Yes, on a 1200 the handlebar mounted master cylinder is the left front caliper. The right front caliper is operated by a port on the frame mounted rear master cylinder along with the rear caliper. This is opposite from the 1500. I tried aftermarket pads on my '85, always found OEM to be best in grip … and no blued rotors. If the bike is an Aspencade or ltd or sei,l it has hollow rotors up front, take care of them. I never had a soft lever, but by itself the single front caliper is hard pressed to "whoa" the heavy Wing in a hurry, it takes both hand & foot … best habit is always. A good bleed never hurts.