I would still recommend changing the pads. They can absorb the fork oil or brake fluid easily over time, and that will seriously reduce their effectiveness.

I'd take the calipers/hoses/master cylinder off as a complete assembly and try to carefully "pump" the pistons out by operating the lever. Use a thin alloy or wooden block in place of the pads to prevent the pistons popping out of their housing if you don't want to completely dismantle the system. This should get the pistons out far enough to thoroughly clean them. Doing this on the bench is far preferable to trying to work on the bike in my opinion, as if you pop a piston you don't run the risk of getting fluid all over the wheel or bodywork.

I've seen plenty of older NSR master cylinders in need of a rebuild kit. I personally wouldn't bother rebuilding one now unless I wanted to restore an NSR to showroom OEM spec. Your money is better off spent on a newer radial master cylinder off something like a CBR1000RR. I fitted one to my MC21 recently and was astounded that even a numpty such as myself could actually "feel" the difference over a conventional master cylinder!
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Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

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