Who's still running on their original brake lines?

[MarkD]

When I got my bike in April, I flushed the lines, dismantled the calipers, cleaned and polished pistons, etc., and brought the system up to working pressure. I did not even think of replacing the lines as part of the maintenance. After reading many of these posts, looks like the majority of owners say to get rid the rubber lines. Will look into this for next season.

[jetmechmarty]

After reading many of these posts, looks like the majority of owners say to get rid the rubber lines. Will look into this for next season.

I'm pretty sure the factory service manual says to replace the brake lines every four years.

[BA80]

I'm still running OEM lines. Have on all bikes I've had so far.

[XS1100 Newbie]

I am running original brake lines as well.

[motoman]

Original lines, no breaks or cracks in them as of yet. Makes for factory ABS up front.

[BA80]

Makes for factory ABS up front.

Try some sintered pads. Made a world of difference on my SG.

[wingnut]

OEM on mine. Bet SS lines would be better but I like the look. They have been flushed but I don't think it made any difference. It is something I do keep an eye on.

[skids]

Original lines, no breaks or cracks in them as of yet. Makes for factory ABS up front.

What do you mean "Makes for factory ABS?" You lost me.

[trbig]

What do you mean "Makes for factory ABS?" You lost me.

Means they don't work well enough to lock up the front tire.

[MarkD]

Don't recall who in the last month or two posted the thread ( or post), but a member said either his brakes went out , or they failed. I am now wondering if it was due to the rubber lines leaking upon using a lock-up squeeze on the brake handle. Anyone recall this post? I checked my lines over today very thoroughly, with a light and the old squeeze test feel by hand, and they look and feel like they are in very good condition. When I replaced and flushed the lines in April, the fluid came out good and clear.

[MarkD]

When I *flushed* the lines, not replaced them, in April, the fluid came out good and clear.

[MPittma100]

Brake Lines

I have often wondered why the brake fluid in a seemingly contained system can turn an ugly color over time. On one bike that I did the brakes on, the fluid was unrecognizable as brake fluid. I rebuilt all 3 calipers (replaced 2 caliper pistons), both m/c, and replaced lines with ss. I was amazed at how much crud can build up in these brakes. This particular bike had a history of sitting up unused for 10 years and likely contributed to the messy brake hydraulics. Even with all this crud, the brakes were working properly.

Another bike brake repair showed brown rusty fluid. Makes you wonder how rust can get into a brake system with aluminum master cylinders, calipers, and rubber lines? But you most always find the caliper pistons to be rusted and/or pitted. I 'm guessing this is the source. Brake hoses are like hydraulic lines on any type machine. You don't know that they are bad until one blows. Some of us may be surprised to know just how much pressure is exerted into the brake system when applied. On a car/truck you can easily see 900+ lbs psi upon brake application. The bikes may or may not see that much, but I would think that it is close. That is a pretty good work out on an old brake hose. Yamaha's recommended 4 year replacement may be a little much, but they should be replaced more often than every 30 years.

On the one bike that I replaced all lines with ss, it seemed like it suddenly had power brakes - a good improvement. I will eventually replace all lines on the bikes that I have. I will use some ss and some rubber.

Mike

[slow mo]

would the brake lines from a 650 special fit my xs11?/ ride safe slow Mo!

[jetmechmarty]

would the brake lines from a 650 special fit my xs11?/ ride safe slow Mo!

The line from the master cylinder to the junction block is the same between the XS11 and. XS650 Specials......I believe. The lower lines are longer on the XS11. Lower banjo angles differ as well.