GL1100 caliper compatability question

You need the later caliper not the earlier 80-82 as they are different.

I'm not on here trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs but..... You do know that the front brake on the '83 only operates one of the front rotors?? So if this is news to you then try and operate it using the back brake.

chilidawg said:

I'm not on here trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs but..... You do know that the front brake on the '83 only operates one of the front rotors?? So if this is news to you then try and operate it using the back brake.

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I am quite aware of this yes.. :shock2: The caliper is frozen, trust me - I am changing the brake pads and bent a cheap C-clamp trying to compress the pistons..

THX, there are some on EBAY like this which claim the part fits multiple years, I asked the seller exactly what year it came off
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-1983-81-82-83-HONDA-GL1100-GOLDWING-FRONT-LEFT-BRAKE-CALIPER-/190703986913?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1983%7CSubmodel%3AGL1100&hash=item2c66d7e8e1&vxp=mtr

80-81 are 1 piston calipers.
82 uses both calipers to the front master cylinder.
83 is linked brakes, right front to rear and it is a smaller diameter piston than the left caliper, 25mm vs 32mm. I don't remember, and cannot look it up as I'm away from my computer doing this on my phone if 82 & 83 left front are the same caliper. I think the pistons are different lengths but same diameter.
Many ebayers are just parts strippers and don't know the differences and assume that what they put in that will fit is correct when in fact, as with these brakes, there are many changes in each year. It is buyer beware.

Pull your caliper apart and get a rebuild kit, clean it out of the gunk in the seal grooves, clean the pistons or replace them if pitted badly.

THX, so the rebuild process isn't that bad then? I am going to complete all the other work I have slated on it for this spring, get the ol' Victory out and then if I don't have a line on an cheap replacement, I guess I will have a go at rebuilding the current one..

The caliper did not change, only the operation of it, as long as you get a dual piston caliper that is handed correctly, it will work.
But there are a number of ways to get them to free up, you can replace the bleed nipple with a zerk fitting and use a grease gun or easier still, reinstall it, bleed it and push those pistons out using the brake lever. Some also say that ATF works good as a dip, takes a while though.

Rebuild is not hard, just use the master to pop out the pistons before you disconnect the hose. I use a block of thin plywood or an old brake "pad as a stop to ensure both pistons move out before popping one out completely as if one is stuck you need to put a shim to hold the other in place to use the hydrolic pressure to release the stuck piston. Keep your fingers away!

If you haven't been flushing the systems yearly since new or rebuild, you will need to rebuild calipers and master cylinders as the gunk builds up in 2 years time, sticking can be gunk in seal grooves and or the return port plugged in the master cyl.

The left caliper from an 82 standard or interstate should fit an 83 Standard or Interstate . IF you have an 83 Aspencade you need a caliper from an 83 aspencade , possibly the 82 Aspencade will fit also .