There are a few threads on this upgrade already but had to dig to get all the necessary info. For the sake of others who still might want to do this I thought I'd publish my own experience.
My major reasons for upgrading were:
- Better brake lever feel
- Easier pad change
- Mechanically more efficient (pistons are the only things that move and that work load is shared over 4 vs. 2 of oem)
- Better looking
Choice of Nissin over Tokcio Caliper
- Cleaner look (totally subjective)
- Maybe slight price advantage to Nissin
What you need to do this mod:
- Calipers from a Honda CBR 600 F4 - F4i All Model Years, 2000 - 2001 CBR 929, 2002 - 2003 CBR 954, 2003 - 2004 CBR 600RR or Honda RC-52 2001 SP2 and up.
- SV650 Adapter Bracket (SV/DL brackets are exactly the same)
- (4) M10x1.5mm x 40mm Stainless Steel Button Head (24ft/lbs)
- (4) M8x1.25mm x 35mm Stainless Steel Socket Head (22ft/lbs)
- (4) M8 Stainless washers
- (4) 5/16" ID x 7/16" OD x 3/8" spacers
Everything bolts up pretty easily and there are no clearance issues. For ease, I would work one side at a time. Start by unbolting the current caliper and support it with a wire until you have the new caliper mounted then switch over the brake line working quickly enough to avoid brake fluid spillage. For the adapter to fork bolts I would locktite them for peace of mind. You could also safety wire them if that's your thing. After both are completed, bleed brakes per usual.
Beyond that I suggest rebuilding both donor calipers and inserting new pads before installing.
It is also worth noting that the FA296 pads used in the Nissin calipers are a tad large for the braking surface. I used a grinding wheel to remove about 1mm of material from the lower edge.
Here's the finished product.