V7 Brake Upgrades

[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

 

[rower30]

I agree with GTM's 333 mm brake disc upgrade isn't too great. I bought the CORSA 333 mm disc upgrade and it is MAYBE a 10% change over the stock rotor's performance on my 2024 V7 STONE model 10. My math suggest about that but the numbers versus the FEEL are always a factor. But, the brakes are still wooden and have no feel and require immense lever pressure to get the bike really stopping. So I wasted some money on BLING as it looks fine, but I wanted it to WORK, nope. Pass on this "upgrade".

So weird the V7 has such poor brakes. For reference my old V100S and current V85TT have excellent brakes, so I know they realize what brakes can be, why the V7 is so bad? The touch point, brakes and throttle mapping really define the bike's character and the V7 deserves so much more on the brakes...like the newest V7 sport with the dual disc!

Since I changed the pads between the BREMBO and the EBC sintered with also no real improvement, The FORUM really says I should have come here FIRST, not LAST, and just update the master cylinder to the 15RCS BREMBO system. I've ordered all that; the master cylinder, reservoir system, rear view mirror adapter and BANJO bolt hose adapter from the store to support the site. With the awful fire I need to be patient with the store. I can still ride the V7 and V85 so no big deal. So sad about the fire.

The set-up looks pretty easy to install. I may have difficulty bleeding everything out, we shall see. The anti-lock block may not like a manual DOT 4 bleed. Don't know. I'll fill the master cylinder and prime the cylinder until it comes out the BANJO fitting to keep that air out, then hook-up the brake line and bleed with a clear PVC line until I see no bubble....but that doesn't mean they aren't still air bubbles in there!

I also need to make a nice assembly for the BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH and to not change the stock harness spade clips. Anybody here done this already? I'll likely swap the BREMPO pads back, too, as the EBC's can be harder on the discs and with no real benefit, why keep them in? Both appear to be sintered pads, though. I need some wet braking so pure organic are out as those in the past were like no brakes in the rain.

Thanks everyone for this post, I think I'm on the right track now. I love the little V7 and have over 7,000 miles on it in just two months. Maybe because the brakes don't stop the bike?

Best all,
Galen

 

[rower30]

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.

View attachment 23825View attachment 23827

How did you attach the brake light switch with the two little SPADE's so it looks nice? I ordered all of what you have for my 2024 V7 STONE model 10.

The V7's brakes are horrific to use requiring way, way too much lever pressure to stop. Unsafe from what I've ever used. My previous 1992 R100RT BMW, 2023 V100S and my current 2025 V85TT are HUGELY better on the front brake than the V7 stock brakes. It seems to be the chosen master cylinder's hydraulics as I've changed the pads and the disc size (333 mm) to no real improvement.

 

[subin]

How did you attach the brake light switch with the two little SPADE's so it looks nice? I ordered all of what you have for my 2024 V7 STONE model 10.

The V7's brakes are horrific to use requiring way, way too much lever pressure to stop. Unsafe from what I've ever used. My previous 1992 R100RT BMW, 2023 V100S and my current 2025 V85TT are HUGELY better on the front brake than the V7 stock brakes. It seems to be the chosen master cylinder's hydraulics as I've changed the pads and the disc size (333 mm) to no real improvement.

I am pretty sure I cut the OEM wires and installed a couple of compatible connectors with weatherproof tube or heat shrink tube on them. After connecting the brake light wire connectors, I applied a little dielectric grease on the outside before sliding the weatherproof or heat shrink tube over them. Then, I put electrical tape to cover everything.

If you look at my 2nd picture, just left of the switch housing and below the reservoir mount (with the white round Brembo logo), you can see the bulge of the cable from this. It is not perfect, but not obvious, unless you look closely.

I don't remember if you can hide the wiring inside the OEM wiring tube or not, but I am sure you can just solder the wires together instead of using the spades, so they would look less bulky.

Hope this helps

 

[rower30]

I am hoping to not have to cut the harness if I can avoid it. I can solder male spades onto the BREMBO harness. And yes, use some dielectric grease on the spades under shrink tubing. The main thing is does it fix the dreadfully high lever pressure to get braking? The caliper and either disc can lock the wheel until anti-lock so the power is down there, but it can't seem to leave the lever easy enough. The 333 mm disc is more bling right now. Looks better than it helped lighter lever pressure. I sure wish I found this site and the store earlier! I'm sticking around.

 

[rower30]

OK, so in summary to get the Brembo RCS15 Radial Front Brake master installed you need the below three items.

• Brembo RCS15 Radial Front Brake master

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

• RCS Resevoir Kit

RCS-RESKIT

Genuine Brembo Reservoir Kit for ALL Radial Brake M/C As shown (RCS not included of course). Add a smoked reservoir for $20 additional (SMK-CMBO option). Not stocked, brought in on paid order only. 20% restock fee once shipped from Brembo N.A. For other reservoir options, see our Rizoma options...

gtmotocycles.com

• OEM Line Adapter

OEM Line Adapter

OEM to RCS Line Adapter This adapter will allow use of an upgraded radial or RCS master cylinders (clutch and/or brake) with downward facing banjo bolts, to work with your OEM/stock brake lines on most all '05+ Guzzi. Count shown if in stock, otherwise CONTACT us above to order.

gtmotocycles.com

Guys, I have a wedding coming up and a honeymoon. Stop doing this to me I might do this when I get back...Julyish.

For those with rear mirrors on the brake side, the mirror clamp adapter, too. My garage and stuff is too small for those bar ends!