SS Brake line information

atomic22

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Spurned on by another member, who challenged my way of thinking about asking questions, I decided to do a little research on the question asked.

So here is a little information I found on the web about SS brake lines. Note: I did not write this, I just found it. Please feel free to add or correct where appropriate. I am still learning as well.

Brake Line Facts and Fiction
by Paul Wright


So you want to buy some performance brake lines for your motorcycle, but can't decide which is best for you? We understand your delima. There are lots of different brands out there, including Russell, Goodridge, Fastline, Fren tubo, Galfer, and more, plus there are "-2" and "-3" sizes, and you have a choice of stainless steel brake lines, Kevlar brake lines, and even carbon fiber brake lines. How do you choose the right brake lines for your motrorcycle?

I'm going to explain the facts about performance brake lines and explode some of the popular brake line "myths" we often hear, even from experienced racers that should know better. After reading this article, you will know more about motorcycle brake lines than the salesman at your local motorcycle shop, more than your buddies, more than just about anybody. In case you don't want to read the whole article, I will cut to the chase right here and tell you the brake lines you need to buy are made by Fastline, but if you want to know why, you will have to read further!

HOW HYDRAULIC BRAKES WORK

All modern motorcycle brake systems use hydraulics, and the physics behind this is pretty simple: liquids do not compress. Whatever pressure is generated in the master cylinder brake fluid is directly moved through the brake lines into the calipers, pushing the brake pads out against the rotor, creating friction and stopping the motorcycle.

The design of a typical motorcycle front brake master cylinder and lever allows you to generate over 4,000 lbs of pressure within the brake system. That's a lot of pressure, but that's what is needed to stop a spinning brake rotor on a 400 lb motorcycle at speed. Since liquids don't compress, the pressure throughout the brake system is essentially equal at any time. The pressure in the master cylinder is the same pressure as in the caliper, and also in your brake lines. That is why you need good brake lines. They have to convey thousands of pounds of pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers.

BRAKE LINE BREAK DOWN

There are 4 basic parts to a performance motorcycle brake line. The fittings on the end, the teflon inner sleeve, the material around the sleeve that gives it strength, typically braided stainless steel, and usually there is a protective coating on the outside. We are going to take a look at each of these components and explain what works best.

The fittings are either steel or aluminum, and we don't recommend any brake lines with aluminum fittings. Steel fittings are MUCH stronger, are less prone to vibration and stress fatigue failure, they are almost impossible to kink or break in a crash, and they do not deform when you accidentally over tighten them during assembly. Yes, the steel fittings weigh 1 ounce more. You can live with that.

The Teflon inner sleeve is what actually contains the brake fluid, but it does not have enough strength by itself to stand up to the pressures in your brake system.

The material around the inner teflon sleeve is the key to making a performance motorcycle brake line. The material used must be flexible but strong, controlling expansion of the teflon sleeve when pressure is applied to the brake system.

The outer coating is there to protect the brake line (and your motorcycle) from abrasion as the motorcycle moves around and the suspension compresses and extends, causing the brake lines to rub against parts of the motorcycle. Years ago, many brake line brands came without any protective covering, and we saw many brake lines get rubbed nearly to the point of failure. Some brands of brake lines still come with no protective covering, and we definitely do not recommend them.

BRAKE LINE EXPANSION DYNAMICS

When a brake line expands too much under pressure, two things happen that you do not want - loss of internal brake system pressure which means a loss of braking power, and loss of "feel" at the brake lever. Let me give you an easy example. If you had a small round balloon filled with brake fluid, and you squeezed it in your hand, the ballon would expand anywhere it could, and it would feel mushy, and maybe even burst. If you placed the same brake fluid filled balloon in a small bowl the size of the balloon, covered the top completely with the palm of you hand and pushed down to compress the ballon in the bowl, the balloon would feel as hard as if it was solid.

Remember, liquids do not compress, and the balloon can not expand when encased all around by the bowl and your hand. In this example, the balloon is like the teflon sleeve, and it needs something around it to control the expansion when pressure is applied.

