Brembo's new RCS master cylinder can switch from a 19X18 unit for street riding to a 19X20 for Superbike stopping power.
Brembo products are known for their extremely tight tolerances, and for us any play in the brake department was unacceptable-we wanted a "hard as nails" feel with plain-old brutal stopping power. The stock master cylinder worked well with the stock calipers, but to give the HPs the justice they deserve we mated up Brembo's cool new RCS (Ratio Click System) master cylinder. The RCS allows the user to dial in his preferred setting depending on the need for either full force or better lever feel. The two settings are 18mm for feel and 20mm for power and are switchable with a simple turn of the flathead screwdriver plate at the front of the lever.
The RCS combines both of Brembo's 19mm-bore master-cylinder options (19X18 and 19X20) into one unit and has an integrated brake-light switch, making it the ultimate component for both street and track-day use.
The stock hydraulic clutch worked OK but looked out of place next to our new RCS brake master cylinder, so off it came and a Brembo 19X18 billet unit went in its place. As it turns out it has more power over the stock unit and makes single-finger clutch operation possible. But, with the Bazzaz quickshifter the clutch lever might not get a lot of use anyway.
To guarantee the brakes will remain fade free and the fluid pure we sourced HEL USA's steel-braided lines for the front and rear brakes and clutch. Not only do they look better than the stock rubber pieces and tie the whole job together nicely, but because they're manufactured from stainless steel braided Teflon hose they won't corrode or absorb moisture like the stock rubber and aluminum hoses can.
The last part of our chassis upgrades was a set of Woodcraft rearsets. The Woodcrafts have dual mounting holes that double your options for placement compared to stock and offer the ground clearance and sure-footed grip that you need on a high-performance bike.
Although at a quick glance our GSX-R1000 looks rather stock it's far from it. With basic bolt-ons we've drastically improved the power and handling characteristics, but just how much different is it than stock, and are the cool-looking parts really worth the money? Find out next month as our canyon killer goes head to head with a stocker.
Woodcraft's rearsets offer better ground clearance and add smart style as well.
Buyer's Box
Brembo
HP calipers: $1550
19X18 clutch master cylinder: $350
RCS brake master cylinder: $400
http://www.yoyodyneti.com
http://www.motomummy.com
Galespeed
Type M wheels: $2500
http://www.acv.co.jp
http://www.gptechllc.com
Braking USA
SK Rotors: $700
http://www.brakingusa.com
Woodcraft
Rearsets: $330
http://www.woodcraft-cfm.com
Maxxis
Presa Sport tires: $ dealer
http://www.maxxistires.com
HEL USA
Brake/clutch lines: $49 per hose
http://www.helusar.com
Rizoma
Brake/clutch reservoirs: $120/set
http://www.rizoma.com
AFAM
Sprocket (+2): $70
http://www.dc-afam.com
Scotts Performance
Steering damper: $479
http://www.scottsperformance.com
Project: Canyon Killer
Next month: The finished GSX-R1000 in action!