Brake caliper and master cylinder repair question

[harkgold]

In studying my Clymers manual I read where it says that any brake caliper and master cylinder rebuild work should only be done by the Honda dealership because special tools are required. Is this a fact, or is Honda simply trying to lessen some liability here?
On my old '78 GS750 Suzuki I rebuilt the master cylinders and calipers myself with no problems at all or special tools.

Harkgold

[WingAdmin]

In studying my Clymers manual I read where it says that any brake caliper and master cylinder rebuild work should only be done by the Honda dealership because special tools are required. Is this a fact, or is Honda simply trying to lessen some liability here?
On my old '78 GS750 Suzuki I rebuilt the master cylinders and calipers myself with no problems at all or special tools.

Harkgold

If you read the Honda owners manual for my 1500, it states that pretty much anything beyond filling the gas tank should be done by a Honda dealership.

Most Honda dealerships won't even touch a bike older than ten years now anyway, so you're probably out of luck as far as that goes.

Brake caliper and master cylinder rebuild kits are readily available, and are well within the capability of the average owner. Have a look at the How-To Articles and you'll find detailed procedures on all of them.

[harkgold]

In studying my Clymers manual I read where it says that any brake caliper and master cylinder rebuild work should only be done by the Honda dealership because special tools are required. Is this a fact, or is Honda simply trying to lessen some liability here?
On my old '78 GS750 Suzuki I rebuilt the master cylinders and calipers myself with no problems at all or special tools.

Harkgold

If you read the Honda owners manual for my 1500, it states that pretty much anything beyond filling the gas tank should be done by a Honda dealership.

Most Honda dealerships won't even touch a bike older than ten years now anyway, so you're probably out of luck as far as that goes.

Brake caliper and master cylinder rebuild kits are readily available, and are well within the capability of the average owner. Have a look at the How-To Articles and you'll find detailed procedures on all of them.

Thanks! What a relief to know this. I keep forgetting that these manuals are slanted somewhat to benefit them.
Harkgold

[Viking]

If you read the Honda owners manual for my 1500, it states that pretty much anything beyond filling the gas tank should be done by a Honda dealership.

And in my mind, filling the gas tank is about the only thing that I would want a dealership to be doing with my bike,

[timothy1027]

A word to the wise... Clymer does not publish REAL service manuals for Honda. Honda Corp. is the only place where you can get a REAL service manual for a Honda motor vehicle. IMHO... (I have 38 years of experience in car & motorcycle repair).

[harkgold]

A word to the wise... Clymer does not publish REAL service manuals for Honda. Honda Corp. is the only place where you can get a REAL service manual for a Honda motor vehicle. IMHO... (I have 38 years of experience in car & motorcycle repair).

Thanks for the tip! I'm realizing this more and more as I try to work from my Clymer's. I have even found several errors within their instructions.
A friend on another Gold Wing site was kind enough to mail me a Real Honda Service Manual for my bike.