TOPIC:

Another part that made its way into my  dual disc conversion on my '76 750B is phenolic caliper pistons. Some years back my friend Jeff Stephens of Godffery's Garage went searching and found automotive pistons of the correct diameters  and had the open ends machined to match the OEM pistons on the motorcycles.He offers them for many '70's Kawasaki and Honda models. The Kawi units are for the 42mm bore and should fit KZ650 thru KZ900 with that size bore.Advantages to the phenolic pistons:- Weight is 1/4 that of the stock steel unit.- They don't corrode.- They are temperature-stable and don't transfer heat from the pad to the brake fluid.I have 2 sources for these pistons but supplies are limited and may not be restocked due to rising costs, etc. If anyone is interested reply to this post and I will supply contact info. Price is $44.00 each USD plus shipping 

I Like It  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Very clever insight!! I've worked on my share of similar phenolic type pistons on dirtbikes and quads for years. They can get sloppy over the years of use but that's generally because of the "all dirt" environment they function. I'm half tempted... I've about 20 of the KZ900-1000 early front calipers which need to get coated soon anyway. Seems to be adaquate "meat" on the cut-down sector of where the dust seal resides. Have You used them in your stuff for some time?  

I have them on 2 bikes- a '78 cb750 custom build -about 7K miles on them over 7 years- and my recent '76 kz750b resto - just over 1K miles since last Spring. I think He's been selling them for 10 years or so. I've had no issues with them at all.  If you'd like to contact him his email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

Thank-You!! On a side note i had a gaggle of those 79-up CB750K, rare at the time, pistons custom cut from SS blanks. They only had one front caliper so i know the cost involved. Think that was from HVC cycles about 10-12 yrs ago. Bought/had made 20ish still have 5 or so left but sold like hotcakes. I'll be in touch with that gent for sure! Thanks a Bunch!!

Well i digress, it was 2012. So some plus years ago but You can see what crap custom machined Years ago cost and prices have definitely escalated since. I'm in the throws of restoring a 1978 F2 CB750 SS. Paint already but a crappy picture of it. If You need any of the VB Keihin CB750-900 stuff let me know, i've buckets of it. And speaking of buckets, have a brimming over tray of the 79-82 valve shims to boot. YES i know this a Kawasaki site too and perhaps shouldn't even mention it, Ha.  

He should have phenolics for your '78 cb in stock also.

That's great to know but i haven't even gotten that far yet on the chassis. I've so much of the OEM NOS bits already, i'll have to look to see what i have/havenot. But Thank-You!!

I have a set of these in my Z1R.  They seem to be well made, they fit well, and they worked well.  I haven't put a ton of miles on the bike, but I have no complaints.  

Here are some of my photos:  kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/615972-doh...resh?start=12#852408

Rusty B1, it looks like the KZ pistons are listed as $54 each.  Where did the $44 price you mention come from?

godfferysgarage.com/product/phenolic-bra...r-piston-kz-650-900/

My Z1R used the 38mm piston, which I think may be this one?  

godfferysgarage.com/product/phenolic-bra...piston-xs-sr-gl1000/

Godffrey told me that he would let his remaining stock go for $44 each. That was the price until recently. If you are interested contact him at the email I listed above.

Our interest was piqued about these pistons, so we contacted Jeff Stephens of Godffery's Garage to inquire re: Z1 pistons.  He has none that would be compatible, but indicated that if there's enough individual & commercial reseller interest, there's a fair possibility a batch could be produced.

For our KZR  Z1 enthusiasts; if interested in phenolic Z1 pistons, please contact Jeff at the email address below, or through the Godffery's Garage site link below.  The more interest, the better the chance of production.

godfferysgarage.com/contact/

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

Hi DOHC,
Just wondering if you noticed any difference in the feel at the brake lever with these pistons fitted?