Cross-checking brake hose lengths: 78 GS550E

[Guest]

Hey All.

My new-to-me '78 Suzuki GS550e with twin disc needs some brake hose attention before I get it registered. The main hose off the master cylinder is cracking a bit so rather than just replace the one, I think I'll replace all three hoses. The brakes had been looked into, pads replaced, by the PO so all 'should' be good (touching wood )

Looking at Hel Performance for braided lines: http://www.helperformance.com.au/mot.../suzuki/gs550/

These work out to cost only a little bit more than OEM rubber hoses so I think I'll go with Hel braided. The only issue is I am interstate from the bike and plan to swiftly fly over, change the hoses, get it registered and ride it back.

On the off chance someone wrote it down, can anyone verify hose lengths and angle for me?

Hel say:
Here are the measurements we have for the EN 1978 1979
Top hose 15/20 degree bend banjo one end and a straight the other hose length 440mm
The 2 lower hoses are again one end has a 15/20 degree bent banjo and a straight on the other, these are approx 516mm each.
The has the same banjo configuration, and the hose is approx 730mm long.

How's that sound?

Thanks. Great forum! Can't wait to get my GS on the road.

[Who Dat?]

Can't verify any of those measurements, but I CAN offer one piece of advice:
Unless the straight fitting is a swivel type, you also need to know the offset angle for that fitting.

I have a set of stainless lines for the front of one of my bikes that I can't use because the hoses get all twisted out of shape when I connect the fitting to the caliper and/or splitter. I found another set of lines that have swivel fittings on one end. I like the swivel, but these are two longer lines to replace the three stock lines. I don't care for that feature.

[excellentlunch]

Can't verify any of those measurements, but I CAN offer one piece of advice:
Unless the straight fitting is a swivel type, you also need to know the offset angle for that fitting.

I have a set of stainless lines for the front of one of my bikes that I can't use because the hoses get all twisted out of shape when I connect the fitting to the caliper and/or splitter. I found another set of lines that have swivel fittings on one end. I like the swivel, but these are two longer lines to replace the three stock lines. I don't care for that feature.

Thanks for that mate! I am starting to think I might allow myself an extra day to inspect all the hosing before ordering so that I get the right gear. Hel can post within 1-2 days and I have found someone local that could bash up some rubber hosing in 15 minutes while I wait. That should have me covered, either stainless or rubber.

[tkent02]

Trusting a PO's brake work who would leave original cracked brake hoses in place is a really dangerous idea. Did he clean the brake system thoroughly? Did he clean the inside of these old deteriorated hoses or just leave them full of rust and chunks? Did he even look inside the calipers and master or did he just check the pad thickness and call it good??

Brakes failing can be a minor inconvenience at times, but having wheels lock up out of the blue is really dangerous.

If you don't know what I'm talking about you need to do a little reading before you ride.

[excellentlunch]

I hear ya tkent02. I intend to inspect it all when I swap the hoses out - I don't intend to go hurtling anywhere with unknown brakes. It was more wishful thinking, hence the 'should' be good part.

[Nessism]

Yeah, never trust the PO. I'd pop the pistons out and look inside. Make sure the sliding pins are properly greased with heavy moly caliper grease too.