Front brake caliper: do all valkyries use the same part?

[Savago]

Gentlemen

Some of you may remember the troubles I had with a motorcycle shop that botched my I/S final drive (i.e. no lub, no new o-rings in two tire changes crapped the FD leaving me stuck in a roadtrip in Sequoia NP).

Well... when I bought the I/S years ago before the whole FD mess, I had them replace the front brakes pads.

Back then, in my ignorance, I thought that such important safety item had to be done by 'professionals'.

Well turns out that yesterday when I went to replace the brake pads, just had another 'nice' surprise left by the shop so-called mechanics:
a) The right side caliper mounting bolts were basically loose (only hand tighten).


b) The pin-hanger (that long bolt that keeps the pads in place and is screwed in the caliper body) is stuck, probably overtorqued.


After trying to break it loose and failing, I left it soaking in penetrating oil overnight (Kano Aerokroil) and brought the bike to a new shop near home.

I didn't want to strip the pin-hanger head or running the risk of breaking it (already had a really bad experience breaking the mounting bolts of the alternator, but that is another story).

The mechanic tried to break it loose (even using heat) but said it is stuck and suggested me to try to source a new front right caliper.

I asked if he knew of a good machinist that could know of a way to handle the stuck bolt (i.e. like soldering) and he said that the 2 last ones he knew are either retired or closed their shops thanks to environmental regulatory laws in Kommiefornia.
:-(

The current issue is that the part 45250-MZ0-006 is no longer available (https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/front-brake-caliper).

I'm trying to buy an used one from evilbay right now.

It seems that all Valkryies (standard, touring, interstate) used the same part number according to partzilla:
a) Standard: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/front-brake-caliper
b) Touring: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500ct-a-valkyrie-tourer/front-brake-caliper
c) I/S: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/front-brake-caliper

The first question: Do all valkyries use the same right front caliper (45250-MZ0-006
)?

Finally, assuming that I manage to find an used one, it seems like a good idea to rebuild the caliper since the whole thing will be apart.

I recall that redeye (https://redeye.ecrater.com/) had carburator rebuild kits, do they offer a kit for caliper rebuild? If not, anyone knows of a supplier with a good kit to buy?

Finally, since I'm doing an overhaul in the front brake, I'm considering the idea of buying new brake rotors.

At least the rotors seem to be still available (https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/front-wheel) but I recall once a post mentioning that the rotors of the 1800cc goldwing were compatible. Anyone could confirm this?

They seem to be a bit more expensive i.e. near $360 each vs $240 for the I/S (https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/2002/gl1800-a-gold-wing/front-wheel) but may be easier to source.

[Hook#3287]

The first question: Do all valkyries use the same right front caliper (45250-MZ0-006
)?

Finally, assuming that I manage to find an used one, it seems like a good idea to rebuild the caliper since the whole thing will be apart.

I recall that redeye (https://redeye.ecrater.com/) had carburator rebuild kits, do they offer a kit for caliper rebuild? If not, anyone knows of a supplier with a good kit to buy?

Finally, since I'm doing an overhaul in the front brake, I'm considering the idea of buying new brake rotors.

I believe all front calipers are the same.  Many good ones available online.

I would rebuild both the new right and old left so that they will work in tandem equally, hopefully.  I get the parts from Partzilla.  New rubber and maybe new cylinders.

I apply Never-seize generously to the pin and black cap and the black cap is only just snugged.

I never replaced a rotor, but I would mic them first before doing so.

[sandy]

The 1800 wing rotors are compatible('01-'10). They are 3.5mm vs 4.00 to start but I had them on my previous Valk with no problems.

As for getting the set screw out, try a hand impact screwdriver. They are handy to own when working around steel and aluminum.

[..]

Gentlemen

Some of you may remember the troubles I had with a motorcycle shop that botched my I/S final drive (i.e. no lub, no new o-rings in two tire changes crapped the FD leaving me stuck in a roadtrip in Sequoia NP).

Well... when I bought the I/S years ago before the whole FD mess, I had them replace the front brakes pads.

Back then, in my ignorance, I thought that such important safety item had to be done by 'professionals'.

Well turns out that yesterday when I went to replace the brake pads, just had another 'nice' surprise left by the shop so-called mechanics:
a) The right side caliper mounting bolts were basically loose (only hand tighten).


b) The pin-hanger (that long bolt that keeps the pads in place and is screwed in the caliper body) is stuck, probably overtorqued.


After trying to break it loose and failing, I left it soaking in penetrating oil overnight (Kano Aerokroil) and brought the bike to a new shop near home.

I didn't want to strip the pin-hanger head or running the risk of breaking it (already had a really bad experience breaking the mounting bolts of the alternator, but that is another story).

The mechanic tried to break it loose (even using heat) but said it is stuck and suggested me to try to source a new front right caliper.

I asked if he knew of a good machinist that could know of a way to handle the stuck bolt (i.e. like soldering) and he said that the 2 last ones he knew are either retired or closed their shops thanks to environmental regulatory laws in Kommiefornia.
:-(

The current issue is that the part 45250-MZ0-006 is no longer available (https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/front-brake-caliper).

I'm trying to buy an used one from evilbay right now.

