Braided brake lines

I’m preparing to do braking system maintenance on my ‘94. Pads & rotors seem to be straight forward, but I’m hoping for real time feedback on the brake lines. Can anyone offer pros/cons regarding braided brake lines?

 

The rubber coated stock brake lines tend to go a bit squishy with age (and yours are 28 years old now!) which robs the pads of some hydraulic force. Braided lines will take out most of the squish and give more effective braking power. I think manufacturers usually suggest replacing the stock lines after maybe 5 years.

 

I guess I am a little over due on this one Terry. I am still on my originals, but have been talking about switching over for many years. The bike is idle right now and likely will be for a few months so maybe...just maybe, it will do this as well as the other things that need to be done to the old gal.

 

Me too Randy, but I find the lines on my 99 feel perfectly OK. I have thought about new front lines for my ST1300 until I saw the price....

 

I really think I am on borrowed time with mine. They have been exposed to all sorts of weather and rotten environments from back when I was still a working stiff. I just need to get up and get at 'er. I supposed I need to build up my bike stash again though. My trip to Alaska seems to have drained that pretty well dry. And now that stash is being dry roasted for good measure.

 

Definitely pricey! Now do to the research on the company’s (EBC, Galfer, Goodrich, Spiegler). Anyone care to share experiences?

 

I replaced all the rubber lines with braided SS lines back in 2015 as I thought the rubber lines were too old then. I did not record what brand I used, but I purchased all (front & rear brake, clutch) at the same time. I went with individual lines to each front caliper as I thought these would be easier to bleed air out of and not have that horizontal line over the front fender.
Have had zero issues with them.

 

1. steel-braided clutch line is a waste of money and unnecessary

 

I disagree somewhat. The clutch line is rubber as well, just as old as the brake lines, but I do agree that it does not matter if it flexes a bit. Not all that much $$$...and it matches the brake lines.

 

clutch line pressure is about 1/10th of maximum brake line pressure.

 

I had all of the hydraulic lines on the "Red Devil" changed to Hel performance braided hoses. If I remember correct, front twin lines were around 160€, (130€ with the 1-2 setup). Rear brake and cluth were about 30€ each. So total around 200€

Love the look of 'em and the braking feels more linear... though my reference is from original hoses, sticky master and brown gel instead of brake fluid.

Riding the storm

 

You have Hel brand which is good. I used them on my EX500.
You will get better feel a bit, but don't expect much from it.

If you want better braking, clean the calipers, change seals, buy better pads, change master cylinder.
If you really want better brakes, you will need to buy and adapt some new calipers to the bike.