V7 Brake Upgrades

[subin]

Just installed the Brembo RCS 15 master cylinder, the OEM line adapter, and the reservoir kit.

BREMBO RCS RADIAL FRONT BRAKE MASTER

Genuine Brembo 15, 17 or 19mm Radial Front Brake M/C with Brake Switch Serious upgrade over stock, offering one finger braking, with folding lever. Reservoir Kit is required. We recommend the 15 for single caliper applications (V7/9), 17 for the M50 calipers (ONLY), single caliper tracks...

gtmotocycles.com

I have not not replaced the pads, so did not notice the improvement of the braking power. What I did notice is much less effort required to achieve the same braking result. I can now brake with one finger.

This is my first time installing radial brake master cylinder, so I spent a lot of time finding a position for the RCS-15 so that the brake line was not under too much stress. I would also suggest using a vacuum type brake bleeding kit, because reversed bleeding from the nipples on the master cylinder and the caliper could not get all the air out of the system.

Did I break anything? Sure, it would not be a DIY project without messing something up for an amateur technician like me, LOL.
The special bolt holding the reservoir to the bracket is M5 (5mm dia.) and made out of aluminum. It snapped without much effort. A little research online found that a titanium one is available, so I got one. However, I would believe you can find a workable solution from local hardware store for much less.

 

[GTM®]

And what about disc wear with EBC HH pads ?

They do work well, however (as stated dozens of times on this site) they are excessively hard on disks, as I've ridden and raced on them in my earlier life. I personally won't use them any more.

 

[Used2Bfast]

I think Todd must have missed this question, so I'll try to answer for you.

Todd told me that the set up that he installed on my bike is the same thing that he puts on his V7s - including his V7II Racer Quattrovalvole - which is a much fancier bike than mine.

So, yes, these components are very compatible with ABS!

And for you second question, yes, I guess I neglected to mention, but I did upgrade the brake line (below) when I added the RCS Master and 4-pad caliper.

(BTW - I LOVE this upgrade!!! Love, love, love, love love!!)

Spiegler Brake Lines

SPIEGLER STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED BRAKE LINES All Spiegler brake components are Made in the USA or Europe with a Lifetime Warranty: Guaranteed for the life of original owner and the original motorcycle. Unequaled in strength and durability - with patented easy twist-ends; Offering ready-to-go...

gtmotocycles.com

Was not the case with mine which is a 2021 V9 Bobber but think the brakes are the same. I upgraded to a Brembo Corsa Corta M/C (the store only has regular Brembo RCS M/C) using an adapter from the store and a Brake Tech Axis Cobra SS rotor and Ferodo sintered pads. Had to put 3 small washers between the magnetic sensor so that it wouldn't hit the ABS ring ( Brake Tech rotor is thicker than stock). Worked fine for three rides then began feeling the lever kick back hard, thinking that maybe the pads weren't bedded yet made a couple hard stops and the kickback disappeared but ABS light is on constantly and the MGTCS get disabled. First thought that maybe had a sticking piston in caliper so cleaned and inspected but same symptoms. My gut said it was the ABS so I removed the OEM brake lines and ran directly from M/C to caliper, had done it one the rear a year ago w/o issue. Took 4 hrs to get the 4 lines off ABS module 1/16 turn or less at a time, blocked off the ports and left in place. I measured the OEM rotor which was .459 mm (MG says to replace when less than .450 mm) w/only 6700 miles, had been using EBC sintered pads and totally agree with Todd that EBC pads will eat up your discs. Works like a charm now one finger braking, reduced stopping distance under hard braking, no more ABS light and MCTS stays where I set it.

 

[GTM®]

I upgraded to a Brembo Corsa Corta M/C (the store only has regular Brembo RCS M/C) using an adapter from the store and a Brake Tech Axis Cobra SS rotor and Ferodo sintered pads.

The Corsa Corta has been on our website (linked below) since the day they launched it.
We recently had a discussion with BrakeTech on this (we're a long-standing vendor), and they told us how to order it to ensure no problems that you had. I believe you asked us questions on them via email(?).
We have installed everything, outside of the Axis SS rotor, on MANY ABS small blocks, including thicker upgraded rotor and full aftermarket brake line replacements, with ZERO issues.
When you order from GTM, we make best efforts to make sure things are plug-n-play, as we almost always purchase them ourselves and install in house to make sure it does before putting it on the site to sell.

