Kawasaki Concours C10 Front Brake System change-out

I've started restoring the 1994 Kawasaki Concours C10.  One issue that was apparent right off the bat was the front brakes were clamped to the rotors.  Shortly after buying the bike I pulled the left front caliper and found out that the seals were blown and one pad was worn down to nothing.  As I researched rebuild kits and read how to do it, I also searched the Concours forum for tips and tricks.  I also checked "The Emporium" where folks list bikes and parts for sale or needed.  Lo and behold, a member had a full brake set-up for sale for not much more than one rebuild kit!  By full, I mean FULL, from lever to pretty good brake pads!  So I ordered them and had him throw in some other parts including a matching clutch lever and master cylinder.  Time to schedule a major motorcycle maintenance project....

Unfortunately the parts came while I was on the road for work for what seemed like forever.  No bike riding, no motorcycle projects-these trips even went over weekends.  Finally at home last Saturday, I decided to ride my other C10 (Miss Swail) and put off the Connie repairs until tonight.  I was able to get some time this evening, so I put on some coffee, put the iPod in the speakers on shuffle and got to work.  I shot some video so I'll also make a YouTube video.  The old set-up came off very easily.  While the fasteners were dirty or worn, none of them were too hard to get out.  Things were still pretty messy, which is to be expected when doing maintenance on older and semi-neglected bikes.  The right side brake pads weren't too badly worn so hopefully the rotors are ok.  I checked out the replacement set-up, got the bolts from the old set I would need and went to work re-installing the set.  The right side brake calipers didn't want to cooperate and took most my time, but over-all everything went right back on pretty well.  I might pull them off and clean them up some more, but right now they are a big improvement cosmetically.  I still need to bleed the brakes fully, but the fluid in them looks brand new, another encouraging sign.

Here's the tools and parts you'll need if doing this job (and I'd bet 1980/1990s Ninja as well):

8, 10, and 12 mm wrenches (I have a three headed t-wrench that works great, but you'll still need box end wrenches for bleeder valves)
5mm allen key (for handlebar clamp)
phillips head screw driver for brake reservoir cover
DOT 4 brake fluid
rags

I didn't have to remove any lines or banjo bolts.  It took a little finagling to get the reservoir and lever past the throttle cables, but that was much easier than either disconnecting a brake line or the cables.

Goal is to get main fairing re-installed, move my non-leaking tank from the other Concours, bleed the brakes and do a road test.  Oh yeah, also need to change Miss Swail's front tire, so plenty of motorcycle maintenance projects still to do!