Ducati Monster Forum

ive been thinking about switching to the 1100 masters, as far as i can tell, the calipers are the same configuration, what real benefit would i get by switching to the other masters? other than the diameters of the pistons(i know how fluid dynamics work), and the external reservoirs what is the real difference between the two

Dunno actually but when I put Brembo racing radial masters on my old Monster it had more braking power than my 999 at the time. So go figure. I'd do it again but that wasn't using any real "stock" parts and took quite a bit of working to fit the reservoirs properly, etc.  Worth it in my book anyway.

I made the change and glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised.

Went to 999 radial m/c with my existing braided lines and stock calipers on the old 900. Stock set up had plenty of power for the road, but could have had better progression and feel.

The radial m/c gave more power, but even more control, feel and modulation capability. Brakes feel alot safer in the wet and with panic stops.

It's all in the leverage, bore/stroke ratio, geometry, etc. Master cylinders have come a long way in twenty years.

Radials dont give you more power. just less effort and more feel. the less effort on your end, makes you think you are apply more brake than you are used to, when ur really doing less work to have teh same amount of braking power.

so its like either smaller piston = more force, or multiple small pistons?

That is a good definition of more effective braking power for a given amount of force applied.

yea, less effort for same braking sounds like more braking power to me...

Good read here: http://www.ducati.ms/forums/80-hall-wisdom/27159-conventional-axial-vs-radial-master-cylinders.html (http://www.ducati.ms/forums/80-hall-wisdom/27159-conventional-axial-vs-radial-master-cylinders.html)

Thanks, very good article.
I must have a nice combination of m/c, calipers, lines and pads. As much good luck as good management according to the article.

no, because it wont help you stop any sooner. you will just lock up the brakes with less effort, or have less arm pump at the end of the day.

the most important thing about radials is how much feel you get. the more you feel the brakes (and its so much better feeling) the better you understand how your bike is braking.

Radials are also a bit easier because of the geometry of the piston angle and fulcrum position. Perhaps"easier" may not be the word im looking for...efficient maybe..

+1