Title: Stainless Steel Brake lines
Description: What Do I do?
laskey - August 23, 2005 03:11 PM (GMT)
I've got an '81 XJ650H Maxim, and I'd like to switch to stainless steel brake lines, but every company I talk to says my bike is 3 lines with two front rotors, but my bike isn't. It's only got one rotor, Just like in the yamaha parts list on-line. What do I do? Who can I get these things from? How do I order them?
Any help would be great.
Thanks,
Chris
singingotter - August 26, 2005 04:48 PM (GMT)
Most bike shops can make up the lines for you. Your bike uses the standard banjo fittings, so what they'll do is match the fittings and their angle, and then match the length of hose. Their new banjo fittings screw right onto the hose. There is something about the fittings and hose that locks them into place so they will not come apart. One thing to remember - replacing your brake lines with anything other than OEM is not DOT approved. Your new SS brakelines will not be DOT approved. What does that mean? They will work, and work better than your OEM, but because like so many other aftermarket products, no-one had tested them, or there is an inherent flaw in the rules that say something like a brakeline shouldn't have theads. Well, I'm replacing my 1981 XJ with this same type that I have described to you cuz my cycle guy says he hasn't heard of a failure yet and he has been doing this for 30 years. I trust him, & I know I'll like the performance of the SS lines...now if I can just get them in black...
Luna3 - August 27, 2005 10:51 AM (GMT)
You won't find a kit but the parts you need are made by Galfer, Russel, Goodrich...
Would be a good winter project. Pull off the lines, see what you need, measure the length of the lines.
JP catalog has the stuff, you could order from them.
Myself, if the original lines are OK, I would just keep the brake fluid fresh ans spend the money on GAS!
pianomangg - August 28, 2005 05:31 AM (GMT)
'Otter's got the right idea. Had my brake lines fabbed by a local shop. Rock solid.... everyone should do this mod. We talk about changing rotors and calipers for R1 parts... completely unnecessary.
New brake fluid doesn't keep the 20+ year old rubber from flexing under pressure, and these lines are meant to be replaced after this length of time. Mushy brakes mean your lines are fading and may soon leak. New brake fluid doesn't do any good when it's in a pool under your bike.
GG
chevy45412001 - August 28, 2005 05:16 PM (GMT)
as far as not being DOT approved. they just don't want to be sued, because you didn't install them correctly.