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DIY braided brake lines.

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  • DIY braided brake lines.

    Anyone ever make their own braided brake lines? Was thinking about buying lines buy the foot and the necessary banjo bolts and hardware, not necessary expecting it to be cheaper, but just because. Was wondering what size brake lines we have and what size banjo's. Thanks!
    81 XS1100H

  • #2
    You can buy all the bits to do this yourself, but the big expense is the proper crimp tool for the hose ends. Even the cheapest of the good ones will be several hundred $$ (a good 'pro' hydraulic crimper will be $1K+), and the 'low buck' versions do a poor job; I wouldn't trust a crimp done with one. In the end, unless you're planning on building a lot of lines, it's far cheaper to just buy them....
    Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

    '78E original owner - resto project
    '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
    '82 XJ rebuild project
    '80SG restified, red SOLD
    '79F parts...
    '81H more parts...

    Other current bikes:
    '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
    '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
    '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
    Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
    Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

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    • #3
      Ok then, I might be buying them instead, I thought maybe they used the ol cap and compression fitting setup.
      81 XS1100H

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      • #4
        How about threaded ends? Z1 Enterprises has them.


        I am sure there are other sources as well.
        Marty (in Mississippi)
        XS1100SG
        XS650SK
        XS650SH
        XS650G
        XS6502F
        XS650E

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        • #5
          I just did mine

          for the LH, bolts, banjo's and lines (all black chrome) came to $360.00 Canadian. I was happy with that as I had the ones for the SF made and they cost me $650.
          If I remember it's 10mm you'll need.
          mack
          79 XS 1100 SF Special
          HERMES
          original owner
          http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps6932d5df.jpg

          81 XS 1100 LH MNS
          SPICA
          http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad305/mack-055/2.jpg

          78 XS 11E
          IOTA
          https://youtu.be/wB5Jfbp6SUc
          https://youtu.be/RaI3WYHSuWA



          Have recovery trailer and shop if you breakdown in my area.
          Frankford, Ont, Canada
          613-398-6186

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          • #6
            Originally posted by mack View Post
            for the LH, bolts, banjo's and lines (all black chrome) came to $360.00 Canadian. I was happy with that as I had the ones for the SF made and they cost me $650.
            If I remember it's 10mm you'll need.
            Yes, 10mm banjo bolts and -3AN line should get you. You'll also want a good crimper, 10k will get you something used in industry, I'd expect to pay 1k+ for one that would work well. Thats only if your looking for something that will make lines like you'd buy from a supplier. You could buy some hose by the foot and use hose ends from Jegs or SummitRacing and "make" your own lines, however I'd rather buy line that have been crimped, I feel these are less prone to fail (if manufactured correctly) and will hold up better over time. They are just as cheap, if not cheaper, than making your own lines too.

            http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performan...00664/10002/-1
            Last edited by Laptop_geek; 12-24-2011, 09:59 PM.
            1979 XS1100

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            • #7
              I spoke yesterday with my local brake shop about having them crimp fittings onto new brake lines. Seems that nobody (at least here) is willing to do this due to the fact that the lines have to be DOT approved as they are used on passenger carrying vehicles. Not that a proper machine shop couldn't do it but it seems the world is a bit too litigation happy for their comfort.
              1980 XS 1100 Special
              Mostly stock & original
              Added Yamaha fairing (w/ 8-track!)
              Torpedo bags
              New paint (still) pending
              Stainless brake lines
              Tkat forkbrace
              Coils from Honda 1000

              Previous bikes:
              1968(?) 350 Harley Davidson
              1977 Yamaha 650

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              • #8
                Sorry to bring back an old thread, but I found some good info for those that are interested.

                I used these guys for lines on my 750 and they were easy to deal with and seem to have a good product at a very resonable price (I was impressed anyway). I ordered custom lines for my bike (went from a remote mc to a normal one) and they ended up being under $50 for two front lines (around $35 IIRC). Might be something to concider.

                http://www.techna-fit.com/

                http://www.stainlesssteellines.com/category-s/1866.htm
                1979 XS1100

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                • #9
                  Don't buy the cow!

                  Don't buy the cow, if all you need is the milk If you want to make your own lines and can get the S/S parts way cheaper then just ordering the lines, then get the parts and go to a local hydraulic supply shop (there are three close to where I live) Pay them to crimp the lines, you will need 6 crimps for the front, 40 bucks if they are honest. Still, I don't think you can save much over just buying the pre made ones out there
                  1979 XS1100 Special (Mad Max, OEM) Current
                  1980 XS1100 Special
                  1990 V Max
                  1982 KZ750 LTD Twin
                  1986 700 FZR Yamaha Fazer (faster then expected)
                  1979 XS750 Special (my 1st Special)
                  1974 CB750-Four



                  Past/pres Car's
                  1961 Catalina 389/1970 Torino GT 351/1967GTO 12to1 comp./ Roller cam/ T-10/ 456 gear/Tri-power/1967 GTO 400, 1969 Camaro, 1968 Z28, 2001 BMW M Roadster 0 to 60 in 4.5 sec. Jaguar XK8

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                  • #10
                    most larger cities will have either a Hydraulic shop or a industrial hose shop. In the Portland Area we have a place call Premier Rubber and another called Hydraulics Inc. They do Truck and industrial hoses. Back in my race car days we use to have them do all our fuel lines and brake lines. Places like this are tons cheaper than having to buy kits or go to specialty places. you just need to know your lengths, diameters, and fitting style and they'll make you what ever you want. Or you can buy bulk lengths of line and do it yourself... for the most part they don't charge for the assembly process just for the line and fittings.
                    Don
                    1979 XS1100SF "Old Man" bought by my Dad brand new in 79, customized in 80 with Vetter, Standard tank, and touring seat. I inherited in 02 when Dad passed. Been riding it since 09. No resto, bike is a survivor...

                    2007 RoadStar 1700 Midnight Silverado "The Black Pearl" Cobra Slash-downs, K&N filter. More mods to come


                    old:
                    1989 kawi ex500
                    1996 yzf-r6
                    1999 yzf-r1
                    2001 kawi zx-6r
                    2000 Ducati 748
                    2002 YZF-R1
                    2005 V-Star 1100 Classic

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                    • #11
                      JP Cycles offers universal fit SS brake lines and fittings, just need to order the proper lengths and fittings and re-use your banjo bolts (with new washers of course).
                      http://www.jpcycles.com/motorcycle-b...rsal-fit?Nao=0
                      '78 E "Stormbringer"

                      Purrs like a kitten, roars like a lion, runs like a gazelle (being chased by a cheetah).

                      pics http://s1209.photobucket.com/albums/...tormbringer45/

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