CONTROLLING BRAKE LINE EXPANSION

The real trick is controlling the expansion, not eliminating it. If you could totally eliminate brake line expansion using a steel tube from your master cylinder to the caliper, you would have brakes that were so sensitive and grabby that manufacturers would have to re-think brake pad compounds and master cylinder designs. You need a small amount of expansion (about 4%) for motorcycle brakes to have the proper "feel" that is critically important to racers. Too much expansion and you loose braking power and feel, too little expansion and your brakes will be too sensitive to have good control at the lever.

The reality is that most brake lines, even aftermarket "performance" lines, simply have too much expansion. The stock rubber lines that come on most bikes are fiber reinforced, but do not do a wonderful job of controlling expansion, and when they get hot, the rubber become softer, allowing more expansion.

-2 and -3 BRAKE LINES EXPLAINED

I sometimes hear racers claim they like the -2 lines better because they have better feel and braking power. The truth is -2 lines do have a different feel to them , but they do not give you more braking power than -3 lines, and in fact -2 brake lines can cause a serious problem not found in -3 lines (more on that later).

First let me explain that the -2 and -3 terminology simply refers to the inside diameter of the brake line teflon sleeve, -2 being 2mm, and -3 being 3mm. Now if liquids don't compress, and any pressure created in the master cylider is also present in the caliper, how can the diameter of the brake line make any difference in braking power? Good question! Assuming the two brake lines have the same expansion percentage, there is no difference in the pressure deliverered by a 2mm line over a 3mm line, but there is a difference in volume.

Most motorcyle front master cylinders have bore diameters around 14mm. The 2mm line volume is less than half that of a 3mm line, restricting the flow from the master cylinder, making the lever feel "tighter", and giving a different "feel" at the lever. This is why some people like the 2mm brake lines better than 3mm brake lines. Braking power is not increased, but the perception of the braking power does change.

So why are so few brake lines made in the 2mm size? Most manufacturers know what we also discovered years ago with our own race team bikes - the 2mm lines do not flow enough volume to allow a fast retraction of the pads from the rotors. This means that when you release the brake pressure, the extra restriction of a 2mm line keeps your pads rubbing against the rotors far longer than with 3mm brake lines. There is no "return spring" in your calipers. The pads retract only as the fluid flows back out of the caliper, through the brake lines, and back into the master cylinder. Slower pad retraction caused by 2mm brake lines can cause your brakes to stay much hotter, inducing pad glazing, pad backing plate warping, brake fade, premature fluid break down, and even warped rotors in extreme cases. We do not recommend any 2mm brake lines.

THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM

If 3mm brake lines have plenty of volume, but 2mm brake lines offer enhanced feel, why don't brake line manufacturers have something in between to give you the volume you need and better feel? The answer is price and profit. The common line sizes available are 2mm and 3mm, so that is what is cheapest and most easily obtained by brake line companies to manufacture their brake lines. We are aware of only one company (FastLine) that specifies and uses the more expensive 2.5mm brake line, and they have it made with the correct weave of braided stainless steel that also gives you the proper expansion rate. How they keep the cost reasonable is a mystery, but FastLines cost about the same or less than other major brands.
 
THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

While proper brake lines are important to having excellent braking feel and power, there are other factors to consider. An impoperly bled brake system contans air bubbles. While liquids do not compress, gasses do. Essentially any air in your brake system is an internal expansion area, creating the same problems as brake lines that expand too much.

Braking friction generates a lot of heat in the caliper area, and if you don't use a quality high temp brake fluid, you can actually boil the fluid in your brake system. When this happens, some of the the brake fluid becomes a gas, and you have the same problems created by air in the brake system. Change your brake fluid often, especially under racing use. Heat and contaminants in the brake system degrade the fluid over time. The bore diameter of your master cylinder and the leverage ratio it has can make a difference in feel and lever travel. Your brake pads can be slightly warped, or glazed, or just not of good quality. Heat and time in use degrades the brake pad compound. Just because your brake pads are not worn down nearly to the metal backing plate does not mean they don't need replacing. This article is about brake lines, but you can Read More(coming soon) about your other brake components.


BRAKE LINE FAQ's

Q My brakes seem to work OK. Do I really need stainless steel brake lines or any other kind of performance brake lines?

