stainless brake lines

[Ranger_xs1100]

Mike, after re-reading your post, I think we are talking about doing the same thing, even though mine are not linked/integrated front and back systems. Same end result tho. Thanks.

[Jim Mac]

I have had good luck with Galfer. I have them on 2 of my bikes one of which is as XJ1100 which linked brakes. If you want to go to a 2 line system they have great customer service for custom builds. Personally I would stick to the 3 line system. If you”re concerned about bleeding, a splitter is no match for a mighty vac.

[cajun31]

The '79 Special does NOT have a proportioning valve, just a splitter for going from one to two lines. The '80 does have the valve, IIRC.

You are right Ray. Actually both bikes Bob is working on have the same union. Neither are actually valves. Bad choice of words.

[Ranger_xs1100]

No luck here with the local shops so I ordered a 3 line Galfer kit on ebay. I'll let you know how that works out.

[bikerphil]

I just put a 5 line Galfer set on an XJ. Everything fit nicely, my only complaint is the new banjo bolts they give you have a 14MM hex head instead of 12MM, making it somewhat harder to tighten the lines. Getting the larger 14 wrench in a tight space isn't as easy.

[IanDMacDonald]

Braided lines and BlueSpot caliper mod on the front, Works great

I actually went back to stock calipers this week. Couldn't keep the rotors square, even with machined spacers.

[auxtian]

Yep....Well needs to be done properly, many XS's here in Australia have used them for years with no problems. locally designed setups

[jetmechmarty]

XJ PARTS CATALOG, SECTION J: BRAKES Brake Lines (xj4ever.com)


XJ4Ever.com
PO Box 98393
Atlanta, GA 30359-8393
Info@xj4ever.com

The above is by far the easiest and best way to replace or upgrade brake lines. The kit is fool proof. Maybe not the cheapest, but good value. My time is valuable. There's no screwing around here.

[auxtian]

These bolt straight on
https://www.goodridge.co.uk/products...a-xs1100-78-80

[XJkid]

Socer4m said:

" I know some members say they like the back and front integration, but it is dangerous in hard braking in a turn"

I have been considering de-linking for this reason. Going into a curve in the freeway in downtown Sacramento, I misjudged the arc and had to brake hard, but still almost went off the road (a leading cause of bike deaths). The front end didn't want to turn and brake at the same time. I'm sure there is a physicist on here who can explain why.
I am currently installing a SS set from Brakecrafters.com. I often bragged about having anti-lock brakes on an '82, but then had to confess it wasn't by design.

[LAB3]

As I mentioned earlier I delinked the front from the rear on my Goldwing, you really don't want the front wheel skating away on a dirt or gravel road, especially important while going down hill!

[Ranger_xs1100]

XJ PARTS CATALOG, SECTION J: BRAKES Brake Lines (xj4ever.com)


XJ4Ever.com
PO Box 98393
Atlanta, GA 30359-8393
Info@xj4ever.com

The above is by far the easiest and best way to replace or upgrade brake lines. The kit is fool proof. Maybe not the cheapest, but good value. My time is valuable. There's no screwing around here.

Right on Marty! I've done business with Len multiple times and he and his products are top notch. However, mainly for budget limitation reasons, I went with Galfer this time for the front brake lines. I wanted to try them because I have four xs11's with 40+ year old OEM lines on them that need to be replaced. I'll let you know how that works out. However, Len (XJ4Ever) has a single rear brake line that I'll probably order. this week. Has anyone tried the single braided stainless rear brake line, rather than the OEM rubber to metal to rubber lines?

[cajun31]

Right on Marty! I've done business with Len multiple times and he and his products are top notch. However, mainly for budget limitation reasons, I went with Galfer this time for the front brake lines. I wanted to try them because I have four xs11's with 40+ year old OEM lines on them that need to be replaced. I'll let you know how that works out. However, Len (XJ4Ever) has a single rear brake line that I'll probably order. this week. Has anyone tried the single braided stainless rear brake line, rather than the OEM rubber to metal to rubber lines?

Bob,
I have been running my 80LG with a single stainless line for 10 plus years. I used some heat shrink of different sizes to build up enough on the line to fit the original fasciners. Did the same on the front lines. Put some heat shrink on the line where it passes down by the fork ears to keep them from rubbing. Also made them look more oem.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Bob,
I have been running my 80LG with a single stainless line for 10 plus years. I used some heat shrink of different sizes to build up enough on the line to fit the original fasciners. Did the same on the front lines. Put some heat shrink on the line where it passes down by the fork ears to keep them from rubbing. Also made them look more oem.

That's good to know Jim, Sounds like the way to go. Thank you for your feedback.

[jetmechmarty]

However, Len (XJ4Ever) has a single rear brake line that I'll probably order. this week. Has anyone tried the single braided stainless rear brake line, rather than the OEM rubber to metal to rubber lines?

I've done both the reproduction and the single piece. Both from XJ4Ever. I prefer the single piece.