Brake line question

[GS750GUY]

GS750Guy here.........again.
I just have a question regarding the brake lines on my 78 GS750EC.
I notice that all of the brake lines on my bike have what appears to be some kind of sping steel coil wire wrapping 1/3 to maybe 1/2 the length of my front brake lines and wrapping the full length of the short rubber brake line at the rear calliper. It's all rusted and looks like crap and I just wondered what purpose it served to begin with. I have not noticed this wire wrap on any of the newer bikes with rubber hoses.
Was this just some kind of early day pricautionary thing that later they decided to do away with?
Thanks again for your wisdom.
GS750GUY

[Mark whiz]

You'll probably notice the same "springing" wire wrapped around your fuel and vacuum lines and oil supply lines if they are original. The wrapping isn't necessary, it seems to be there more for looks than anything else, although it could help to prevent over-bending of the lines in excessive circumstances. It could also add some abrasion resistance if there is anything located close by that could rub on your lines.

[Nessism]

You'll probably notice the same "springing" wire wrapped around your fuel and vacuum lines and oil supply lines if they are original. The wrapping isn't necessary, it seems to be there more for looks than anything else, although it could help to prevent over-bending of the lines in excessive circumstances. It could also add some abrasion resistance if there is anything located close by that could rub on your lines.

I think the spring is there to protect the line. Not really necessary but doesn't seem to hurt either. I've seen springs like this on fuel lines before but not on a GS Suzuki.

[Mark whiz]

my '85 GS700ES came with the springs on everything, fuel line & vacuum line to the petcock, front & rear brake lines, oil supply lines, you name it. Most are still on there too - except for the brakes as I replaced then with stainless lines while it was still pretty new. I do use the clear plastic braiding coils over the stainless lines to prevent rubbing in several spots.

[aosmith]

My 550 service manual shows springs on everything

[SqDancerLynn1]

Just get some stainless brake lines. You will be glad you did!! Much better brake feel

[Nessism]

My 550 service manual shows springs on everything

I have two 550's, a '79 and '81. Both are under 1000 miles and were purchased from the original owners. Other than the brake hose, neither of these bikes have springs on anything and my old 450 didn't either.

[spyug]

The springs are not springs but guards designed to stop lines from kinking and to some degree protect rubber lines from being cut or abraided.

SDlynn has the right idea. Braided stainless steel/kevlar lined hoses are by far the best thing you can do for your ride. The feel at the lever improves 100 %. A much firmer feel and no fade.

Original rubber lines should be changed out if more than 10 years or so as the lines could develope checks, pinhole leaks or even blow out. Dangerous in the extreme.

Steel lines are not cheap but well worth it. It is the first thing i change on any bike I would get if not already fitted.

Highly recommended.

Cheers all,
Spyug.