A Do you really need a helmet? Good brakes are important for your safety, just like a good helmet. Better brake lines mean better braking, and that can mean shorter stopping distances, increased 'feel' at the lever, and far less brake fade after repeated hard stops.

Q I'm not a racer, I just ride on the street. Are performance brake lines really going to be a benefit for me?

A Better brakes are better brakes, period. Your safety is important on or off the track, and avoiding a collision with a 5,000 lb SUV on the street is at least as important as avoiding a first turn pile up on the track.

Q Is there an advantage to Kevlar brake lines?

A They may be 1 ounce lighter. You will never notice that, but what we have noticed is too many instances where kevlar lines developed leaks, particularly where the fittings are crimped on at each end, and it has been our experience that kevlar lines are also not nearly as strong as stainless steel lines. We have too often seen kevlar lines pull out of their fittings in a crash that twists the master cylinder around on the handlebar. The truth is that Kevlar may be great in bulletproof vests, but it is basically a woven cloth, and does not control brake line expansion very well. To compensate for this, most Kevlar lines have an extra thick inner teflon sleeve to help control brake line expansion under pressure, and the teflon does not do a great job either. Our many years of experience with brake lines at the track tells us to avoid kevlar lines, and we just cannot recommend them.

Q What about the new carbon fiber brake lines? Do they have an advantage over stainless steel brake lines?

A The carbon fiber lines are new, very expensive, and hard to find for many bikes. Our opinion is that over time they will prove to be like the kevlar lines... 1 ounce lighter than stainless steel, but certainly less durable.

Q OK, so the stainless steel lines are my best choice. Is one brand better than another?

A Probably any braided stainless steel brake lines are going to be better than the stock rubber lines on your motorcycle. However, there are a many grades of braided stainless steel used to make motorcycle brake lines, hence there are many different grades of brake lines. The diameter of the wire, the quantity of wire used, and the weave pattern all make a difference. And don't forget the inside diameter. 2.5mm is ideal. Each brake line company buys the grade they want to use, and the lower grades cost less, so almost every brake line brand out there compromises to balance performance with profit. Fastline is the only company we know that specifies top grade braided stainless line in 2.5mm diameter.

Q What is the deal with the clear or colored plastic coverings on some brake lines?

A The covering is there to protect the brake lines and the motorcycle from abrasion. Motorcycles move around, suspension compresses and extends, and all this movement causes brake lines to rub on parts of your motorcycle. Over time, the rubbing can wear on the brake lines and the parts of your motorcycle touched by the brake lines. We are going to have to give another thumbs up to FastLine, because they don't use a standard plastic covering. FastLines have a thin coating of super tough Hytrel bonded to the outside of the braided stainess steel, so you get superior protection against abrasion, and the shiny black coating of Hytrel lets the pattern of the braiding show through. Very cool looking, and very durable.

I will try and add a little more later.

A couple of websites of interest:

http://www.anplumbing.com/
http://www.cyclebrakes.com/html/custom_lines.html

Thanks
A22
 
Brake Line Facts and Fiction
by Paul Wright

The start reminds me of what used to be called an 'application note' and maybe still is. Under the name would be his title within a company, and also included there would sometimes be his highest attained academic degree. As it is, who knows who this Paul Wright is and how do I know I should pay any attention to what he says? So it's best completely ignored.
 
Lots of solid information here. If anyone can dispute one bit of it, please educate us further. It all makes logical deductions. :bike:
 
The start reminds me of what used to be called an 'application note' and maybe still is. Under the name would be his title within a company, and also included there would sometimes be his highest attained academic degree. As it is, who knows who this Paul Wright is and how do I know I should pay any attention to what he says? So it's best completely ignored.

Somebody piss in your Wheaties?
 
