2004 zx10r project, part 5. Let the good times...stop fast. Servicing the brakes on the big Kawasaki

With the forks back in it's time to give the front brakes some attention. They're OK, but they can be better!
Note, as the bike shouldn't see much bad weather I'm only using GT85 as a piston lubricant, if I was planning to ride more through the usual English weather I'd suggest using red rubber grease to help lubricate the seals and give the pistons and calipers even more protection.

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

I love it. Dave is the Fred Rodgers of sportbike mechanics/racing for adults.

[@jamest5149]

I like to pop the pistons and seal o-rings out, so I can clean and grease behind the o-rings, it’s common to get dirt and corrosion behind the seals and this jams the pistons 👍

[@JayandSarah]

It's easy and cheap enough to just replace the pistons and seals but it does add expense and no function if they are in good order. Once the pistons are out the seals should be replaced anyways.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Just when i managed to put my c1h zx10 desire away again.... Always wanted one to go with my 636

[@ianhoyle8459]

Cool, your inspiring me to work on my bike which has been gathering dust with a few others for 10 years.

[@obsession_engineering]

Get them out and get fettling :)

[@troywee4774]

simple and cool. cheers.

[@michaelkemp3923]

Very impressed Dave, had a black one back in 2004, just in the process of getting another 2004 one this week from wheels, 12 k on the clock. I agree on the birds custard on the apple pie!

[@thebones]

Happy New Year from France Dave.

[@jimarillo]

Obsessed with this channel Dave. Thanks! I so need a workshop.

[@michaelrobertson9802]

Nice one mate I have a c2h and am taking in some of the mods..great stuff

[@dougfoster-stiles9805]

Happy new year Wavey 😀

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Glad to hear it. Can recommend the Sainsbury’s ready made custard. It’s epically good.

[@javierarroyo9765]

Them black Tikicos suck ss hard as the gold ones. You were supposed to get the black Nissans...

[@aldo5658]

Just changed the brake pads on my zx6r, i wished i saw this bideo yesterday so i could've known how to clean my calilers 😭

[@florentineantiquerestorati5199]

Hi Dave, top job as usual. I really enjoy your vids. There is a video where a Brembo representative states that brake cleaner should NOT be used to clean calipers as it is too harsh on the seals. He recommends Kerosene instead, or other milder cleaners. I thought I just pass it along.

[@bananabrooks3836]

Kerosene is Parrafin in English parlance. Also the use of copper grease on pads has become contentious in some circles

[@obsession_engineering]

I've been discussing the brake cleaner issue with a few folks recently so may well have to do some experiments!

[@motorcyclegarage2307]

Hope the hangover was not too bad Dave. Really sound motorcycling braking system lecture.

[@stevesanelli90]

Perfect explanation Dave! Hope the port went down well?😉

[@sandall1491]

Really enjoy these vids Dave, the mechanical and engineering work is top notch. For a track bike no need to keep the pad spring plate as it only really reduces noise ?

[@obsession_engineering]

I usually take them out... but it's totally your choice (so I'm not responsible if anything goes wrong!!)

[@bananabrooks3836]

I was waiting for a disc thickness measurement.

[@obsession_engineering]

No need, they're in excellent condition with almost no wear, so I didn't worry about width

[@bananabrooks3836]

@@obsession_engineering l only mentioned it because modern pad materials wear discs more than in the olden days and manufacturers wanting to er.. ahem 'reduce unsprung weight'

[@theonlyredspecial]

Interesting video. I heard two mechanics chatting last week and they said brake fluid doesn’t strip paint like it used to if you get a little spill. maybe that’s just certain types ? I’ve no idea as I’m not too clued up on it.

[@obsession_engineering]

Probably best not to test that theory though!

[@mansabad.sniper]

You should really be holding the brakes on tight whilst you torque the caliper bolts up to insure everything is aligned

[@paulf2898]

I thought the 04 came with six pot tokicos

[@obsession_engineering]

You thought wrong 🤣 Originally 4 pot tokico radials in gold