Motorcycle Repair: Brake problem, honda goldwing, rear caliper

Question
I have a 1988 Honda Goldwing and no rear brakes.  They were working then just gave up, no peddle.  My queston is; how do I tell if the problem is the master cylinder or the rear caliper?  It is no easy task taking either off the bike so would like to know if there is a way I could tell which is the problem.
Thank you for your time and info in advance.
Terry Davis

Answer
Hi Terry.
 There really is no fool-proof way to tell which is the culprit in this case.
 A good indicator of it being the caliper would be the presence of brake fluid all over the caliper and disc.  That would clearly indicate the caliper, but would not completely eliminate the master cylinder.

If there is no obvious leak in the caliper, then it is most likely the master cylinder, which can be rebuilt easily enough.

Good luck.
FALCON