Never Use Aluminium Fittings On Braking Systems

Some people sell aluminium brake line fittings for brake hoses. Not only is this a dangerous practice but you will also notice that they are normally sold with a 'for race use only' label as a possible legal get out clause for the company involved. HEL Performance have never and will never use aluminium fittings on brake lines - Why ? When two metals with different electromotive force are placed together and are subjected to an electrically conductive fluid, 'electrolytic' corrosion takes place. If you are looking for a light weight, corrosion resistant high strength alternative to stainless steel then we suggest you check out the HEL Performance Titanium fitting mini site.
Never Use Aluminium Fittings On Braking Systems
Electrolytic corrosion works on the same principles as a battery. Two metals, an anode and a cathode, are placed in fluid and an electrical reaction takes place which results in the softer metal being eroded due to electrolytic corrosion. Once these conditions are met, a "corrosion cell" is created, an electrical current will flow and metal will be consumed at the anode. The only way to remove this corrosion is by using metals of the same electromotive force (EMF). HEL Performance only ever use stainless steel or titanium fittings on stainless steel hose for our motorcycle brake lines which keeps the EMF constant across the system eliminating electrolytic corrosion.

Electrolytic Corrosion Of An Aluminium Fitting

In the case of an aluminium brake part this could lead to catastrophic results in the failure of the brake system. Again we reiterate that you should never use aluminium brake line fittings on any vehicle even for race use. The minimal weight saving obtained by using aluminium fittings is insignificant especially when viewed against the real dangers and risks involved when, and we mean when, the fitting corrodes.
Do not use aluminium fittings on your brake system.
HEL Performance only ever use Stainless Steel or Titanium fittings, on stainless steel hose with either stainless steel or Titanium bolts. So Ride the best you can - Fit HEL Performance Brake Lines.
 
^Mike's covering shedding ss lines have aluminum fittings. I've got a feeling that thing is just death waiting to pounce.
 
MORE INFORMATION....


Spiegler, Galfer, Goodridge, Hel all make stainless steel brake lines there may be more.

http://spieglerusa.com/

Spiegler Performance Parts was founded on the concept of providing motorcycle enthusiasts innovative technology, crafted using the highest quality materials available and with customer service that's second to none.
We've built our reputation designing and manufacturing brake lines that are DOT approved, assuring riders of a product they can rely on and trust. Our own in-house research and development uses data acquired on high-pressure test benches. And, because of the exceptional strength and durability of Spiegler Brake Lines we can offer customers a LIFETIME WARRANTY. 

The customer really does come first. At Spiegler, innovations like our custom-made brake lines allow the enthusiast to specify the exact system they need and receive it in any one of 81 color combinations. Our proprietary torsion system eliminates line twist making installation smoother and safer. 

Manufactured in Dayton, OH and distributed from our centrally-located head office we can deliver stock OEM and custom brake lines in the shortest time possible. 

In the world of high-performance aftermarket motorcycle parts, Spiegler is a name that enthusiasts and dealers have come to count on for highest quality products and service anywhere. It's our business and our passion.



Why Spiegler Brake Lines?


So you have made the decision that your OEM rubber lines need to be changed.
So why choose Spiegler Brake Lines?
A: Strength
That's the short answer. But it doesn't tell the whole story.
Spiegler Brake Lines strength comes from our innovation and research, materials and construction, knowledge and experience, service and support.
At Spiegler, we believe that the more you know about what we put into our products, the better you'll be able to answer that question yourself.

That's the short version; now let's cover this topic more in depth.
The OEM's recommend that you replace your rubber brake lines every 2 to 3 years. Why do the OEM's recommend this? Over time OEM rubber lines deteriorate rapidly due to expansion and UV damage. This leads to increased braking distances and possible failure.
At Spiegler, our brake lines are made of only the finest materials available.

Outside casings are made of tightly woven stainless steel braiding that exceeds our competitors
The inside is made with DuPont's PTFE-Teflon which eliminates expansion
Unique patented adjustable banjo fittings eliminate line twist during installation.
DOT approved
Lifetime warranty
81 color combinations possible which allows customers to personalize their bikes
We can build your lines to any specifications for custom applications
Come ready to install



For more information on why you should choose Spiegler Brake Lines, you can view the following pages for a more detailed look into Spiegler brake lines.

Performance
Testing and Research
Line Construction

Not only do we sell performance, we sell peace of mind.
 
Manufactured in accordance with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 106 for Street Use

Patented torsion system eliminates line twist.
We have complete kits for motorcycles or as individual lines for custom applications.
Steel braided brake lines are available with clear, black, red, blue, white, orange, green, smoke or translucent blue covering.*
Fittings are available in silver, gold, chrome, blue, black, purple, red, green or titanium.
Every kit is made as it is ordered, typically same or next day.
Lifetime Warranty (Guaranteed for the life of original owner and the original motorcycle)
A generally unrecognized manufacturer's recommendation is that all original rubber hydraulic hoses should be changed every four years to avoid failure. Spiegler brake lines are maintenance free and will provide reliable service for the life of your motorcycle.



