Braided Brake Lines - worthwhile and recommendations?

Discussion in '3rd & 4th Generation 1990-1997' started by KiwiRC36Fan, Feb 9, 2019.

  1. KiwiRC36Fan

    KiwiRC36Fan New Member

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    Hi Team

    the girl is coming together really well, and digital ignition (keyless) is almost done.

    Next on the list is the brakes, and who of you has braided lines?
    Are they worthwhile?
    What make/supplier do you recommend?

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I'd say not on the VFR unless your tracking it. Some say they can feel better feedback....... not sure about that.
    I do use them on my CBR but I track at some very fast hard braking tracks.
     
  3. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I believe it when I am told by others that they are much more responsive brakes with braided lines. I have thought about switching over but have decided that it is not worth the expense if the lines you have are still in good order.

    But. If you are changing out aged or cracked lines, or lines that are showing their age, I would definitely not replace the rubber lines with rubber lines again. If you are changing them anyway, why not the braided lines for the little extra expense you are likely to pay over and above normal rubber lines. I was going to do a complete brake job on mine, rebuild calipers, new pads and rotors so was going to do the braided lines as well. Now I am doubtful I will do all this due to the age of the bike and leaning strongly towards getting a new or newer 8th gen soon.
     
  4. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    If you're replacing lines I certainly see no sense in spending money buying rubber lines over
    braided lines. If the bike is more than 10-15 years old the lines are definitely on the spongy side
    so you really should replace them.

    I have the stainless lines and love them. I don't do track days, but I would opt for them on any
    bike I would ever own. It's easier to modulate them since you're not using any effort to expand
    the rubber lines, all the pressure goes to the brake pads. IMO they are one of the best bang-for-the-buck
    additions to any bike. The VFR has great brakes when stock and the braided lines just make the best
    that much better. Pretty much one or two finger braking easily done.
     
  5. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I agree if your replacing old lines do it, otherwise the stock lines are fine, you can brake with 1-2 fingers easily. On a bike less than say8-10 years old and well maintained (brake fluid, pads etc ) I bet you would have a hard time telling the difference unless your flogging the hell out of it.
     
  6. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    It's one of the first things I do, pads, braided stainless lines, good fluid...even when brand new. If you don't consider good brakes mission critical, you probably should. Brakes and suspension are always #1 and #2 on my list.
     
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  7. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Brakes are "mission critical" but the stock-from-the-factory brakes are pretty phenomenal. Most casual riders
    are probably going to be better off with the stock brake lines since they are more forgiving than steel lines and
    HH pads. A slightly ham-fisted usage of such brakes could put you on your ass pretty quickly.
     
  8. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    I don't understand the logic, but it's probably best if I don't.
     
  9. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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  10. scottbott

    scottbott Member

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    the previous owner of my bike fitted 'Hell' brand black braided lines as well as the clutch, he also rebuilt the calipers with new seals etc it is the only VFR I have ever ridden so I have no idea how much difference it has made over stock but I have no complaints
     
  11. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    The OP has a RC36..

    There is not a person on the planet that would consider those brakes to be in the 'stock-from-the-factory brakes are pretty phenomenal'.

    As the brakes on his bike are at least 20 years old, I'd suggest that ANYTHING is better than what he currently has & fitting SS lines is a smart move..
     
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  12. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    LOL Pete
     
  13. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Suspension, absolutely. But the brakes on a new VFR for the average rider..... most won't ride it hard enough to know the difference I'd bet. Some on the forum that do push these machines a bit I would definitely agree on the brakes\ lines along with Brembo masters, and better pads.
     
  14. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Considering that most people have never had their suspension serviced, it's easy to understand how this conversation topic would morph into the typical interwebs scrum of opinion and hyperbole. Ultimately, it's up to the owner of the bike. Most of the time people ask a question, then completely ignore the answers and recommendations they receive, and do their own thing anyway, ROFL. The internet isn't always the best sanity check.
     
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  15. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    When I changed out the CBR track bike to braided lines, Brembo masters (brake and clutch) and CL race pads, I really noticed how much better feedback I had and even after a full session on fast hard braking tracks I no longer had any brake fade. That and the full Ohlins suspension tuned to me really gave me a lot more control and confidence on the track. And riding in the rain dragging knee was a lot less terrifying as modulating the brakes with so much better feel was a lot easier. lol
     
  16. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Control is apparently something you only need when you are operating above the posted speed limit....:emporer:
     
  17. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I don't get it.
     
  18. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Deliberately obtuse. Makes it sound like it means something, when it's just a snarky comment at someone
    who disagrees with his viewpoint.
     
  19. upwinger

    upwinger New Member

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    I use Galfer lines on all of my bikes. I like the feel of the brakes better. The rear isn't important and the Hydraulic clutch wont feel any different so I'd say you don't need to spend the money on those lines, but I'd do the front lines for sure.
     
  20. Gator

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    Its just fun banter. Of coarse you need control on normal street riding, the more the better.
     
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