Last year I renovated an old 748 with a 996 engine. During my first ride I experienced that the brakes were not that strong. By that I mean that they braked, but did not really bite. I assumed that this was a result of new brake pads, but the phenomenon is still there. The brakes do not bite and no matter how hard I squeeze the brake lever, the braking force does not seem to increase but remains almost averagely constant. My Aprilia RSV Mille and Ducati ST4s have the same brake discs and similar brake pads, but brake much harder. Are there known brake problems, or known weak brake pumps with the very first 748s? Or is there indeed something wrong with the brakes.
Brake problems are rare with these. Have you tried taking the pads out and seeing if the brake pistons are moving freely? I had my bike laid-up for a couple of years and the pistons had stuck where they were, took a little freeing off, lubricating with red rubber grease, reassemble. No problems since, worth a try.
It’s a simple job and well worth the effort to pull them apart and replace seals, fluid maybe pads. Once done you should be able to stand it on it’s nose.
Thicker new discs, like EBC Pro-lite or Brembo Serie oro, and a radial master cylinder (maybe 17, 19 would be too much) and good pads and I reckon they will be as good as you need. The Brembo gold line calipers are old but they can still be really good
Could be an idea to check the master cyl and make sure it's the right size and functioning correctly.
Old 748 so 25 plus yrs ? If the calipers have never been split and rebuilt I'd be starting there and making sure pistons are all working smoothly, and everything is spotless. Old fluid behind the pistons can contaminate new fluid if it's just flushed.
assuming pistons and seals are good it's mainly down to pads. I stuck some z04's in mine and they are brilliant brakes. I'd say they feel equal to m4 radial calipers. I do feel the later stylema R calipers onwards have moved things on slightly but it's only when riding back to back you really notice it