Kits available







Brake Line Kit
1974 - 1976
Front
orig. dual disk
$143.95
More Details





Brake Line Kit
1976 - 1979
Front
orig.
$143.95
More Details





Brake Line Kit
1980 - 1985
Front
orig.
$143.95
More Details










Brake Line Kit
1979 - 1983
Rear
orig.
$56.95
More Details





Brake Line Kit
1979 - 1983
Front
orig.
$59.95



Custom lines available - Yes
 
Goodrich
http://www.goodridge.net/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/topcategories_-1_64_10551


A world leader in Fluid Transfer Systems
Welcome to the Goodridge website!
Founded in 1969, Goodridge has developed from a single seat race team in Canada, to a globally recognized leader in Fluid Transfer Systems.
Goodridge is the world's leading manufacturer of performance fluid transfer systems. It operates in the OEM, automotive, motorcycle, motorsport, defense and specialist industrial sectors. This dynamic private company manufactures in ten facilities globally and supplies customers around the world with a unique combination of design, innovation, reliability and outstanding service. Goodridge has a turnover of approximately £30 million with 80+ staff in Exeter and 300+ worldwide.
Goodridge was the winner of the 2005 Motorsport Industry Association 'Business of the Year' award.
We have tried to represent our globally diverse range of products within these pages, however, please contact us if you cannot find what you are looking for, and we will help you find a solution. Thank you for visiting us.
Goodridge - innovate, don't imitate.
Push the limits
USA - Motorcycle Distributors (Metric Bikes)
Parts Unlimited
3501 Kennedy Rd
Janesville
WI 53547

Tel: 608-758-1111
Fax: N/A
E-Mail: N/A
Web: www.parts-unlimited.com
Dealer Locator (Click Here)

Street & Competition
Rd 1 Box 40B
Troy
NY 12180
Tel: 800-326-5487
Fax: N/A
E-Mail: N/A
Web: N/A

K & L Supply Co
1040 Richard Ave
Santa Clara
CA 95050
Tel: 408-727-6767
Fax: N/A
E-Mail: N/A
Web: www.klsupply.com Tucker Rocky
4900 Alliance Gateway Frwy
Ft Worth
TX 76178

Tel: 800-347-8080
Fax: N/A
E-Mail: N/A
Web: www.tuckerrocky.com
Dealer Locator (Click Here)

Barnett Tool
2238 Palma Dr
Ventura
CA 93003

Tel: 805-642-9435
Fax: N/A
E-Mail: N/A
Web: www.barnettclutches.com
Dealer Locator (Click Here)







Galfer
http://www.galferusa.com/html/

History

Galfer Brakes was founded by Maffio Milesi in Barcelona, Spain, in 1946 as a brake pad supplier for major European motorcycle and auto makers. For the most part, Galfer was unknown in the United States until 1992 when Giorgio Milesi – one of Maffio Milesi’s three sons – moved to Santa Barbara, California with his son Sandro to open Galfer USA. Sixteen years and two locations later, Galfer USA resides in a 12,000 square-foot warehouse in Oxnard, California, and services North and South America, Australia and the Far East. Although all Galfer brake pads are still made in our Barcelona factory, Galfer USA is at the forefront of brake technology. All Galfer stainless steel brake lines are made in the same building as our sales, management and design teams. And many of Galfer’s rotors are now made right here in Southern California.


The Company
We are not an uptight, stuffy company where all the employees hate to go to work every day. We are all power sports enthusiasts. Sandro rides a KTM 640; our sales manager Dave rides a Trek Madone 4.7 (ok, no engine but it's two-wheels) and enjoys quads; Alex in purchasing likes to ride off-road. Distributor rep. Aaron Hudak ('02 GSXR-750), dealer rep. Keith Neary ('02 CBR F4i), dealer rep. JJ Miller ('93 KLX650C), and Robert (KLR650), our brake line technician, are all riders. Maggie and Jenny in Sales Support will help you with orders and questions. Customer Service is handled by Kathy and Linette. Even our bookkeeper Arleen is a Harley fanatic. Of course, it all starts from the top with Giorgio, a former Moto Guzzi factory racer who currently rides a Suzuki DL1000 and still leaves most of us eating his dust...

