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Stainless brake lines

Joe Nardy

Joe Nardy

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I'm seriously thinking of replacing the front brake lines on my '83 1100E with stainless lines. I disconnected the anti-dive units long ago. In researching stainless lines, most companies seem to recommend two line kits which run two lines from the master cylinder directly to each brake caliper. This is different from the original setup which has one line from the master to a junction which splits into two hoses going to the calipers.

Has anyone converted their brakes to a two line stainless system? If so, how noticeable was the difference in braking feel and power?

What brand lines did you use and would you recommend that brand?

Thanks for the help,
Joe
 
I have replaced the lines on my GS1100GK with Fren Tubo items.
I used the same layout as standard, ie one from the master cylinder to the junction block under the steering head, and two from there. These lines were used because new traffic regulations in NZ prevented the previous stainless lines that I made from a kit being used, even though they were perfect (Bloody bureaucrats). With either set installed, the braking improvement was amazing over the original rubber hoses - now all the effort goes into squeezing the disks, rather than inflating the hoses.
Bleeding them is a little fiddly, but thats about the same as standard anyway. It is a change I would recommend before any other.. Cost was $NZ50 each for the hoses, plus $NZ15 each for the banjo adapters (6). I'd recomment changing the crush washers, too, if they are the originals.
 
Wow! $50 sounds like great value, and you say they're street legal in Un Zed?
I was planning to make some lines up with bits from a hydraulic line shop, but they aren't strictly legal over here.
for $50 i would consider gettgin some sent over for my GS1000G
can you tell me the vendor?

Martin
GS1000G, z650B, z650SR
Melbourne, Australia
 
Kiwipete,

What did you do with the set you made from the kit? Maybe they would work for me and we could make a deal.

Thanks,
Joe
 
stainless braided hoses

stainless braided hoses

Last year, I replaced the O.E. brake hoses on my '83 1100 ES with the universal kit pieces from Goodridge. I disconnected the antidive and ran both lines directly from the master cyl. This setup works great. In all fairness, I did replace my calipers with mid 90's Katana parts at the same time. I'm sure the majority of the improvement is due to the calipers, but I'm glad I went the whole way with it.
Another method of running the lines is to route a single line from the master cyl. to the right caliper, then a "jumper" line over the fender to the left caliper. While I feel that this setup is not pleasing to look at, it would be the least expensive approach if you are paying for the lines by length (like I did). This method also takes up less space on the handlebar. Just my thoughts.
Dave
 
Dave,

What was the cost for the Goodridge lines?

Are the Katana calipers a direct bolt on?

Thanks,
Joe
 
I've been toying with the idea myself, but don't have the lengths on hand, and haven't made it out to tape measure the ones on the bike, is there a place online that has the lengths for each of our bikes?? I've also been thinking new pads while I'm at it, but same deal, I haven't found part #'s in my clymer's...

thanks!!


edit: I found my lengths, but now I need to figure out what to buy!! http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/viewtopic.php?t=22374
 
Any speed shop can help you. Earls makes anything you need. I have made a number of lines for people. Main thing is you have to figure our what banjo you need and in some cases the line is threaded directly into the caliper like a 1150. They make different lenght lines with a fitting made on each end ready for you to put the proper end on it. Summit Racing carries a complete line of Earls products.
 
I have Russells front and back. They are expensive, but I'm very happy with them. They come pre-made for each model. Whatever you get, make sure they have protective tubing on them. Bare stainless lines will saw through anything they touch.
 
The Goodridge lines were purchased as individual components (lines + fittings+ bolts) from my local parts store. It felt like I made his house payment that day. I spent $200 dollars collecting all of the fittings from them. The lines were reasonable, but the fittings were about $10 each. I did front and rear at the same time. It probably sounds like I am complaining so I'll stop. On the bright side, the braking difference is amazing. My friend rides a '93 ZR1100 which has a nice brake system on it, we were approaching an intersection at questionable speed when the light changed: we braked at the same time and I stopped safely well before the light--he rolled through. He has since installed a nice set of lines from HEL. Good looking parts, but I still have more brakes (ha ha). Then again, he has a Kaw so what can you expect (friendly cheap shot). BTW, I had to make adaptors for the Katana calipers.
Fingers cramping, Dave
 
Paragon Performance (www.paragonperfromance.com) will give you 50% off your order if they do not have the specs for your bike and you provide them with the exact specs and the years and models to which those specs are applicable. Exact specs include hose length (from the ends of each banjo), the angle of each banjo, and the orientation of each line's two banjos with respect to one another. I just ordered some for my '81GS1100EX and the total cost excluding shipping was about $83 (after the 50% discount). That price was for 4 (one rear and three front- stock setup) stainless steel braided brake lines with an extra kevlar lining (they are also avaliable for less without the kevlar) that surpasses DOT standards, and with a clear plastic coating that cost about $5. They are being shipped out today, and I will report back about their performance once I've had a chance to try them out.
 
I bought some used ones for my 750. I don't even know what bike they came off of. Best investment I ever made! None of this pulling the brake lever until it touches the bar crap anymore!
My 1100 already has them on it. Couldn't tell you what kind they are, but they are the same system as stock. Even the anti-dive lines are braided stainless! :D
 
Mr. Jiggles said:
This past fall I bought a russell set for my 82 1100e from flanders (www.flandersco.com). Cost me $89. Money well spent.

Jeff
Click to expand...

That sounds pretty reasonable.....was that for coated lines with all the fitings? Also, are they 2-line from the master, or set up like the original?
Thanks,
Tony.
 
Performance wise the two line setup is the same as the three lines. It used to be a lot cheaper to only have two lines because of the banjo fittings being the expensive bit.
 
Saaz is right, there is no difference in performance between the two and three line configurations. However, if you are thinking about possible resale value, typically the three line configuration is more asthetically attactive, due to the whole people liking symmetry thing. I think the banjos are about $10-$15 a piece nowadays, so an extra line would be about $25-$35, keeping in mind the fact that negoitiation is often possible.
 
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