Brake Lines and Caliber Paint

[bikerphil]

I used paint stripper, brush it on, let it sit 10 minutes, then scrape it off. Kinda messy but does a great job. I'm sure I also used a wire wheel for the spots the stripper missed.

[Napahkiin]

bikerphil cajun31 how did you guys strip the paint off the calibers to get them ready for the new paint? The current paint is chipping in spots so I was thinking maybe just a wire wheel and then sand it down to make it smooth.

[Bax]

Agree, paying for DOT marking is annoying to me as well. I'm a bit confused on Kurt's described troubles with Galfer lines "clocking". All the lines I've purchased from Galfer swivel at the fitting, it is a fair amount of resistance but does rotate by hand as designed. I just use a Bic pen in the Banjo hole to twist.

https://static.galferusa.com/wp/2015/06/Street-Front-Multi-Line-Kit.pdf

See the note in italic font at the bottom of the sheet.

---Bax

[kboehringer]

I just ordered a complete front set off Ebay from Galfer. $104 for all 3 front lines in SS with a black outer coating to look like stock.

Stanler1,

I have Galfers on a couple of my XS11's. They work well but were a bit of a challenge as the clocking of the ends is not perfect. Galfer DOES offer a D.O.T. version of all their lines but it cost's extra and you must request "Meeting D.O.T. standard".

Seems strange a buyer would have to request the lines meet DOT standard for a street bike (or any machine for that matter)?

I BELIEVE, the DOT standard requires a double crimp and a dust seal (as seen in the attached photo from one of my XS11's). There is also some form of physical testing & Q/A inspection required.
When I purchased my Galfers, I believe the upcharge was something like $50 for the set.....



KURT

[stanler1]

I just ordered a complete front set off Ebay from Galfer. $104 for all 3 front lines in SS with a black outer coating to look like stock.

[kboehringer]

These photos are of the lines on my FJ1200.....

NOTE: I had a small issue with the orientation of one of my SS lines from Goodridge. I provided them with a photo and they replaced the entire set FREE OF CHARGE and sent them overnight from ENGLAND at NO CHARGE. Few of the online retailers will stand behind their products to that degree! I'm certain LEN at XJ4Ever would stand behind his products in a similar fashion!

[kboehringer]

Napahkiin,

It is THE #1 priority for me to replace all the OEM brake lines on my machines with SS early in the restoration process. Typically before the very first ride!

There are literally dozens of sellers offering brake lines for the XS11's (and any other machine you may have). The HUGE differences in price relate to the overall quality, testing, and MOST IMPORTANTLY construction to DOT standards. Any hydraulic shop can fabricate a brake line but few can apply a DOT certification label or offer the assurance that the lines were to built to or tested to the degree necessary to meet DOT standards. I've a variety of SS lines on my variety of bikes and have found some suppliers lines to be improperly oriented, too long, too short, and of overall crap quality. Galfer and Ipex are GARBAGE.

Having worked closely with LEN at XJ4ever, I can assure you all of his lines are of extremely high quality, fit and orientation are correct. That said, I also use GoodRidge lines on my other bikes which carry the certifications to meet US DOT and every requirement in Europe (which are much more strict than USA),



Whatever line(s) you purchase, you're making a long overdue repair & upgrade from 40+ year old garbage. Just make sure the seller if providing the assurance (and hopefully the certification) that the lines meet or exceed DOT standards!

Sincerely,
KURT

[bikerphil]

Yes, that's what I used. My calipers and master cylinder look good several years running.

Yep, I also baked the calipers (all rubber parts removed) in the toaster oven at 225F to cure them faster.

[LenB]

Bought here with great success! (Much cheaper, too) After rebuilding all calipers and master cylinders and installing new braided lines, the old girl stops better than it did off the showroom floor.

https://www.technafitstore.com/YAMAHA-BRAKE-LINE-KIT-p/yamxs1100sf.htm

[cajun31]

just to add my 2 cents... I also use the duplicolor caliper paint. Supposedly is a ceramic based paint and may be a bit more resistant to brake fluid. If you can afford it then powder coating would be the way to go. Thought about doing mine that way but was easier to just paint them and keep the touched up as necessary.

[Napahkiin]

Just send an email to Info@xj4ever.com. He responds very quickly. He ships right away as well. Everything I have purchased from him has been first rate, NO JUNK! FWIW. if you replace the rear brake line, it's much easier to do so with the single piece braided line. I've done both the single line and three piece reproduction, so my recommendation is based upon experience.

Yeah if I was gonna do it it would be the single line connecting the master and the caliber. Much cleaner look. Thank you for the information

[jetmechmarty]

How do you actually order from the website? I found the part number I needed and everything but that's about it.

Just send an email to Info@xj4ever.com. He responds very quickly. He ships right away as well. Everything I have purchased from him has been first rate, NO JUNK! FWIW. if you replace the rear brake line, it's much easier to do so with the single piece braided line. I've done both the single line and three piece reproduction, so my recommendation is based upon experience.

[Napahkiin]

Also does anyone have any experience with ordering brake lines from HEL? I found these lines here and they seem nice. A little cheaper I believe than xj4ever

https://us.helperformance.com/yamaha-xs1100-1978-1980-oem-replacement-braided-brake-lines

[Napahkiin]

XJ4Ever has perfect plug-n-play lines if you are willing to pay for getting it right the fist time.

How do you actually order from the website? I found the part number I needed and everything but that's about it.

[jetmechmarty]

XJ4Ever has perfect plug-n-play lines if you are willing to pay for getting it right the fist time.