Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Cheap S/S Brake Line Pricing: What Am I Missing?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • #16
    What I did was send him a set of stock rubber lines for every model of XS1100. He then made copies of the rubber lines and sent them back to me. They worked very well. Then he made some stainless lines and only crimped one end, so I could clock the other end and mark them. I returned them to him and he crimped them, made his measurements, and sent them back to me.
    The first sets of final crimped lines did not all fit well. Some simply dropped in place while others would not work at all. Stainless lines have much less forgiveness than rubber for fit. There was also some confusion due to the fact we were working with so many lines as opposed to lines for one bike. Some of the lines were 90 degrees out of clocking. I had to cut those lines in half and remark them. They were sent back to Chacal, who then remade the lines and sent them back to me for another test fit. Once every line simply dropped in place and everything fit perfectly he made me a set of each in rubber and in stainless steel as payment for my help. We also sent each hard (metal) line and each rubber grommet and mount for the lines back and forth in order to have a complete package available.
    That is the simplified version of what happened. There were many emails, pictures, mailings and a load of frustration in getting it done. I even had to borrow a set of stock bars for one of the bikes just so I could fit up the stock lines. It was a long and sometimes painful process, with up to 2 months between seeing the lines again at my end. This is why I say I would avoid custom lines as everything is so fussy at the final fitting.
    It is unfortunate that I did not keep any info on the angles and lengths, clocking degrees etc and for the most part that was all done at his end anyways. I highly doubt he would give out that info if asked because he sells them so it would not make sense to give out his work so someone else could profit from it.
    2-79 XS1100 SF
    2-78 XS1100 E Best bike Ever
    80 XS 1100 SG Big bore kit but not fully running yet.
    Couple of more parts bikes of which 2 more will live!

    Comment


    • #17
      Ras- That was kind of my thoughts on it. I did not think that would help Len any giving out that info. I received an email back from Chris @ Technafit. He said it would be easiest to mail the lines to him. I followed up with an email asking for an initial quote.gor the lines with washers and fittings.
      1979 XS1100F
      2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

      Comment


      • #18
        Originally posted by jetmechmarty View Post



        If you buy stuff like this, you will do the clocking yourself. The threaded fittings make it not an issue. You still have to pick correct lengths and angles. How much does this save you over the plug n' play lines?
        These are what I buy, although I haven't bought them from Z1 as I've found better prices elsewhere (J&P, Kirk sell them too, among others). These are Goodridge lines, I've had no issues with them. It pays to shop around for prices...

        The advantage to these is if you have a non-stock install (different handlebars can be enough to throw off the measurements), you can custom fit as long as you pay careful attention while measuring. If you decide you want different bars later, you don't have to replace the whole line, just the hose. You also have choices in fitting finishes, as well as coated or uncoated lines. They're not plug-n-play and can be a bit of a PITA to do, but if you're willing to expend the effort you can get a better fit if your bike isn't completely OEM, as well as saving some $$.

        'Cheap' and 'stainless braided lines' don't really go together all that well....
        Last edited by crazy steve; 01-13-2014, 02:27 PM.
        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...

        Comment


        • #19
          Initial quote for the lines are between $90-$100.
          1979 XS1100F
          2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

          Comment


          • #20
            S/S Brake Lines

            I just got a set from coastguard1975 and have to agree with some of the comments from IanD. The lines fit, but the banjos could be located a little better. The hoses are pretty rigid so flexing them around to align the banjos is a bit of a challenge, but it can be done. The rear brake line appeared to be too long, but after some measuring, it was the correct length, but again, the rigidity of the hose doesn't allow it to follow the same turns as the original, so it ends out seeming longer because the line is straighter. It would be an easier install if the rear hose was about 2 inches shorter. I haven't had the bike on the road for a test ride yet, but the increased firmness at the front brake lever is very noticeable.

            Keith
            Current:
            1979 XS11F - "Sigmund"
            1975 Triumph T150V - "Ralph"
            1975 Honda CB125S - "Blue" - built for my daughter to learn on.
            1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 - yet another bike that needs me! It followed me home...

