Best Master Cylinder for 851?

HeyItsJay

I’m making progress on getting my 1992 Ducati 851 back on the road after it sat in a museum for 20 years. There are a number of aftermarket bits on the bike, including a Nissin Master Cylinder (with a silver lever that doesn’t match the black Brembo clutch). Should I replace with an OEM Ducati part (62440021B), which is discontinued, or is this a good opportunity to upgrade to a more modern Brembo replacement? Which one would you suggest?
Thanks for any tips!

mike

Hi Jay -

You must be pleased to have the bike back and to be able to use it after 20 years!

My opinion only, but I’d personally not be looking for a “modern” equivalent. I’m sure others will know more than me about these things, but I’m sure some of the modern components will give a marginal gain, but I believe part of the charm of these older bikes is that they are a bit more effort to ride than a modern machine, where every action is effortless and safe.

I have a period AP Racing master cylinder on my SP5, so I’m not adverse to having non-OEM components on there.

Mr.R

The adjustable ratio master cylinder from AP Lockheed Racing, is one of the best I’ve ever used. I had them fitted to 3 of my Ducati’s.

The only reason I changed one out on my 851 was that it fouled the Carbon “X” shaped air runners when used in conjunction with Corse clipons. That is the only reason I fitted a much later radial Brembo race M/cylinder.

mike

Oh - that’s interesting to know, I hadn’t appreciated that it was adjustable.

Mr.R

AP made both adjustable and non adjustable M/cylinders in different bore sizes to suit either single or twin disc operation.

One of the best set ups I used was to fit a non adjustable single cylinder AP M/cylinder, to a twin disc set up using AP’s twin piston calipers. Resulting in lots of feel and very good power.

But this was before they came out with the adjustable ones. which in my opinion were so good as to be almost cheating.