brake tension/sensitivty

Does this have more to do with the brake fluid or the type of lines you are running?

in what sense? the brakes are sensitive enough?

has alot to do with pads, lines, and master cylinder. personally i can't get the brakes on my f4i as sharp as i'd like them to be, no matter what i do. it was way better with a 1000rr mc, ss lines, and new pads, but still not up to par.

well if you upgrade to a steel braided line which has less give in it they will have a stronger feel to them

Well my bro has an r6 with s/s lines and you barely touch his brake lever and they start engaging, that's how I want mine.

I've been working on that situation too.  I have Galfer on mine and Valvoline synthetic fluid.  I bleed often.  When it gets soft I clean, bleed and inspect the pads.  I will not hesitate to pop 40 bux on a set of pads.  I'm looking into a suitable M/C upgrade also, which is where I think the problem lies.  I've been disuaded to NOT rebuild the M/C which I'm also considering as an option.  Anyone know the price of the rebuild kit and where I could get one?

You can get a rebuild kit at almost any dealership.  The bore and stroke of the MC are what dictate the lever travel needed to move a given amount of brake fluid. 
Also the diameter of the brake lines will make a difference.  Smaller diameter will offer a "stiffer" feel. 
Brembo makes some very nice MCs.  I have one sitting in our spare bedroom waiting for a warm day to put it on because my bike lacks feel and fades terribly after about 4-5 laps. 
 
Some people have put the MC off an 04 and up R1 as they are a Brembo MC but they are hard to come by and since leaking this mod out, has driven the price of them up to the price of a new Brembo anyway. 
 
 

Shhhhhhhhh.. Don't tell nobody.

there's a lot of slop built into the f4i MC. it's just the way it is. the 03-05 R6 has a totally different feel to it (that i like), and i'm sure there's a way to get a r6 MC on the bike.

however, if i were to keep spending money on this bike, i would just get a brembo 19X18 MC and be done with it.

quote:

ORIGINAL: charlos

there's a lot of slop built into the f4i MC. it's just the way it is. the 03-05 R6 has a totally different feel to it (that i like), and i'm sure there's a way to get a r6 MC on the bike.

however, if i were to keep spending money on this bike, i would just get a brembo 19X18 MC and be done with it.

 
That's more than I want to spend on my brakes.  Guess I can try the lines, and get that lever as tight as possible.

you can try MC's from different bikes. i know a 1000rr MC works fine, it's plug n' play, though you may need to mod the reservoir bracket.

i picked one up for $60. i didn't get a chance to use before i sold it, but the new owner loves it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-08-Yamaha-YZF-R1-R-1-Front-Brake-Master-Cylinder_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQihZ010QQitemZ200199780225QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
 
There ya go

Soo basically what are the best options? I have become interested in this topic. I would like to do this myself. I have SS lines and HH pads now but also want more. Thanks