question about braided brake lines

[5twins]

It depends on the height of the bars you're using. 90cm is pretty much perfect for slightly lower than stock bars (Euro or Superbike bars).

 

[Paul Sutton]

Back in Entry 48 Fredintoon mentioned about legal requirements for two independent braking systems on a motorcycle. I found the following document which covers this aspect:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.122a

The section of interest is S5. There are some exceptions but not being from the USA this document does not mean at lot to me with regard to where it applies etc etc......

Perhaps this is something to be aware of ?????

 

[cafetools]

It depends on the height of the bars you're using. 90cm is pretty much perfect for slightly lower than stock bars (Euro or Superbike bars).

Thanks, I had a feeling that the 100cm line I ordered for my euro bars was going to be too long.

 

[5twins]

I had a slightly too long line on mine for quite a while. I dealt with the extra length by routing the line over to the far left behind the headlight before sending it down towards the caliper .....

I also fabbed up a little guide for it to pass through. This mounts on the lower tree where the old two line junction block used to go .....

 

[cafetools]

Another question. Are black "stainless" lines just as good? Is there really stainless braids in there or is it inferior somehow? I'm about to order a 90cm but I want black.

 

[5twins]

The color is usually just a plastic coating or sleeve over the outside. All these lines are silver braided stainless steel, or at least I think they are. I would search for one that specifically says it's braided stainless. I noticed some of these don't say that. I suppose that could mean they're just braided nylon or something over the inner hose. Look for something like this .....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/60cm-90cm-...m=282887082812&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

To be D.O.T. approved, a stainless line needs the plastic cover on it. Uncovered, the braided surface is rather rough. It will act like a file if rubbing against something, eventually "filing" or cutting into it. In our case, that would most likely be wiring looms.

 

[cafetools]

BTW,a 30" SST braided (one-piece) line (Bikers Coice) worked well for me. The fittings add a couple of inches too.

I just read an old post someone said.... This makes me want to try a 80cm now.

 

[5twins]

This is a 90cm (35.4") with Euro bars. An 80cm line would be 4" shorter and I don't think that would be long enough .....

 

[XSLeo]

From What I have seen black covered lines cost more than clear colored lines.
I had clear lines and to make them black I used heat shrink tubing. Harbor Freight has packages of several sizes that are rolls 48 " long.
Cut to size and shrink on.
They don't look exactly like rubber lines but close enough from 20'.
Leo

 

[JAX71224]

Back in Entry 48 Fredintoon mentioned about legal requirements for two independent braking systems on a motorcycle. I found the following document which covers this aspect:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.122a

The section of interest is S5. There are some exceptions but not being from the USA this document does not mean at lot to me with regard to where it applies etc etc......

Perhaps this is something to be aware of ?????

HOLY SMOKES!!!! A LOT of stuff there. So mine is apparently not in compliance but it works pretty well and has for several years so NOT gonna change anything. Also those standards are for manufacturers to comply with and I'll bet a roadside pull-over by a cop would not include any such inspection even though the foot pedal is removed from the XS! But admittedly it would be tough to defend in a court case where bodily injury or death occurred..............

 

[5twins]

Put a "dummy" pedal on it, there but not connected to anything.

 

[fredintoon]

HOLY SMOKES!!!! A LOT of stuff there. So mine is apparently not in compliance but it works pretty well and has for several years so NOT gonna change anything. Also those standards are for manufacturers to comply with and I'll bet a roadside pull-over by a cop would not include any such inspection even though the foot pedal is removed from the XS! But admittedly it would be tough to defend in a court case where bodily injury or death occurred..............

Hi JAX,
not unless the cop was really out to get you, eh? Perhaps you'd be OK in court if you put the rear brake pedal back on?
The law sez it's gotta be there, is all.

 

[Mikey]

It’s ironic that this thread came up today. I am planning on ordering replacement lines (braided) for my ‘75 tomorrow through Apex Brakes. I’m sticking with the 2 piece setup and will be running the stock steel lines. Apex quotes are about $15 each plus shipping. I stopped at a local brake specialty shop Friday and they quoted $37 each. Gonna give them a shot. Will keep this thread updated when they arrive.

Willis let me know what you got as I want to upgrade my 75 also same setup you are talking about
Thanks Mike

 

[willis]

Check out my thread Here. Very happy with my results. May need to modify your length depending on your bars. Feel free to pm me if you want some specific pics.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/75-front-brake-refurbish.54088/#post-580979