Replacing the Front Master Cylinder Sight Glass, Anyone?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by speedntriple

Check this site, http://www.newrivercyclesalvage.com, they make replacement master cylinder sight glass lens kits for bikes.

This smells a lot like spam to me !! :roll:

[dentheman]

Spam or not, it is a source for the sight glass that we thought couldn't be replaced. I did go to a couple other sites where riders were asking about replacement sight gass and speedntriple replied with the same source, so it does LOOK like spam. But, on the other hand, it is apparently the only cheap source if you need one (other than the scrap yard).

[Water Warrior 2]

The Suzuki master cylinder may be somewhat costly but I doubt I would gamble with my health and welfare to save a few bucks. I want a proper working and reliable front brake with all the best quality I can get from the dealer. The front brake does the majority of the braking so it had better be 100%. If I got the rebuild kit I would still need some one qualified and experienced to install it so there goes a lot of my savings. We all do what we are most comfortable with when maintaining our bikes.

[GZ250]

Glue is not a good solution as the glue might come off at some point because of heat, water and other factors. Welding using a solder is a good option until you buy a new one.

My sight glass is also cracked and i cut a small piece from a plastic and glued on top of it from the outside (temporary solution). I am not getting time to remove the assembly and and try the penny trick or if penny will react to the brake fluid i will try the tin from jars.

If I spend more than $100 on a new cylinder, the next sight glass might end up having the same issue as i park outside.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by GZ250

Glue is not a good solution as the glue might come off at some point because of heat, water and other factors. Welding using a solder is a good option until you buy a new one.

WHAT ?? Solder ???
I don't think so. It won't stick the clear material of the sight glass and might melt it if it's plastic.

The only real problem with glue is finding some that won't be broken down by the brake fluid. That stuff EATS acrylic and strips paint. The original probably has some sealer (glue) on it but I don't know how you would find out what kind.

[Sarris]

Here is an aftermarket replacement on eBay w/ a clear plastic reservoir and lever for $35.

Front Brake Master Cylinder

No more site glass problems.

[GZ250]

oh man..... not soldering plastic, plastic or penny goes with glue if that does not work peny or tin piece with solder.

A cork might work.

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Sarris

Here is an aftermarket replacement on eBay w/ a clear plastic reservoir and lever for $35.

Front Brake Master Cylinder

No more site glass problems.

Excellent find Sarris. Looks like a very good solution that won't break the bank.

[dentheman]

It will be interesting to see what the winning bid cost is.

[ucvro1]

Hi all, new on this forum. My wife has a new (used) 2006 GZ and she loves it. I ride a VS800 and I love her GZ too.

Has anyone found a sight glass for the GZ master cylinder? Hers has rotted away to a crystalline mess. Has anyone ordered from the Newrivercyclesalvage site?

I read the posts above and couldn't get my mind wrapped around the glue or penny idea, so for now I have put a 5/16" round headed carriage bolt through the hole, round head out fitting into the groove nicely, with an o-ring under the head on the outside, a thick neoprene bushing around the shank to take up space, and a set of neoprene and steel washers under the bolt on the inside. It takes a fraction of the available space, so I don't suspect it should affect braking at all. It fits well, looks decent, and it so far is leak-proof. I have tested the bike thoroughly and there is no loss of pressure.

Any thoughts on this fix?

Still, I would like to get that 12 cent plastic sight glass lens if they are available...