Another brake question

[jrswanson1]

As long as the master brake cylinder fits the handlebar, can you put any brand on your bike?  The same with the clutch side?  The manufacturer of one of my bikes doesn't make replacement versions anymore, so I'm looking to replace both with something else.  Thanks.

[Slide Panda]

You'll want to ensure the volume of fluid your pushing is the same. Generally dictated by the piston size of the master.

As you might figure, going significantly larger or smaller will cause you troubles

[jrswanson1]

So as long as I'm close, it should work?  The poor bike looks bad enough with the rust, the crappy plexiglass "windows" in the clutch and brake make checking the levels impossible.  There's a guy who rebuilds them and replaces the window with a glass piece, but I've found an aftermarket one with lever for less than the cost of a rebuild.

[Slide Panda]

If it's a 'coffin' type reservoir, like one saw on the 620 or 695 you can't see the level through the 'glass' even if it's clear unless you put a flash light too it. It's usually as easy to just pull the cap off.

I'd try to run down same sized ones. Remember, you're pushing a volume of incompressible fluid in a sealed system. For the brakes, if you go to big the brakes will be very touchy and difficult to finely control the brake power. Also the lever travel will be shortened.

Too small and you might not be able to move enough fluid to exert 'full power' to the calipers -> wheel

[jrswanson1]

It's for my old Honda Magna Winter Project 2012.  The bike was made in 1983, the plexiglass is so corroded that it's beyond opaque.  I may just take the whole thing apart and get the frame blasted and repaint it.  The hard part is where to keep the parts.  I would love to replace the clutch and brake with something shiny.