Stainless Steel Brake lines

[UncleSpot]

...I've read that Randy in NY makes SS brake lines... but I can't find out 'specs', or much of any info except that they "are better"... my brakes seem ok, but the ss lines will make braking better? How?

Randy, if you're reading this, what's the total cost for both front and back lines? If stopping a little better will keep an inattentive car driver from 'structurally modifing' my beloved SG I'm ready for the plung... but I need to know WHY the ss are so much better than the stock brake lines... you must understand that for almost 34 years I rode 2 MCs that had mechanical brakes, so the dual front disc setup on my SG 'seems' REAL nice...

[Pat Kelly]

Ron,
I have SS hoses on my bike. It's like adding power brakes. The SS hose dosen't expand under pressure like OEM rubber ones do. Ours being 25 years old make it that much worse. Stop by and check mine out.

[randy]

UncleSpot,

Like Pat said, because the SS lines don't expand under pressure, all the lever effort goes to the caliper. My brakes are rock-hard with the SS lines, feels more like car brakes.

As far as specs go, I can tell you that the SS hose is rated to withstand 2000 PSI, it's teflon inner with stainless braid and covered by a clear hose, so they have show as well as go (stop)!

For either standard or special it's $142. Including shipping in the lower 48. I accept Paypal at

theragos@ptd.net

Happy Holidays,

Randy

[Pat Kelly]

Randy,
Are they coated in anything besides clear? I have a Midnight Special and black coating (with gold anodized ends?) would be preferable

[randy]

Pat,

That's a good idea for the midnights, it would look great. I don't know, but did the OEM hoses come with gold ends?


You're not the first one to ask about colored hoses, in fact it's becoming a more frequent request. I have looked, but I haven't found a supplier for the colored hose yet. Sure, I know it's out there as pre-made, but I need the raw hose.

I'll keep looking and keep you guys posted.

Happy Holidays!

Randy

[Pat Kelly]

I wonder how well paint adheres to SS braid???

[Dennyz]

I put black heat shrink tubing over the SS lines.

[Robert Haller]

Randy,

Can you supply the hoses without the clear plastic covering? I know of someone that has SS brake lines (not yours) and the clear covering yellowed over time.

[Pat Kelly]

I've used SS braided hoses on every bike (applicable) since 1978. I've never had any coated.

[UncleSpot]

Randy,
I just PayPaled you for the SS brake lines

the cam chain tensioner is working, and I didn't suck a valve, or worse...

so NOW I need some better "Whoa-with-the-Go" - and the XS11 sure has the "GO!"

[UncleSpot]

'just got my S.S. brake lines - these are BEAUTIFUL! ...since it's raining 'cats-and-dogs' here I was planning on installing these this Sunday...

...then I thought THIS would be a great 1st project for the "XS11 maintenance-instructional DVD"... anyone done this already?

I tend to videotape a few "special projects" I do in my shop, basically for reference - I work with vacuum tube amps from the '30s to the early '70s and there are *no* "shop manuals" to use as reference so this helps for review purposes later on...
The parts I don't have a clue about is 1)editing, 2)transferring the VHS format to DVD, 3)making it interesting enough so it can't be used as a "sleep aid", 4)effectively sharing the info with others...

mixelpix (Patrick Kennedy) and Pat Kelly have voiced their interest in a West Coast Project. There are a lot of talented individuals on this board and this should be an interesting endevor IMO

[ratbyk]

Video

Uncle, really read up and understand how you are going to successfully "bleed" both front and rear brakes before you start. If not you will be cutting a lot of tape and curse words when you do the editing.
Definitely bench bleed the masters before attempting to bleed out the new lines. A vacuum pump to hook up to the bleeder screws would help as well.
Been there, done that!
Ken/Sooke

[UncleSpot]

thanks Ken - 'preciate the advice. ...after decades of "just doing things" and THEN reading the shop manual to figure out WHAT happened and WHY I've started *reading* first about 10 years ago...

[Pat Kelly]

Re: Video

Originally posted by ratbyk
If not you will be cutting a lot of tape and curse words when you do the editing.

Been there, done that!
Ken/Sooke

Cursing is part of the process. Expertise is knowing the correct words for the procedure being performed. Intonation and inflection of varying syllables are important to completeing any project. True masters are able to string together curse words almost like invoking a spell to expidite work on the XS11.

[Dennyz]

I watched a home movie on rebuilding an engine that used sub-titles to explain the technical equivalent to the actual language that was being used. These two southern boys with accents and local color so strong, only their realities could understand them. It was hilarious. I did not learn anything about engine rebuilding, but had a good laugh.