            Previous:
            1975 Norton Commando
            1969 Triumph Tiger 650
            2002 Yamaha YZ250F

            Comment


            • #21
              Hey Keith- Could you recommend a good length for a rear one-piece brake hose? Also, can you recommend a better length or clocking of the banjos?
              1979 XS1100F
              2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

              Comment


              • #22
                S/S Lines

                I am going to bring this up just because "it ain't right". I have purchased three sets of the (Chacal) XJbikes.com lines - two sets of S/S and one set of rubber. I do like the lines a lot - no problem with the product itself. There is, however, a problem with the way things are priced. If you are in Georgia, you have to pay sales tax -no problem with that. You also are charged tax on the shipping amount - I do have a problem with that. No one, and I do mean no one ever charges tax on shipping.

                I also question the extra one percent sales tax for the city of Atlanta. I am under the impression that if a sale is made to someone outside of the city, that the sales tax is supposed to be 7%, not 8%. Correct me if I am wrong.

                Hate to even bring this up, but it is an issue that I am just not able to let go unnoticed. And yes, I did discuss this with them and was unable to convince them otherwise.

                Mike
                1981 XS1100H Venturer
                K&N Air Filter
                ACCT
                Custom Paint by Deitz
                Geezer Rectifier/Regulator
                Chacal Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
                Chrome Front Rotor & Caliper Covers
                Stebel Nautilus Horn
                EBC Front Rotors
                Limie Accent Moves On In 2015

                Mike

                Comment


                • #23
                  Geeze, I don't know what to say to that Mike. I do know others believe heavily in supporting certain mods on here, I.e. (Geezer R/R, Tkat fork brace, Chacal S/S brake lines, etc.), and I for the most part will go along with what's proven to work. However, growing-up tinkering and having experience a lot of different things, I know for a fact that the price of the Chacal S/S brake lines may be a little pricey for many members on here. Sure, I may rub some wrong way pursuing another source for less-costly lines, especially after all the work Ras put into the lines. However, I think the end goal is providing a great mod at a price many can afford. I look forward to receiving the lines.
                  1979 XS1100F
                  2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    I got a front set of Galfers for $125 off ebay and Im very happy with them. I dont remember the exact price that Chacal quoted me but it was crazy high.
                    Nate

                    78 XS11 "Matilda" 2H7 000364

                    2001 Raptor ACCT, T.C. Fuse Box, TC Bros Forward Controls
                    Kuryakyn Iso Grips/Throttleboss/Bar End Mirror, Custom Covered Seat
                    Shinko 712s, HID Headlight, RC Performance Exhaust
                    Bikemaster Daytona Handlebars, Galfer SS Brake Lines
                    Barnett HD Clutch Springs, T.C. Spin On Filter Adapter
                    K+N Air Filter

                    88 Voyager XII
                    81 XJ650 Maxim

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Yeah, bearing in mind that I am a proven cheapazz, I asked him for a quote when his lines first came available. I paid less for an entire bike than he wanted for the lines.

                      Not trying to rain on Ras parade, as I know he did a lot of work, and I am sure there was an investment made to get them right. Just way outside my budget.
                      Life is what happens while your planning everything else!

                      When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.

                      81 XS1100 Special - Humpty Dumpty
                      80 XS1100 Special - Project Resurrection


                      Previously owned
                      93 GSX600F
                      80 XS1100 Special - Ruby
                      81 XS1100 Special
                      81 CB750 C
                      80 CB750 C
                      78 XS750

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        rake Lines

                        Originally posted by IanDMacDonald View Post
                        Geeze, I don't know what to say to that Mike. I do know others believe heavily in supporting certain mods on here, I.e. (Geezer R/R, Tkat fork brace, Chacal S/S brake lines, etc.), and I for the most part will go along with what's proven to work. However, growing-up tinkering and having experience a lot of different things, I know for a fact that the price of the Chacal S/S brake lines may be a little pricey for many members on here. Sure, I may rub some wrong way pursuing another source for less-costly lines, especially after all the work Ras put into the lines. However, I think the end goal is providing a great mod at a price many can afford. I look forward to receiving the lines.
                        Don't get me wrong, I am in support of their product but not in support of being overcharged. I know for a fact that tax on shipping is a no no. Obviously, we are not talking a lot of money, but I have a problem with paying tax on a non-taxable item. This issue will influence future purchases by me.

