Braided Brake lines

[Anonymous]

I am thinking about converting my brake lines to braided, I found a place that sells the teflon coated tubing, but was wondering if anyone has ever done this conversion and if they have any helpful tips. I am working on a 78' GS 1000. I mostly am looking for information on how/where to get the connection tips, and if I need any special tools to crimp the line or if it is just a compression fitting. Thanks for the help

[KW]

Buy a ready-made kit with the ends swaged on already!

[SqDancerLynn1]

Get the ready made Don't F%%% with the adapters

https://sws1.eclipse.net.uk/www.h-e-l.co.uk/suzuki/HEL-3F-1R.htm

[Mr. Jiggles]

You can get braided lines of different lengths that have screw ends - you would then add whatever type of fitting that you need (e.g. straight banjo adapter) to each end. A better alternative IMO is to get lines with banjo fittings pre-crimped to the ends. These are sold as kits and are specific to the make / model of the bike. Unfortunately they are getting harder and harder to find for our old GS's.

Two manufacturers that are popular are Russell and Goodridge. Try looking here:

http://www.lockhartphillipsusa.com/pages/product-sub-quick.asp?id=2

www.denniskirk.com (the paper catalog is much better for browsing the brake line selection)
www.flandersco.com - I got my lines from them but I think that their stock is dwindling. Good company, got a good discount from them too.

Remember - if you have to build your own system with hoses and adapter fittings that you'll need to add a certain percentage to the length of the lines - SS lines don't bend as well as stock rubber and need extra length to go from point A to B.

Don't get discouraged - switching to SS lines was by far the best mod that I've done to my bike to date.

Jeff

[Joe Nardy]

Here's another place: http://www.paragonperformance.com/

They have some kits for older bikes. The best thing is that if they don't have a kit for your bike and you send them your measurements (length, type of banjo (straight, 20 degree, etc.), and orientation of the banjos to each other(0 degree, 90 degree, etc.)), they will make a kit and give you 50% off the price of your kit. I got a 3 line front kit and a rear line for $80. It makes a huge difference in brake feel.

Thanks,
Joe

[Anonymous]

I can't say that I'm happy with my Russel lines. 1 month of riding and 5000 km later the lines plastic coating has cracked and water is getting underneath.

Steve