Brembo 19x18 vs. 19x20

[Cakes206]

So while up at Bogie the past couple of days, I had a chance to ride another gix just like mine that had a 19x18 master, and omg what a difference over stock. Don't get me wrong my brakes are pretty good, but that initial bite with the Brembo was just awesome. Now onto the specs, I know the 19x18 seems to be the popular choice, but I can get a pretty good deal on a new 19x20. Looking for some input on the differences.

[RCM78]

The 19X20 will have a slightly mushier lever then the 19X18. Still better then stock though.

[Cakes206]

Originally Posted by RCM78

The 19X20 will have a slightly mushier lever then the 19X18. Still better then stock though.

Mushier? How so? This is off the yoyodyne site:

The 19x20 model gives the stiffest brake lever, the 19x18 lever provides a little more feel, and a lighter pull on the lever is required.

If I understand this right, the 20 is more bite but takes more effort to pull?

[RCM78]

I'm trying to remember... I'd say yoyodyne knows more then me. Which # is the bore and which is the stroke? I'm thinkin bore X stroke. In which case I was wrong. The longer stroke model will move more fluid faster and provide a stiffer brake lever. Shorter stroke model provides more feel (aka slightly mushier lever).

Do you keep the lever close to the bar? If so a stiff lever may work better for you.

[IrocRob]

Right off the yoyodyne website:

The 19x18 cylinder has better modulation, given its marginally longer
operating travel when compared to the 19x20, which on the other hand
offers a slightly quicker response.

As a general rule, the 19x18 is recommended for bikes with 4-piston calipers
(diameters 32/36, 34/34 and 30/34), whereas the 19x20 is more suitable for
other calipers.

Brembo experience favors 19x18 for track, and 19x20 for street.


My words:

The important thing is the ratio of surface area between the master
cylinder and the slave cylinders. Switching to a smaller diameter master
cylinder will be "touchier" at the lever, because it will be easier to create
the same amount of force on a smaller surface area.

An easy example:
10 lbs on 1 square inch = 10 PSI
10 lbs on 1/10 square inch = 100 PSI

[HondaGalToo]

I have a 19x18 on my Honda CBR 929 and I love it. The gix may get one someday...

That's my understanding, too, that the lever is harder to pull on the 19x20 and has less travel, whilst the 19x18 has a lighter pull with more travel.

Hey, get the best of both worlds...they make one that's adjustable, so you can have both and switch between them as you see fit!

[pillaka]

What type of pads are you running? If you're still running stock try some aftermarket pads like vesrahs if you want more bite.

I had the 19 x 20 master on my suzuki, I liked it. Wouldn't say it makes you faster, just the feel of it is firmer so you get the sense you can brake later/harder. Ironic thing is it slowed me down at first when I got it cause I was braking too hard. The fold up design is pretty nice so when you crash on it you dont snap you're lever. All said and done though save yourself the $$$ and try to find a yamaha r6/r1 master cylinder (oem they're brembo). Before I got rid of my suzuki I had a chance to do a side by side comparison with the 06 r1, both bikes had ss lines and motul rbf600 brake fluid, firmness and feel the pull felt the same.

[Cakes206]

Running the EBC HH GFA LC's, RBF600 w/SS lines. The set up is really good, I can't complain. But, when I tried basically the same bike w/a Brembo, it was that much better. Like you said, it gave that perception that I could brake later and less even...bit of a confidence boost if you will.

[wcrbikemike]

Hey Joe,
I had the 19X18 on my old bike and loved it. It was the first thing I did on the new bike as well. No need for any more stopping power than that. I am aslo using Vesrah SRJL pads. Do yourself a favor and try the upgrade to these pads as Stiffie mentioned. This combo can stop a freight train.

[Cakes206]

Think it was time for new fluid?

[FDNYDANO18]

Yes

[mowshweettea]

how often do you guys change your brake fluid

[acronut]

When it starts looking dirty!!!