Here at Galfer, we make it a point to be the first to get you the latest applications. Our relationships with top race teams and the OEM manufacturers allow us to get our hands on the newest bikes before the public does, so we can make sure that our replacement pads, lines and rotors bolt up perfectly. We are constantly developing new brake pad compounds, better ways to route your brake lines and developing our patented Wave® rotor technology so that you, the end consumer, has brake products from us that are truly state of the art. Feel free to call us, as our knowledgeable and courteous staff is here to help you with all of your brake performance questions.


Galfer Steel-Braided Brake Lines

Made in the USA
Lifetime warranty
Instructions for most applications
ABS and integrated brake systems available
Full-time brake line technician on staff available for support
PTFE teflon®
64 lines of steel braid
Pre-positioned banjos for easy installation, although adjustable as needed by hand
DOT (FMVSS 106 and ISO 3996) kits available
11 line colors available
Banjo fittings available in black, silver, gold, red and blue colors
 
Where to Buy

*

CYCLEGEAR
tel: (800) 292-5343

web: www.cyclegear.com
*
CYCLEBRAKES
tel: (800) 805-2118
web: www.cyclebrakes.com

* Pashnit Moto
Camino, CA
tel: (530) 391-1356
e-mail: pashnit33@yahoo.com
web: www.pashnit.com
* 58CYCLE
9200 Martinsville Highway
Danville, VA 24541
tel: (434) 685-5858
e-mail:info@58cycle.com
web: www.58cycle.com
* Podium Superbike
Canton, MI
tel: (313) 242 7725
e-mail: Sales@PodiumSuperbike.com
web: www.podiumsuperbike.com
* JS Stainless
Moline, IL
tel: (309) 524-5063
web: www.polishedstainless.biz
* McCoy Motorsports
559 North Mayo Tr.
Pikeville, KY. 41501
tel: (606) 432-1556
web: www.tobefast.com
* Hard Racing
264 Rolling Hill Rd.
Mooresville, NC 28117
tel: (704) 799-2192
web: www.hardracing.com
* Duncan Racing
10734 Kenney Street, Suite A
Santee,CA 92071
tel: (866) 379-7223
web: www.duncanracing.com




Custom Brake Lines Available - Yes
 
HEL
http://helusa.com/
HEL Performance Motorcycle Brake Lines And Brake Hoses
HEL Performance specialise in the manufacture of all stainless steel motorcycle brake lines and hoses in over 68 countries around the world.
With over 3,800 stainless steel brake line kits and a large range of oil cooler and stainless steel oil line kits, we are sure there will be something in our range for your motorcycle.
The most powerful part of your motorcycle is not the engine - it's the brakes. That's a fact! Consider this - A GSX-R1000 can do a standing quarter mile in 10.8 seconds with a terminal speed of 138mph - the brakes can do the same amount of work, but in reverse, in just 6.8 seconds - and by fitting HEL Performance Stainless Steel Brake Lines you can make them even more powerful.


HEL will NOT sell Aluminium fittings for brake lines - Why not?
HEL will NOT sell Kevlar covered brake lines for your bike - Why not?
HEL Performance Brake Line Kit Layouts

S: Standard Kit. As per the original brake line layout on your bike.
F: Full-Length "race" kit. Two Full Length Lines both running from master cylinder, one to the right hand caliper and one to the left hand caliper.
O: Over-the-mudguard. One full length line runs from master cylinder to the right hand caliper and the other connecting right and left calipers by routing over the mudguard.Stainless Steel Fittings: Pricing
Stainless Steel Ends Price
Single Line Kit $49.00
Two Line Kit $98.00
Three Line Kit $147.00
Four Line Kit $196.00
Five Line Kit $245.00
CBS Linked Kit (10 line Kit) $399.00

Price includes PVC cover, all stainless steel fittings, stainless steel braided hose, stainless steel banjo bolts, copper washers, warranty card and stickers.HEL Performance Titanium Fittings And Banjo Bolts: Pricing
Titanium Ends Price
Single Line Kit $98.00
Two Line Kit $196.00
Three Line Kit $294.00
Four Line Kit $392.00
Five Line Kit $490.00

Price includes PVC cover, all titanium fittings, stainless steel braided hose, titanium banjo bolts, copper washers, warranty card and stickers.


