I thought the brakes were ok until

[Axel]

Highside warning

The way I understand things - Its better to not have your back wheel lock up but you should have the capability to lock up your front wheel . Threshhold braking teaches us how far we can really go with the front brake .
Contrary to what we were taught in bike training way back in the day , the rear brake is not your friend at speed . It is only to be used as a complimentary thing . Great for slow speed manuvers but a producer of spills as when the rear wheel locks up at speed -the bike slides sideways and you guessed it - comes right over the top of you !!!

http://www.msgroup.org/default.aspx

Just a page I had in my favs . I'm sure to be less than complete in my answer so research to live !

[Geezer]

I have stainless lines on the front of my 79 standard and the breaks don't lock up uncontrollably. I highly recommend these to everybody.

Many years ago I had a Suzuki Water Buffalo and its dual front disks were mushy at best. I tried rebuilding the master cylinder, other master cylinders and hoses (I owned a bike salvage shop back then) and nothing worked. After reading an article on the subject in a bike rag, I had a place in Portland, Oregon custom make a set of stainless lines for me. I couldn't believe the difference and it was the best mod I did to that bike and there were many...

Geezer

[Axel]

All but one

My bike has all SS lines installed except for the right front . A new master and clutch perch now holds new mirrors . I hope to get the new line soon and really feel the power . It is stopping about the same as before now as I believe the rear/left front disc system needs more bleeding . BUT. I am in the wind for the weekend . A big thank you to my neighbourhood mech who came back to work at 7:00 - 10:00 to help me out at his shop .

[Geezer]

If that were my bike, I'd undo that weird linked brake system. I had a 76 Guzzi 850 that had that system and I hated it.

You have the right master cylinder to power both front disks now all you have to do is plumb it up...

Geezer

[Axel]

more lines leaking

I now have at least one other line leaking . Just about ready to explode ...

[olebiker]

Crap Axel I would think about now you are ready to stick those lines up the suppliers butt. Wonder if you can get your money back?

[Ken Talbot]

Originally posted by olebiker
..stick those lines up the suppliers butt. Wonder if you can get your money back?

Probably not, not after that..

[Geezer]

Is it the lines or the banjo fittings? If it's leaking at the banjos, then either replace the copper washers or anneal them.

Geezer

[planedick]

Hard turns

The CHP teaches their riders how to make a turn with the bars turned all the way to the stop. Put the steering against the stop, put about 2000 rpm on, lift the feet to the pegs and slip the clutch and use the rear brake to control the lean and speed. A little practice in a parking lot and you will find it easy.

[Axel]

leak

The lines are leaking from the crimp section .Looks like shrink wrap over the top of the connection and its leaking out of that .
This is a sample :

[Geezer]

Man that sucks. I would send them all back and ask for a refund. The local Harley shop in your area should have what you need on the shelf.

Geezer

[olebiker]

Axel if I remember right you are kinda out in the woods. If I can check at a local dealer for you let me know.

Carl

[xsilerating]

Hey Axel;

That's the strangest looking set-up I've ever seen.

Refund... yes!

Buy elsewhere... yes again!

[Axel]

SH1T HAPPENS for a Reason ?

Still waiting for a responce from the supplier . Even with the old rubber line on the right/font disc , I find the barke lever is very hard and requires extra force to operate . Seeing I may get yet another chance to order lines I am considering the upgrade to operate both front discs from this 16mm master to get more travel at the lever .

[strom]

Leaks are bad mkay?
A friend went off the track at over 120 mph coz of that. Thats why I prefer to do my own work on the bike, especially the brakes. If they get me killed at least its gonna be my fault.
Luckily for my friend he was on a track and he was OK.

I wonder if a guzzi california front end could go on XS11.
It has 18" wheel, should be long enuff and best: 2x 320mm brembo oro series rotors and 4 piston calipers. Now THAT can STOP you (almost over the handlebars on my test ride).

LP