It seems that all Valkryies (standard, touring, interstate) used the same part number according to partzilla:
a) Standard: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/front-brake-caliper
b) Touring: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500ct-a-valkyrie-tourer/front-brake-caliper
c) I/S: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/front-brake-caliper

The first question: Do all valkyries use the same right front caliper (45250-MZ0-006
)?

Finally, assuming that I manage to find an used one, it seems like a good idea to rebuild the caliper since the whole thing will be apart.

I recall that redeye (https://redeye.ecrater.com/) had carburator rebuild kits, do they offer a kit for caliper rebuild? If not, anyone knows of a supplier with a good kit to buy?

Finally, since I'm doing an overhaul in the front brake, I'm considering the idea of buying new brake rotors.

At least the rotors seem to be still available (https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/front-wheel) but I recall once a post mentioning that the rotors of the 1800cc goldwing were compatible. Anyone could confirm this?

They seem to be a bit more expensive i.e. near $360 each vs $240 for the I/S (https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/2002/gl1800-a-gold-wing/front-wheel) but may be easier to source.

https://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

[Madmike]

https://pinwallcycle.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=gl1500+C+front+brake+caliper

[gordonv]

on ebay right now, there is a guy parting with free shipping, a whole set or rotors for less then $100, I was even thinking of buying them. The rear was miced out as almost new thickness. He had other parts. I thought the prices where reasonable, and I thought they where from CA.

[Savago]

Damn... you guys are awesome*.

All good advice, keep it coming.
:-)

I bought a pair of calipers from pinwall, should have them at home in a couple days.

I assume that to rebuild them, the following parts would be needed (from partzilla: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1999/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/front-brake-caliper):

a) Seal set (06431-MA3-405): https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/06431-MA3-405?ref=6e224817f68c52d12ef37d2de58aeffa95994e8b
b) New pistons (it seems to be 2 different parts 45107-ML4-006
and 45107-MZ0-760): https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/45107-ML4-006?ref=6e224817f68c52d12ef37d2de58aeffa95994e8b and https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/45107-MZ0-760?ref=6e224817f68c52d12ef37d2de58aeffa95994e8b

Anything else (aside the new pads and pin hanger that I already bought)?

* just won a bet with my wife, as I said even with political differences, this club wouldn't let a fellow valkyrie rider be hanging with no help.
:-)

[Savago]

on ebay right now, there is a guy parting with free shipping, a whole set or rotors for less then $100, I was even thinking of buying them. The rear was miced out as almost new thickness. He had other parts. I thought the prices where reasonable, and I thought they where from CA.

Gordon: got a link (maybe through PM)? I searched ebay and couldn't find it, only found a vendor with new rotors but for a Touring model which I think wouldn't fit an I/S.

[Avanti]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324693277307?hash=item4b993a3a7b:g:dW4AAOSwKdVg2Jjs

[Savago]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324693277307?hash=item4b993a3a7b:g:dW4AAOSwKdVg2Jjs

Outstanding!

Just ordered.

[Hook#3287]

I've rebuilt probably a dozen calipers over the 2plus decades of my life with a Valkyrie.

I've only replaced cylinders on 2.

If their not pitted, a good cleaning should do it. Same with the pin.

I inspect the rubber pieces and most times I replace them, but not always.

Cleaning the races the seals fit in is important. New seals every time.

[98valk]

only use similar to this for pins and other brake parts.  anti-seize can dry and/or wash out.

https://www.permatex.com/products/lubricants/specialty-lubricants-brakes/permatex-ultra-disc-brake-caliper-lube-5/

[Savago]

I've rebuilt probably a dozen calipers over the 2plus decades of my life with a Valkyrie.

I've only replaced cylinders on 2.

Really good info, I will wait for the calipers to arrive and inspect the cylinders before deciding to order new ones.

[Hook#3287]

only use similar to this for pins and other brake parts.  anti-seize can dry and/or wash out.

https://www.permatex.com/products/lubricants/specialty-lubricants-brakes/permatex-ultra-disc-brake-caliper-lube-5/

I should have stated I only use the never-seize on the pin and cover threads.

[Savago]

Update: received the seals (original Honda parts) and the used brake rotors.

They seem in good shape and I measured 4.97mm in one and 4.94mm in the other, which is way better than the ones on my I/S (4.34mm).

Still waiting for the calipers to arrive (they are in CA already, so may be delivered in a couple days).

As I have further updates, I will post here.

[Valker]

Service limit for front rotors is 4.0mm

[DeathWishBikerDude]

The valk is so easy to work on.
Never been to a shop yet.
Tire shop yesterday refused to mount a tire for me.
Went down the road to a used car dealership who quickly mounted the tire in 5 minutes.
I avoid mechanics as much as possible.

[MarkT]

As for getting the set screw out, try a hand impact screwdriver. They are handy to own when working around steel and aluminum.

Don't get the impact screwdriver from Harbor Freight - this one:
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-bit-impact-screwdriver-set-with-case-64812.html

The bits are so brittle they broke immediately for me.  Vessel makes JIS screwdrivers that also have an impact function - the ones with a metal cap. Not sure they can impart as much torque as a proper heavy-duty impact screwdriver.  I would buy the latter from a quality toolmaker - that is, NOT CHINESE.
Might try this one - good ratings:

https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-NO-250001-Impact-Driver-No-250001/dp/B001WHOV64/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Vessel+Impact+Driver+No.250001&qid=1625578413&sr=8-1