BREMBO CORSA CORTA RADIAL FRONT BRAKE MASTER

BREMBO RCS CORSA CORTA BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER The latest and the greatest by Brembo! Improve your braking performance while being able to adjust brake lever feel with these Brembo RCS Corsa Corta Radial Brake Master Cylinders! The newest brake adjustment features three ride modes, where the rider...

gtmotocycles.com

BrakeTech Axis Cobra SS Rotors

BrakeTech Axis Cobra SS Rotors Street/Track Rotors BrakeTech AXIS/Cobra™ series extreme performance stainless steel rotors are designed for the demanding enthusiasts and racers alike! The Cobra 5.0mm thick full-floating rotors feature premium proprietary 400 series stainless steel alloy...

gtmotocycles.com

 

[tolrrr]

I was looking into a brake upgrade for my 2022 V7 850, because every time I come off my Monster S4RS and then subsequently have a ride on the Guzzi, I risk crashing straight into a wall the first time I need to brake, due to the insanely lower amount of finger force my muscle memory applies.

Having read this thread and more about the subject, there is something about the stock brake caliper I didn't quite understand.

According to my research, Brembo historically made two series of 65mm, axial, 4 pistons calipers: the Serie Oro and the Triple Bridge respectively Brembo P4 30/34 G (left sku 20923010) and Brembo P4 34 A (left sku 20785011 or 20785012).

The Triple Bridge (which IIUC is the one shown in GTM store) has four 34mm pistons, 4 separate pads and the fluid inlet is rotated 90° outward compared to the stock one (but I guess that changing the line termination is easy enough?). Anyway, it is very hard to come by and it is regarded by many enthusiasts as probably the best axial brake caliper ever made. They were OEM parts on Ducati 996/998.
The classic Serie Oro instead has two 34mm and two 30mm pistons, it uses two bigger pads, it has a fluid inlet in the same exact position as the stock v7 caliper, and it's much easier to shop for (at least in Italy) because it has been an OEM part for many Ducati models for decades.

Now, is the stock V7 caliper the same as the Serie Oro? To me they look pretty much the same, but I couldn't find any confirmation of it.

These have always been be more than adequate for a performance street bike, and my personal experience checks out: I used to ride a Ducati Monster S2R 1000 and I never complained about brakes (although it had double calipers, thicker Serie Oro discs and it was much lighter than a V7).

If that's the case, I guess I wouldn't pursue a brake caliper change; I'd probably just go with the RCS master cylinder and the plug&play 333mm disc Guareschi makes for the V7 Fast Endurance Trophy.

 

[Anthony LaGrasta]

Weighing in… When I purchased my 2010 V7CC in early 2012, it had already been upgraded in many areas via the PO and GT. I never knew the brakes to be lacking since ownership. The RCS Radial Master is for certain a nice upgrade. My caliper is stock as far as I know, but no complaints from me, and I ride this bike fairly hard and fast. With my upgraded suspension (Traxxion/Wilbers), it's easy to stay on the throttle longer, thus needing to brake harder later.
One item not mentioned in this thread, unless I missed it, is pads. Different brake pads alone, are noticable upgrades. I've been impressed repeatedly over the years on different bikes from this upgrade alone.
Although I didn't look, I'm sure GT sells pads and recommends a particular one. Any experiences to share on pad choice?

 

[tolrrr]

IDK, in my other bikes, every time I swapped pads for bitey ones, I ended up regretting it due to the screeching noise they would eventually start making, so I now stick with softer ones geared for road use, i.e. Brembo LA.

It's worth noting I don't do track days at all, though.

 

[GTM®]

Now, is the stock V7 caliper the same as the Serie Oro? To me they look pretty much the same, but I couldn't find any confirmation of it.
If that's the case, I guess I wouldn't pursue a brake caliper change; I'd probably just go with the RCS master cylinder and the plug & play 333mm disc.

OE caliper is the P4 30/34. If you can find the P4 34/34 quattro pastiglia, buy it. No doubt the best/affordable OE axial caliper made, mainly because of the four leading pad edges. Feel is via the master/pump, power is via the combo of caliper, pads and rotor. An upgraded 320mm rotor and HF pads with the RCS, is a solid upgrade. I personally see little value in the 330mm upgrade. Our pad options below. Brake upgrade options HERE.

Search: 27 results found for "2-pin pads"

Custom Guzzi Builds, Parts and Service in Southern California.

gtmotocycles.com