Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Mr Earl on July 04, 2013, 10:38:54 AM

Title: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Mr Earl on July 04, 2013, 10:38:54 AM
I have an Aprilia RSV Mille R which appears to wear front brakes (calipers, discs) identical to my 2003 M800.  The Mille is a heavier bike and doesn't stop as well as the Monster.  So my question is, will a 65mm bolt-spacing 4-pad axial caliper setup from a 749/999 bolt up with no other mods to my M800?  If so, it should also bolt up to the Mille.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Buckethead on July 04, 2013, 10:48:25 AM
Probably. I grabbed some radial mount 4 pads off (I believe) a Falco and they slid right on.

There's always a chance of a slightly different offset that may require a spacer.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: stopintime on July 04, 2013, 10:51:45 AM
If you're right about the Mille vs 800, then yes, but I think it's a good idea to check it well.
You might need new brake lines if the banjo angles are different.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Speeddog on July 04, 2013, 11:36:14 AM
Brake lines are indeed different with 4-pads vs the OEM Goldline two-pins.

Don't recall if the Aprilia has calipers with the 'Brembo' cast in, or if they say 'Aprilia'.
If it's the latter, they may have had Brembo change something just FFS.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Mr Earl on July 04, 2013, 02:58:45 PM
Thanks, guys.  The goldline calipers on the Mille say Brembo and are identical in every way to the calipers on the Monster.  The rotors are identical 320 mm models as well.  Looks like the 4-pad axial Brembos used a single brake  line with a crossover.  I'm happy to configure new lines if I can get the 4-pad calipers to work.  I'm spoiled by the Monster's brakes - one finger.  I've done everything I can to tune up the Mille's front brakes and have had some progress, but they're lacking.

Anyone with FHE know whether there's an offset issue?  Seems like there wouldn't be given the identical components between bikes.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Privateer on July 04, 2013, 03:13:15 PM
Quote from: Mr Earl on July 04, 2013, 02:58:45 PM
Anyone with FHE know whether there's an offset issue?  Seems like there wouldn't be given the identical components between bikes.

sorry no FHE, but could it be the master?  If the friction side of things is identical, but the piston sizes are different, it could cause what you're describing.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Mr Earl on July 04, 2013, 03:19:48 PM
Yeah, I agree, in fact I almost swapped the Monster master over to the Aprilia to see then got lazy about it.  They both have 16mm pistons from what I've been able to find.  I've bled the Mille master and replaced all the fluid twice; it flows fine and is nice and firm with just the right free play.  There are lots of Mille owners who are less than satisfied with these brakes so apparently it's not just me and my individual bike.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Speeddog on July 04, 2013, 03:42:34 PM
Quote from: Mr Earl on July 04, 2013, 02:58:45 PM
~~~SNIP~~~
Looks like the 4-pad axial Brembos used a single brake  line with a crossover.
~~~SNIP~~~

That's the way the SBK's do it.
I've never liked that setup.

I put 4-pads on my S4.
I made another brake line, same routing/configuration as the OEM Monster line, just with the bottom end fittings done to fit the 4-pads.

If the Mille brake line configuration is cool, then just copy that with the bottom end fittings done to fit the 4-pads.

Brembo master cylinders are stamped with the size, usually like XYZABC-16.
It's small, and sometimes on the bottom, but it's there.
Title: Re: Upgrade to 4-pad, 65mm calipers on another Italian bike
Post by: Mr Earl on July 04, 2013, 04:10:23 PM
Thanks, Nick, I'll take a look at the master.

I agree, the crossover is clunky - I like the tee, or even two lines all the way to the master.

BTW, the head work you did for me is working great - thanks again!