Brake lines

[Rob S.]

I keep reading about braided steel brake lines. That they perform better (don't expand) AND look better. That's a pretty convincing argument in my book.

However, my stock ones ('82 1100e) work fine and look good (the engine and headers are also black). I've only had her for 500 miles now, and that's after a 24-year hiatus, so I haven't really gotten into any situations where I needed to grab (& step on) a lot of brakes.

Should I spend my money elsewhere?

[tkent02]

I keep reading about braided steel brake lines. That they perform better (don't expand) AND look better. That's a pretty convincing argument in my book.

However, my stock ones ('82 1100e) work fine and look good (the engine and headers are also black). I've only had her for 500 miles now, and that's after a 24-year hiatus, so I haven't really gotten into any situations where I needed to grab (& step on) a lot of brakes.

Should I spend my money elsewhere?

Suzuki recommends replacing the lines every two years. There must be some reason for that. Yours are probably about thirty years behind. The problem is not the brakes faiing to work, but that they can come on when you don't want them to, lock a wheel up at speed, even if you haven't touched the brakes at all. Mostly the brakes work fine with old lines. Occasionally they don't. There are several members of this forum who have been hurt from locking brakes.

[yank]

Sounds like you have a 83 1100e. Oh Braided steel brake lines are a must upgrade.

[Rob S.]

82

No, it's an '82. I'm still trying to determine if it's late '82 (welded crank) or early '82 (not welded).

Listen to me - sounding like I know what the frig I'm talking about. At least I (think I) know that welded is better than not welded.

Back to topic - Replace all brake lines every two years? That sounds drastic to me (no more drastic than the front wheel locking up at 75mph).

Braided steel lines, I assume, would not need to be replaced every two years. They come in black?

[cowboyup3371]

Depending on who you order them from you can get them in any color I would think. But Z1 sells them in black or silver

[yank]

Change them once do proper maintenance should be good. Oh and do not let it sit 25 years.

[GSX1000E]

I am one of the few that did not notice any difference at all after installing braided steel lines. But, then again, I know how to ride and seldom use them anyway.
If you do get the braided steel lines, be sure to get them at least the stock length (someone on this site has a red "skunk" with TIGHT lines. ) and add a small rubber spacer around the front lines where they go into the stock mounts from the forks.
(The steel lines are skinnier than the stock rubber)
Rennsport in Canada sells a great low cost kit that fits PERFECTLY. They will even make the lines a tad longer for no extra charge if so desired.
On the 1100E models, there where three different height handlebars available so measure the front lines to be certain.

[GateKeeper]

you can have a look here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1549077&postcount=225

[Rob S.]

'82 handlebars

GSX, Three different handlebars were offered on 1982 GS1100e's in the U.S.?

I did not know that.

Those brake lines look top-quality. How much did they cost?

[GateKeeper]

If I remember correctly it was like 110 or 120 for all six lines, crush washers and banjo bolts shipped...

.

[Rob S.]

2 years?

And they are made to last many years?

[tkent02]

The inner lining doesn't degrade like rubber does. They will still clog up if you don't ever change the brake fluid.

[eil]

And they are made to last many years?

Yes, generally speaking SS lines will last the life of the bike.

As others have mentioned, you still want to change the brake fluid every two years or so.

[SCQTT]

Squeeze your old rubber line between your index finger and thumb, now apply your brake. Feel the line expand? Now multiply that X the length of the line?

The do not give you more power, they give you a crisper, more accurate feel.

Suspension, tires and brake lines are the best upgrades you can make to your steed.

http://www.helperformance.us/motorcycle/

http://spieglerusa.com/

http://russellperformance.com/mc/brake_hoses/main.shtml

Goodridge are also very good, but their US distributor in Torrance seems a little hard to locate on the web.

I have had the best luck recently with Spiegler, they really seem to have their act together.

[dorkburger]

I noticed a much firmer lever, and better feel. I sent my originals to Galfer and they made new ones in the exact length in black. Other colors were available. Ive yet to replace the rear line