Standard brake lines length

[Incubus]

When I put Incubus the '79F muscle machine together, the brake lines that came on it were totally screwed. Old brake fluid had congealed in the lines and they were plugged beyond redemption. Without thinking, I tossed them. Fortunately, one of the parts bikes that came with Incubus had good brake lines, so I used those. The parts bike, though, was a Special. The top brake line sorta snakes all over on its way to the master and the bottom lines are close enough to work, but also loop a bit. The rear line, also from the Special, seems to fit correctly.

Now I want to install stainless brake lines. A local shop usually gives me a good deal on lines, but I have to know the length. Does anyone have any brake lines from Standard lying around that you could measure for me? I plan to stick with the stock bars so I'd like to get lines that fit.

Thanks, in advance, for any assistance.

Patrick

[Rasputin]

I just measured the front ones I took of off my 78E. I think they would be the same on a 79. From the M/C to the splitter is 15 1/2 inches center of banjo to center of banjo. The two that go to the Calipers are 22 inches center to center as well. I do not have a protractor handy to get all the banjo angles for you tonight. The rear is not off right now but I did order one for my other bike in stainless. IIRC it was 17 inches center to center. That was a one piece instead of the two hoses and metal tube center. I will look around and see if I still have the order sheet to confirm that. If SWMBO has a protractor, I will get you the angles tomorrow after the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

[Incubus]

Thanks, Rasputin. That's exactly what I was looking for. I was expecting to go with 30 degree banjos, but knowing the actual angle would be even better.

I love this forum.

Patrick

[red bandit]

IIRC my upper was 16" eye to eye. I have handle bar setbacks and it's tight. I ordered a SS 17 for replacement and they made it 17 before the bango's so it's long. When you order them make sure you specify eye to eye or whatever.

[DGXSER]

I just got SS lines for Thunderstruck. It is a Special. However a the back line should be identical between them IIRC. My rear line measures 48.5 CM which would convert to 19". On my Special model, th one form the MC to the front splitter is a bit longer since they have the rototiller handlebars, it is 50 CM or 19.5".

Both of these lines require 90 degree offset between the end fittings, at least on the special they do. The std handlebars orient a bit different angle so perhaps they would not.

[Rasputin]

The 15 1/2 inch line from the M/C to splitter has 30 degree angles. The angles are 180 degrees offset to each other.
The 22 inch lines from splitter to calipers are 30 degree angle at the top and 20 degree angle at the caliper. They are also at 180 degree offset.
I have brake lines from two 78E's in the garage and they are both the same.
I do have a set off a 79SF and the M/C to splitter line is 19 1/2 inches long with a 90 degree offset on it, so I guess the specials must route differently.
I can not find my order sheet for the back line so I cant confirm the length of the rear line. I do have a 20 inch line here that when I hold it in position is quite a bit to long. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Lamric]

This info was posted on the forum a while back, I stored it away ( ) and now can't find the original post. So, many thanks to whoever posted this first time round.

XS1100 Brake Lines
==============

All 30 degree 10mm banjos; banjo angles are 180 degrees offset from each other on all lines. Splitter is vertically mounted.

Specials:
Front M/C to Union: 20-1/2"
Union to calipers: 22-3/4"
Rear: M/C to Caliper: 19"

Standards:
Front M/C to Union: 16"
Union to calipers: 22-3/4"
Rear: M/C to Caliper: 19"

[Rasputin]

Yer right Lamric. That was posted in
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...3A+22-3%2F4%22
which does address Incubus concerns about S/S brake lines.
The measurements I have provided are from my stock rubber brake hoses. With the added info he can now make a more informed decision about what he needs to order.

[Incubus]

I searched for a post like that but couldn't find one. Maybe my searching technique could use some refinement. This is very useful information and I will put it to use. I am really looking forward to replacing these 30-year-old rubber lines. My cicle moves itself really well now and I want some more assurance that I can count on being able to stop that forward momentum in all circumstances.

Patrick

[cywelchjr]

I searched for a post like that but couldn't find one. Maybe my searching technique could use some refinement. This is very useful information and I will put it to use. I am really looking forward to replacing these 30-year-old rubber lines. My cicle moves itself really well now and I want some more assurance that I can count on being able to stop that forward momentum in all circumstances.

Patrick

I'm trying to find a local place in my area that can make them up for me while I wait if I bring in my old lines. Frankly I'm not really even thinking about the real lines, just the fronts, then later I will MAYBE think about the back lines. I want to be able to take them in, have them make them, and go home and install them in one day. Since my bike is my daily rider and how I get to work I HATE to do anything that I can't finish in a Saturday (I'll do it, but I really really really don't like it.)

Then again, when I did do a longer term job, it turns out I could have had it running and back on the road the next day if I had just known to try switching the primary leads on the coils. Now I gotta learn how to change that left wheel bearing, and it looks like the hard part might be getting the tire off (with the vetter brackets on it looks like a larger job than I would like). Do I really have to take all those brackets off?