1975 XS650
$147.02

'81~'82 XS650
$147.02


1975 XS650 C
$147.02

'79~'80 XS650 E
$147.02

1972 XS650 II
$49.00

'79~'82 XS650 SE
$98.00

XS650 US Import
$98.00
 
I'll try and post more later
Hope this information is of value to some of you looking at upgrading your brake lines.
Travis posted some information in the Tech section on ss brake lines as well.
Thanks
A22

Sorry for the weird formatting, I don't have time right now to go through each post and correctly format it from my google doc. I thought it would copy and paste better.
 
I found an example of an order put together from ANplumbing.com.

AS XJWMX would like me to point out, this information is not from an expert or certified technician, I just found it on the web. Use it at your own risk........

Please note the "I" does not refer to me.



I made my own out of Earl's -3 stainless braided brake line and hose ends. I used a 12mm to AN adapter for the side of the MC, and a 10mm adapter for the front. I have ABS, so I did this for the lines from the MC to the ABS modulator, which also used the same 10mm adapters as the MC. If you don't have ABS, then your MC lines will probably run to your proportioning valve, which should also use the same 10mm brake adapters.

I used these parts from anplumbing.com:

592032 Steel Brake Adapter 2 per pkg. 9.27
600103 Speed-Seal Straight Hose End. STEEL zinc plated (Use Speed-Flex Hose) 6.04
604503 Speed-Seal Adj.Low profile 45 Steel hose End (Use Speed-Flex Hose) 18.68
608903 Speed-Seal Non-Adj. Low profile 90 Deg Steel hose End (Use Speed-Flex Hose) 15.99
612103 Speed-Seal Adj. Tube 120 Deg Steel hose End (Use Speed-Flex Hose) 17.81
989443 A.N. Reducer(o-ring seal) 7.24
600003 Speed-Flex Hose, -3 for brake systems (Teflon Liner) 2.97
9919BFE Metric thread male to AN adapter male. 6.90
600103 Speed-Seal Straight Hose End. STEEL zinc plated (Use Speed-Flex Hose) 5.25
610003 10 ft -3 Speed-Flex Hose, -3 for brake systems (Teflon Liner) 27.95

The hose ends listed above are for reference, you should take a look at your setup to determine which ones you want to use. A full listing of Speed Seal hose ends can be found here: http://www.anplumbing.com/shop/index...eed-Seal-Steel

Depending on the angle of the front port on your MC, you may be able to use a 90 degree hose end there, whereas I used a 120 because mine pointed diagonally toward the driver side. If you don't have ABS, then you can use straight hose ends for the proportioning valve ports. Just take a look at your MC and see how you want the lines routed to your proportioning valve to decide which hose ends to use. If you can find a steel 12mm x 1.0 to -3AN brake adapter, I would use that for the side port of the MC. When I did this install, I couldn't find the right adapter, so I had to improvise with a 12mm to -4AN adapter, and a -4 to -3AN reducer. The 12mm to -4AN adapter is the blue piece in the pic below, followed by the steel -4 to -3AN reducer, and the -3AN hose end and line. The -4 to -3AN reducer listed above(989443) was out of stock when I ordered, so I ended up getting a steel reducer(the one above is aluminum) from another vendor. I had some extra hose left over, so I ended up ordering some more -3 hose ends and 10mm adapters to convert my clutch line as well, although B&R Fittings now makes a complete stainless clutch line that runs from the clutch MC to the slave and will save you the hassle of assembling your own. I had some extra fittings and -3 line so I just made my own.
 
I'm wondering if it would be possible to get that 2.5mm feel by using a 2mm line from the master to the junction box, and a 3mm line from the junction box to the caliper... I have never tried this, but it seems logical that you could fine tune the volume of brake fluid that way.
 
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