Spongy Brakes

[fxrer]

Hey xschop,

On the A-ZPowersellers.com website, that showed galfer ss brake lines, I didn't see a listing specific for XS 11. Will the lines (front) for any other model fit our 11's?

[TopCatGr58]

SS brake lines, what the HEL, USA!

I just ordered a "CUSTOM MADE" set of SS lines for my Special from HEL USA! You can have your choice of a variety of PVC colored protection tubing, and also colored SS fittings!! They are a bit pricier than what Randy was charging for a complete set,
$196.00 for a complete set, but that includes shipping, and IF you need custom lengths, Craig Nehls, works with you to determine the actual lengths you want/need. I needed 4" longer front lines than Stock due to my 4" over fork tubes, no problem, and there's NO EXTRA COST For the additional length!! And this includes all fittings/banjo joints, and crush washers, and new brake hose bolts!

I haven't mounted them yet, but I will be posting photos as soon as I do!

BTW, Ben, I have a non stock front MC, it sits a bit angled, but the fluid covers the piston/hose end adequately, and works just fine. I turn the handlebars to position the MC horizontal for filling and bleeding, but once capped and sealed, it works just fine angled!

Here's a photo from Mike'sXS showing the Aftermarket MC mounted on the Virago style bars, very similar to the buckhorns!


T.C.

[Ken Talbot]

There isn't a direct bolt-on, ready-made replacement set of braided stainless steel lines available, but it is very easy to build your own. Goodridge and Russell both sell individual components that allow you build a custom set with bolt-together lines and fittings. Neither of these brands is real cheap, but the difference in braking performance is astounding. Simply rebuilding a master cylinder or replacing with a new master cylinder will just not give the same performance improvement. If your old rubber lines expand under pressure, you will never get full pressure to the calipers and pads. Dennis Kirk carries both of these lines. Many Harley shops alsocarry the individual components.

[DiverRay]

Ben,
You can go to a HD shop and get stainless lines that will work. The easy way is to order some stainless line from a local shop, or have a local person make them for you. They do make a WORLD of difference on brake distance. I have them on daily ride, and WILL be putting them on my winter project.
Ray

[wingnut]

Kits

Ben were did you get the kit you were not happy with? I know my MCs need rebuilding and my lines don't seem to flex more than lines flex on anything eles I've ever worked on, old aircraft, old cars, go karts ect. I would like to have SS lines but price is to high right now. I'll have to wait. In the mean time rebuild of 25 year old componente seems prudent. Wheel cylinders are already done and I've used the back bleed method until I was real sure there was no air left. Just don't want to have K&L anything on here, had trouble with their carb kits.

[Pat Kelly]

Yes, the Parts n More master cylinder works. I have one on both my E and LG.

[xschop]

ss lines and mc

Hey guys, I will correct myself, I used russell stainless lines up front, stainless banjo bolts,believe it or not, bought right off the shelf at CYCLE GEAR. All you need to do is measure yours. I personally got shorter ss lines because the stock measurement has too much slack. I am also using a brand new 2004 Shadow master cylinder because it is perfectly polished from factory. I have my rotors drilled too, which is a big improvement...almost finished with an even cooler mod...will keep posted....chop

[Shuriken]

I can't figure out the XS11 search feature. I would like to see the php source to see how the search works.... Just always seems strange that I find what I am looking for when I am looking for something else!

So I was searching for "brake rotors" and it spit out a link to the old thread I was looking for:

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5676&highlight=brake+rotors

I think I will try the Parts N More master cylinder. I know it alone won't solve all the braking problems, but my OEM m/c looks haggard and is barely holding together anyway. I will let you all know how it works.

Second, I probably ticked someone off by winning a set of slotted brake rotors on ebay, but I'm hoping they will be an improvement over the stock 79sf ones. I admit I am not sure if they will even fit - the auction just says 1980 xs11, but according to this thread, maybe I can get them to work on my bike. If not, I'll offer them to someone here.

Third, my existing brake pads are the ones I was using while I had leaky front fork seals, so consequently, they are soaked with oil. (will soaking them in gas overnight clean them?) I haven't found a way to get all the oil out of them and when I get on the brakes, the front rotors get greasy again. So I would like to replace the front pads as well.

If those three changes don't improve braking to a point I think is useful, I will then look into brake lines. I don't know anyone around here that could/would manufacture lines for me. It would be better if I could just buy something designed to fit the 79sf, or second to that, have all the dimensions, measurements, etc. from someone else who already did the brakes on a 79sf, and give those specs to someone who specializes in bike brakes.

I'm not opposed to braided lines, either. In fact, if they are a good improvement and there is a 79sf system, I'd look at those, too.

Ben

[mro]

slotted brake rotors on ebay???

"the auction just says 1980 xs11"

None of the 80 XS1100's have slotted or drilled rotors (stock).
I've got both an 80G and 80LG
Solid rotors on both.

________________________

may have missed it in one of your posts, but did you notice any "sludge" in the mc when you took it apart?

If so, then both the caliper and hose will have some too.
Just today took off left front caliper and had to use my air compressor to get the piston out. Found corrosion and "sludge" in it. Wound up cleaning out brake line and MC as well as caliper. Ran out a time to do other side, but brakes much smoother now than before. Will be doing rear soon too.

mro

[Pat Kelly]

My LG has slotted rotors, stock. I put a slotted rotor on the back of my E and I drilled the front rotors using Ken Talbots pattern (with a modification).

[mro]

My LG has slotted rotors

Hi Pat,

I could be wrong , will look at the LG tomorrow.


mro

[Shuriken]

My rear disc also needs replacing. When I first got the bike I misadjusted it and overheated the rotor disc. It's got some grooves I don't like. Slotted would be great but just a nice clean regular is what I will be looking for.

Not excited to hear about the post that the slotted rotors may crack...

I don't remember if I found gunk in my lines. Wouldn't hurt to flush and blow them clean anyway. Would make sense for me to do that when it's all disassembled for rotor and master cyl. replacement.

I can skid the rear, even though that master cylinder is in bad shape, too. But the front is 70 percent of stopping ability, and I want the 70% !! ;-)

Wonder if I can get a set of front brake pads for less than $30 bucks...

Ben

[Shuriken]

Wingnut - I'm sure it was a K&L kit. Metal plunger assembly would not fit in the bore. Complete waste of money.

Ben

[xj11john]

Ben,

Pretty sure I saw a set of front brakes for $14.99-of course thats after i paid 28.99 for a set to a local shop!@#

If I can find the source I'll post it, course someone else may post first.

[xj11john]

Ben,

looks like old bike barn has em for 18.36.

heres the link-

http://www.oldbikebarn.com/motorcycle_parts.php?bike=XS1100&subcategory=Brakes+-+Front&DisplayPerPage=100&universal=Universal&Start=0