I have a 2000 280 Gas Gas and was wondering: The brakes seem to fade somewhat when doused in clean water (ie: a clean stream), but seem to remain grippy and powerful when bathed in gooey black mud. I wonder if there is something I can do to make these brakes ultra-powerful and grippy no matter if they are wet or dry. I am running stock pads with about 3 months wear on them. Also, I have not succeeded in obtaining a syringe with which to bleed brakes either from a farm supply store or from Rising Sun Imports. Is there anywhere or anyone that you would suggest?

Thank you very much for your time and energy to answer these questions! Sincerely, Daniel

Dan,

Sometime ago you asked about making brakes better. Jim Snell of Rising Sun Imports sent me some additional info to make them Championship caliber and I remembered your question and thought I'd pass it on to you.
If the caliper halves are taken apart and the sealing surfaces lightly sanded on a granite plate (or very carefully on a thick plate of glass) with 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper and oil, this will improve the sealing and flex resisting capabilities where they fit together. The halves are anodized after machining, rather than before and this sometimes reduces the effectiveness of the fit. This works very well for the four-piston calipers and just about any brand of brakes. Slightly radius the perch mounts of the master cylinder assembly on the outside of where they grip the handlebar to eliminate flex. Jim can also supply you with Galfer and Brembo pads. One of the things I do with my pads is to cut an "X" on the pad with something like a metal saw (carefully and not all the way to the metal backing) to channel dirt and water from the surface.

Jon