Are OEM brake lines really that bad??

[Rob S.]

There's actually a typo in the service manual. It should say replace the lines every two weeks.

[Nessism]

Be careful buying premade lines if you are using handlebars that are different from stock.

[748cc]

Thanks again, Ed. Luckily this beast is bog stock from end to end. I am concerned however about the line angle at the M/C - a bit steep. It was here that I discovered a split in the rubber line while replacing the front brake light switch. Is this a typical weak spot & should I compensate by adding an inch or two to this line? Thinking it might afford me better placement of the M/C & lever. Your thoughts??

[Nessism]

Like I said, I prefer Earl's. You can build them to whatever length, hose end angle, etc., you could possibly want. A lot of the time premade lines have long hose ends, which wind up hitting on something or forcing the hose to bend quickly at the end of the hose end to clear something. With Earl's lines that's not the case. Regarding adding extra length, I personally wouldn't unless you have no other option.

[748cc]

You raise a good point: If I recall correctly, the HEL ends are on the long side whereas the stock lines crimp right after the banjo fittings...hmmmmm. I really better confirm all that before I commit. Thanks again for opening my eyes

[GSXR7ED]

I have SS on the 1100ez and oem rubber on my two 18 y.o. FZ1s. I can lift the rear wheel with a passenger with either set up.

My personal "feel" preference is rubber for panic stops. More forgiving before lock up. I probably had two or three incidents this season where SS may have been too much. Easy to say don't grab too hard in panic, little harder to not do.
If I were replacing I'd go SS just because they are cheaper.

Everyone else's results are probably different.

I could feel a CONSIDERABLE difference when I rebuilt my master cylinder and calipers...I was fortunate to be in SoCal and went to a local shop in the Inland Empire and had them replicate the old line.

The brakes on these old GS' aren't like the newer bikes (2000's) where grabbing a handful of brake spells trouble.

I would go with braided lines on vintage bikes...I did a cut out of the rubber and see how aging affects the rubber.

Just my two cents.

Ed

[Gorminrider]

I haven't noticed much difference between new PTFE and my original old rubber ones where they are in good shape.

One advantage of the old rubber ones is that they take sharper bends. They seem more flexible than ptfe or whatever plastic they are using for the actual brakeline under the SS sheath so if you have changed your handlebars or whatever, it'd be good to have an extra inch or two in newer lines....maybe test for bends with a piece of stiff steel cable or similar ptfe hose to duplicate the flexibility...?

[Rob S.]

I have SS on the 1100ez and oem rubber on my two 18 y.o. FZ1s.

20 year difference. Does the FZ manual say they need to be replaced every two years? I'm guessing not.

[Nessism]

Old rubber lines gather scaly grunge inside which will contaminate your (clean) brake fluid. Unless the fluid is nice and clean when you get the bike I'd change the lines to ward off against that.

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?249857-Earl-s-Brake-Line-Thread

[bitzz]

The age old brake line test: Wrap your hand around your brake line so you're holding it lightly in the palm of your hand. Pump up the brakes. Anything you feel is hydraulic pressure that's NOT going to the caliper.
Rubber lines need to be replaced regularly, steel lines don't.