I have searched all the bike parts websites, i have called two dealers, even found out the gs500 uses the same master cylinder, but i have been unable to find a part number for this stupid thing. The dealers weren't very helpful, all they did was look at the same parts lists i had already looked at, but i was hoping maybe someone knew something i didn't. The cheap replacement brake cylinder I got on ebay has already started showing it's price ( i should have listened to easyrider, sorry guy), but now i finally got my old OEM cylinder apart and ready to go, except for the stupid sight glass. Any help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Guys!

I'm pretty sure that it's a non-available part. That means it's not meant to be replaced and it only comes pre-installed in a master cylinder.

Sorry.

OK, let's try this again.

What exactly is the condition of the sight glass port in the OEM one that you are trying to rebuild?

Let me guess: You got the clouded sight glass out but broke it in the process ??......because it was GLUED in and wasn't intended to ever come out, maybe ??

My second guess is that the little sight glass is not available by itself anywhere in the world except in the factory in Japan where they are built.

My third guess is that you are never gonna have it right unless and until you bite the bullet and get a whole new OEM master cylinder.

My fourth guess is that if you elect to try and "create" something yourself to cover that hole, be it transparent or not, you will end up contaminating the whole system and have to rebuild or replace the piston on the lower end too.

Sometimes cheap solutions can get VERY expensive.

The way I see it, your only hope short of a new one is to find a junk yard nearby that is tied into the national network and get a used one. That is also a gamble.

Good luck!
Hope somebody else has some better ideas.

The only other solution is steal one but that is really bad Karma. I personally would consider a new unit from Suzuki. The front brake is just so very important for safe riding and survival.

Well, I saw a cheap & easy fix concering the sight glass on a front master cylinder at a bike shop a few weeks back. Tha mechanic super glued a penny to the outside of the master cylinder. I guess he applied tha glue to the outside edge around the opening then reached inside the master cylinder and put tha squeeze on the penny till the glue set up. Then he refilled the resevoir, closed it up & bled the brake. As far as I know if, it is still holding. Hope this helps
Later tator

I'd love a new sight glass, myself!

My I know of a Yamaha that has a nickel in place of the sight glass. The owners says it is a perfect fit.

I would not glue a coin to the out side with "Super Glue". Cyanoacrylate has poor shear strength on metals. It is used for some metal working operations to temporarily hold parts together. I would be afraid the penny would come loose and strand me miles from home or help.

In any case, I would replace the master cylinder if there was a problem. I don't think its a good idea to be modifying brake parts.

What Badbob said

A one cent repair ??? You get what you pay for. Isn't your health and welfare worth more than that ?? Please do it right.

Check this site, www.newrivercyclesalvage.com, they make replacement master cylinder sight glass lens kits for bikes.

This smells a lot like spam to me !!

Spam or not, it is a source for the sight glass that we thought couldn't be replaced. I did go to a couple other sites where riders were asking about replacement sight gass and speedntriple replied with the same source, so it does LOOK like spam. But, on the other hand, it is apparently the only cheap source if you need one (other than the scrap yard).

The Suzuki master cylinder may be somewhat costly but I doubt I would gamble with my health and welfare to save a few bucks. I want a proper working and reliable front brake with all the best quality I can get from the dealer. The front brake does the majority of the braking so it had better be 100%. If I got the rebuild kit I would still need some one qualified and experienced to install it so there goes a lot of my savings. We all do what we are most comfortable with when maintaining our bikes.

Glue is not a good solution as the glue might come off at some point because of heat, water and other factors. Welding using a solder is a good option until you buy a new one.

My sight glass is also cracked and i cut a small piece from a plastic and glued on top of it from the outside (temporary solution). I am not getting time to remove the assembly and and try the penny trick or if penny will react to the brake fluid i will try the tin from jars.

If I spend more than $100 on a new cylinder, the next sight glass might end up having the same issue as i park outside.

WHAT ?? Solder ???
I don't think so. It won't stick the clear material of the sight glass and might melt it if it's plastic.

The only real problem with glue is finding some that won't be broken down by the brake fluid. That stuff EATS acrylic and strips paint. The original probably has some sealer (glue) on it but I don't know how you would find out what kind.

Here is an aftermarket replacement on eBay w/ a clear plastic reservoir and lever for $35.

Front Brake Master Cylinder

No more site glass problems.

oh man..... not soldering plastic, plastic or penny goes with glue if that does not work peny or tin piece with solder.

A cork might work.

Excellent find Sarris. Looks like a very good solution that won't break the bank.

It will be interesting to see what the winning bid cost is.