                        Mike
                        Last edited by MPittma100; 01-19-2014, 11:42 AM.
                        1981 XS1100H Venturer
                        K&N Air Filter
                        ACCT
                        Custom Paint by Deitz
                        Geezer Rectifier/Regulator
                        Chacal Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
                        Chrome Front Rotor & Caliper Covers
                        Stebel Nautilus Horn
                        EBC Front Rotors
                        Limie Accent Moves On In 2015

                        Mike

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Just so there is no confusion here...I have absolutely nothing to do with Chacal's pricing or his sales moves. I was just trying to provide an alternate source for us, and he showed interest. I had read that some suppliers were moving out of the XS lines due to poor sales. Do not recall for sure but maybe it was HEL-USA or Galfer or another maker.
                          No one will offend me if they go a different way as I did it for choice for the membership and other riders around the world. I have bikes here with Galfer lines on them and I really like them. They are of a good quality and fit and are similarly priced to Chacal's, at least when I bought them. I have a set of lines on a bike from ebay's Coastguard as well. They are far cheaper and ok quality and yes a poorer fit than most but usually will work.
                          In a nutshell, all Chacal's lines are is another route one may go to outfit his bike according to desire and wallet size (apparently), with the added exception that one will know they are a drop on fit as well as he has everything else from rotors to caliper rebuild kits and much more. It does make for a one stop shop and saves hassle of added shipping etc from other sellers when parts are bought from all over.
                          So to each his own whether you build them from Duct tape rubber hoses (not recommended ) to whatever brand you choose. It makes no difference to me as long as you can stop safely!
                          2-79 XS1100 SF
                          2-78 XS1100 E Best bike Ever
                          80 XS 1100 SG Big bore kit but not fully running yet.
                          Couple of more parts bikes of which 2 more will live!

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Originally posted by IanDMacDonald View Post
                            Hey Keith- Could you recommend a good length for a rear one-piece brake hose? Also, can you recommend a better length or clocking of the banjos?
                            Ian - based on what I saw with my bike, probably 17 inches for the rear brake would make for a nice install without excessive twisting around to make it fit. The hoses I installed are pretty rigid and don't like bending into smaller radius - they prefer a straighter run than the standard rear hose.

                            Hope that helps

                            Keith
                            Current:
                            1979 XS11F - "Sigmund"
                            1975 Triumph T150V - "Ralph"
                            1975 Honda CB125S - "Blue" - built for my daughter to learn on.
                            1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 - yet another bike that needs me! It followed me home...

                            Previous:
                            1975 Norton Commando
                            1969 Triumph Tiger 650
                            2002 Yamaha YZ250F

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Blah, long night in the garage & basement. So, got the brake lines removed from the bike and ready to be shipped-off in the morning to Techna-Fit.

                              I ended-up pulling all the calipers and m/c's front & rear and rebuilt everything. I guess I feel dumb for not cross-checking part numbers. I had saved a few master cylinder rebuild kits from my 750 to use on this vike. Front parts numbers matched, so I figured the rwar would as well. Wrong! So, I had to re-use the rear parts after cleaning them the best I could.

                              Calipers were a pain in the ass, and I had to use the front master cylinder to push out the pistons on the front calipers. Even after a thorough cleaning, they did not just drop in easily, which worries me. In-fact, I had to force them in initially till they dropped down.

                              A couple issues I ran into while removing the lines. First, the JIS screw's on the sides of the front fender holding the lines in. Very stubborn! Had to cut one off. Secondly, loosen all banjos while everything is still on the bike. Real pain trying to loosen the banjo on the front splitter in your hands off the bike. The only banjo that cannot be loosened while on the bike is the one connected to the rear M/C. Unless you want to slide ur hand in the mouse trap of a rear fender . . .
                              Last edited by IanDMacDonald; 01-20-2014, 01:04 AM.
                              1979 XS1100F
                              2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                hpoe they work out.

                                So what notes did you add for the order 2-22"-+? 1-16" for front rear 19" or shorten to 17" to run straight new bolts washers in test thread section asked question lower handle bars would the line from the master cylinder need to be shorten s/s lines being more ridged also did you order their tee or are you reusing stock one?

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X