Brake alternative

[Guy_b_g]

I was looking at a 2002 GSXR 600 today and noticed that the way the brakes were routed was quite interesting.

There was a single hose to the right caliper, a double banjo bolt at the caliper, and the second hose routed around the back of the front fender to the left caliper.

Here is a link to help visualize: http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit...K2/2002/703828

This was a very clean and interesting factory installation, and I see no reason not to do exactly the same thing when I order my stainless brake hoses.

This style of routing gives you the same benefits and about the same expense as a 2 cable to 2 caliper routing, but using less line volume and would be visually striking (especially with colored lines). It also has the benefit of only one line to route from the master cylinder, which to my mind is a cleaner install.

I already have 2 plastic brake line holders for my front fender (which is a Maier superbike fender), and using one on each side the install should be very clean, with the connecting line passing over the back of the front fender and about 1/4" clearance all the way around.

I will post results when I do the install.

[TopCatGr58]

I will agree that there is less "Static" line fluid volume, but it'll still take the same volume of fluid during the actuating of the brakes, due to the volume in the calipers that need to be displaced. SO...it will still take the same size/capacity MC to drive the calipers properly. Yes, it does look very clean, but it won't cause the MC to work any more efficiently than using the 2 long hoses, will just probably be easier to bleed, and require less fluid to bleed them! Looking forward to seeing the real thing/photos!
T.C.

[Guy_b_g]

Right TC,

I will be using the aftermarket 16mm master from Mike's XS. It was the static volume I was referring to, but it will require the same diameter master cylinder as a stock system or a conventional 2 line system. The advantage (to me) is the ease of routing 1 versus 2 cables from the master, and maybe just the fact that it's different .

[79XS11F]

From the drawing that looks like it's an up and over the fender setup. Up and over or around the back ....that second hose is very likely similar in total length as the second hose that our bikes use from the split that is above the fender. I don't see an advantage?
Rob

[Guy_b_g]

Rob,

You are correct. The advantage lies in that if you aren't using the original 3 line setup as the factory install, but instead using a 2 line setup (to save some money on stainless lines) then instead of running 2 long lines all the way from the master to the calipers, you can use 1 long line to the right caliper, and 1 shorter one over the back of the fender to the left caliper. To me, it's an easier way of routing and the exposed cable on the back of the fender is a different look, which appeals to me. It obviously won't appeal to everyone, but is a method which I haven't seen explored here.

[Pat Kelly]

It seems like it would be difficult to bleed the line going over the fender.
I still plan on using two long lines from the M/C. Use the long banjo bolt from the OEM splitter. Should be easier to bleed the system as I've always had a problem getting it to build-up pressure. I personally think it's because of the splitter block where the three hoses come together.

[fredintoon]

Hi Guy,
I took my steel tape and did a rough check of the brake hose lengths on my XS11SG.
Master cylinder to right caliper, 42"
Right caliper up'n'over to left caliper, 30".
OK then, 12" less hose vs possibly more hassle bleeding. Conclusion? No practical difference. Both 2 hose systems remove the 3-way joint in the middle and save the cost of one hose. If you think it's aesthetically better, go for it.

[79XS11F]

Originally posted by Guy_b_g
Rob,

You are correct. The advantage lies in that if you aren't using the original 3 line setup as the factory install, but instead using a 2 line setup (to save some money on stainless lines) then instead of running 2 long lines all the way from the master to the calipers, you can use 1 long line to the right caliper, and 1 shorter one over the back of the fender to the left caliper. To me, it's an easier way of routing and the exposed cable on the back of the fender is a different look, which appeals to me. It obviously won't appeal to everyone, but is a method which I haven't seen explored here.

If it saves cash on the making of SS lines then go for it.
Rob

[egsols]

Actually had mine set up that way briefly to determine if I was having problems at the splitter. No problems to bleed. Didn't look that bad with the ss line over the fender.

[pggg]

Well if serious about going to all that trouble changing lines banjos, washers are reusable, changing the lever and cylinder too, means the mirror needs another yamaha thread hole unless the mirror screws into those XSmikes ones, the ss lines two from the cylinder and have a bleed type bolt at the cylinder too, depends on how the brakes feel best, mine were hard and solid with not much lever travel at all, heaps better than the rubber hoses for stopping power, down here the snaky authorities try and make a drama calling braided lines illegal for road use, it's also it's no big deal to throw on some improved calipers from any late model bike you can think of, a couple of brackets is all you need

[egsols]

Hey pggg,

I keep hearing about some braided lines be street legal and others not? Do you know the reason behind it? The set I just installed have the "DOT" bracelet on them so I figure I'm good to go.

[fredintoon]

What a set of wankers

"down here the snaky authorities try and make a drama calling braided lines illegal for road use"
Hi pggg,
just cover the lines with black shrink-sleeve to disguise them? Do the "authorities" have a reason for doing this that an intelligent person could understand or is it just the Gestapo syndrome?

[Guy_b_g]

Hey PGGG,

Well if serious about going to all that trouble changing lines banjos, washers are reusable, changing the lever and cylinder too, means the mirror needs another yamaha thread hole unless the mirror screws into those XSmikes ones, the ss lines two from the cylinder and have a bleed type bolt at the cylinder too, depends on how the brakes feel best, mine were hard and solid with not much lever travel at all, heaps better than the rubber hoses for stopping power, down here the snaky authorities try and make a drama calling braided lines illegal for road use, it's also it's no big deal to throw on some improved calipers from any late model bike you can think of, a couple of brackets is all you need

Those are all good ideas.

My plan is to use bar end mirrors, but Mikes master cylinder is supposed to have the reverse thread hole. I have a set of CRG type bar end mirrors already, from my last bike, a '97 Moto Guzzi Centauro. Here's a couple pics:



Anyway, I may use a bleed type banjo bolt at the MC. No plans at this time to use new calipers. I'll wait and see how effective the brakes are, (but I do have a close friend who is a machinist and already makes custom parts for bikes). I already have the drilled rotors. I will be using old school clubman bars and a cafe style fairing, BMW style cafe bar end signals at the front with aftermarket leds on stalks at the back. There will be no rear fender (just the Standard's cowl). My tail lights are 2 horizontal leds flush mounted into the cowl, and blacked out so they blend in with the black paint on the bike.

My intent is that this bike to be a mixture of old school cafe and as many of the tips I've gleaned from this site as possible, plus a couple twists of my own.

I really appreciate all of the owners here who have donated their time and ideas to make these bikes what they are. We had a similar philosophy at the Centauro Owners Group, but with only 1,700 Centauros worldwide, the depth of knowledge isn't nearly as great.

Thanks for the feedback, and for not flaming me if you don't like my ideas.

[pggg]

Hey Guy, wicked guzzi, Strom would like it, a black cafe XS11, yep that'll be a looker.

[pggg]

Re: What a set of wankers

Originally posted by fredintoon
"down here the snaky authorities try and make a drama calling braided lines illegal for road use"
Hi pggg,
just cover the lines with black shrink-sleeve to disguise them? Do the "authorities" have a reason for doing this that an intelligent person could understand or is it just the Gestapo syndrome?

Just the usual Fred, scurrying faceless transport authority bureaucrats, bored outta their minds trying to invent new revenue collecting rules and regulations to try and justify their own dodgy existence, one minute crimped fittings are illegal and screw fittings allowed, a year later screwed fittings are illegal and crimped fittings allowed, 300 bucks for re-certification, outrageous, I paid the bastards not a brass razoo and now lucky for me my steel brakelines are legal again.. apparently...