stock rubber brake hoses vs stainless?

[SNOWBLIND78]

I plan on installing SS lines on my bike. Based on the braking technology/condition of my 37 yr. old bike I tend to think the performance difference would be somewhat negligible unless the rest of the system was updated as well (master cylinder rebuild etc.) . I have to admit it is mostly an aesthetic pursuit for me in this case. But I don't see the harm in replacing my old brittle hoses with a material that is stronger and seemingly more resistant to grime, UV, chemicals and so forth and that should provide at least a few years of hassle free use if it's installed correctly.

 

[Brendan W]

Given the two year replacement interval mandated by Suzuki. replacement of hoses of indeterminate age is a good move. From the oil story this machine may not have had the best of attention so you also need to ask questions about the condition of the pistons, slider pins and master cylinders.

 

[SNOWBLIND78]

Brendan I agree and thanks for the other suggestions, I will add them to the long list of items I plan to go through and inspect and/or replace.

While the treatment of the bike over the years is a mystery I have seen way worse for bikes which were neglected and sitting around. A couple indicators that maybe the original owner took decent care of it is the original paint still looks brand new from the factory and rust on the chrome and frame s minimal so I think it was garaged or covered for most of it's life. The electrical/charging system works great and the bike starts right up. The chain and sprockets look clean and maintained. The motor and trans are the biggest question mark I suppose but I have not ridden many other GS bikes from this era so in my mind it is hard to develop a baseline from which to judge by. Looking through the forum and learning about how others bike's run has been helpful to determine what kind of issues I may or may not be facing.

 

[Brendan W]

Brendan I agree and thanks for the other suggestions, I will add them to the long list of items I plan to go through and inspect and/or replace.

While the treatment of the bike over the years is a mystery I have seen way worse for bikes which were neglected and sitting around. A couple indicators that maybe the original owner took decent care of it is the original paint still looks brand new from the factory and rust on the chrome and frame s minimal so I think it was garaged or covered for most of it's life. The electrical/charging system works great and the bike starts right up. The chain and sprockets look clean and maintained. The motor and trans are the biggest question mark I suppose but I have not ridden many other GS bikes from this era so in my mind it is hard to develop a baseline from which to judge by. Looking through the forum and learning about how others bike's run has been helpful to determine what kind of issues I may or may not be facing.

The colour of the brake fluid and the presence or absence of sediments in the master cylinders are good clues to the overall health of the braking system. You know how it goes - coffee coloured fluid probably not changed in years and who knows what has accumulated in the calipers just waiting to seize the pistons.
Ironically the better looking bikes can be the bigger traps - years in drydock can mean years with no regular maintenance. A well worn bike with clean fluid speaks loud.