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Review of Nissin Shindy Daytona 5/8" Brake Master Cylinder 17-651B or 61738

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Our Honda dual-disc CX500 had a faulty master cylinder and we spent quite a while searching for a suitable replacement; we ended up settling on a Nissin model (eBay US, or for single-disc this search: eBay US):

A close-up of the model details:

In the set you get a master cylinder + lever, in black:

...and a bunch of extras:

From left to right, there's the handlebar clamp and two Allen head bolts - this model fits 7/8" bars - the master cylinder reservoir bracket, and a screw/nut for said bracket. Taking a closer look at the master cylinder, it looks a bit more normal if we flip the reservoir around as it would be sitting on the bike:

It comes with a plug in the end to keep dust and debris out of the important parts:

...on ours, though, this part was floating freely around the box. Whether it's in place or not, it's good practice to visually check that there's nothing extra inside before you hook up your brake lines! This model has a reach-adjustable lever: Six different settings - I find the closest setting quite comfortable, and there's a good range of movement available. To select a setting lift the lever away from where the handlebars would be (or are, if you have mounted it already), spin the dial to a number and release the lever - dead easy. On the rear of this, you will find some factory grease where the lever touches the end of the piston:

Further around, there's some information cast into the metal:

5/8" - the right size for a CX500 with dual discs, and many other bikes besides. Underneath we have the brake switch:



The master cylinder reservoir is connected by a length of plain black hose, with two clamps:

On to the reservoir itself:

The lid is held on by a single screw and metal bracket: Nice and secure. The master cylinder reservoir bracket attaches underneath the mirror, which mounts to the handlebar mounting bracket:

A wider view once set up:



The set up process takes next to no time and you can have it on your bars in minutes. As a point of reference, the bike we are fitting it to has two Hel stainless steel brake lines running directly from the master cylinder to the calipers rather than the original single line to a splitter set up. The brake feel with the Nissin master cylinder is excellent - very firm but the feedback is great, and the lever is extremely comfortable once set up for your desired distance from the bars. Brake lever feel is quite subjective, and individual tastes will differ - however we are extremely happy with the choice in master cylinder and the feel/performance improvement over the 30-year-old on-it's-last-legs master cylinder is significant. If we can, we will get hold of a refurbished stock master cylinder or one of the inexpensive ones from David Silvers and test it out on the same bike for a better comparison and update the review.

In short - highly recommended, great feel and very comfortable! Grab your own for dual disc on eBay US (or single disc here: eBay US)