't want to.  I ran them for 2k and they did fine.  My move to radials came later as a why not mod as opposed to looking for something I wasn't getting (I got them for a great deal).