Brake lines

Pretty sure D.O.T., TUV, et al require braided lines (steel/Kevlar) which have to meet their respective requirements. Also pretty sure this has been status quo for quite some time now.

But that doesn't seem to matter to riders who gravitate to aftermarket ones with fancy colors and designs which will not improve braking performance. It will only be a cosmetic change in spite of what the vendors claim.

oldndumb said:

Pretty sure D.O.T., TUV, et al require braided lines (steel/Kevlar) which have to meet their respective requirements. Also pretty sure this has been status quo for quite some time now.

But that doesn't seem to matter to riders who gravitate to aftermarket ones with fancy colors and designs which will not improve braking performance. It will only be a cosmetic change in spite of what the vendors claim.

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The new GSX-R has rubber brake lines, so that is still legal. Ducati has been doing braided steel lines on their bikes for a long time and I think the black sheathing is just to protect painted surfaces the lines might rub against.

I'm betting those rubber lines have some flavor of braid in them. Anyone up for cutting one and educating us? >

The sheathing is to protect the braids and the people handling them. Depending on the country, sheathing is required for autos to prevent dirt accumulations causing stiffness and kinking. Maybe the requirement is for all motor vehicles? Don't know why they tell Juan to use black? I think the clear covered ones look better.

Thanks guys...

And yeah not all bikes, as another example, I understand the FZ10 ones are not steel braided.

On my Scrambler they're black and solid, but diffucult to tell if that's steel or something else underneath the sheathing.

Been doing some reading and learned that brake hoses are the most regulated part of motor vehicles. Several countries and other legal entities have requirements that the manufacturers must comply with. I was surprised to learn that hose construction material is not one of the requirements. Case in point, FMVSS 106 and SAE 1401 do not specify materials. They outline the test protocol and procedures that the hoses must pass.

So, depending on the manufacturer, brake lines may or not be braided. What they share in common is compliance to performance requirements.

But, getting back to Ducatis, as stated, they are steel braided and covered with a sheath to meet the aforementioned requirements. :nerd:

Was hoping so...

"There’s a pair of radial mount, monobloc Brembo M4-32 calipers gripping a pair of 320mm rotors with steel braided lines connecting them to the lever. Plus, Bosch ABS is standard on both models. Again, you have to be real good to outride this hardware."

My dealer just informed me that there's a recall for inspection and possibly replace the brake lines. He says its a stop ride/stop sale so sounds pretty serious. Anyone have any more info?

@Keith Gill post #15

Actually a TSB, not recall...

My rear brake line will be replaced at the dealer while it is there to replace the fuel sender.

gnelson said:

My rear brake line will be replaced at the dealer while it is there to replace the fuel sender.

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Is it possible to ask the dealer to save the old brake line, and then would it be possible to compare it to a new one to see if there are any differences? Maybe a pic, side by side, if that’s possible. Also, maybe ask if the routing of the line is different.

Ed K said:

Is it possible to ask the dealer to save the old brake line, and then would it be possible to compare it to a new one to see if there are any differences? Maybe a pic, side by side, if that’s possible. Also, maybe ask if the routing of the line is different.

Click to expand...

Ed K said:

Is it possible to ask the dealer to save the old brake line, and then would it be possible to compare it to a new one to see if there are any differences? Maybe a pic, side by side, if that’s possible. Also, maybe ask if the routing of the line is different.

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2 crimps instead of one where line is attached to fittings. I probably won't get the old one back, but I can take a photo of the new one when I get the SS back.

The dealer is ordering the parts for my bike. Just curious, is there any out of pocket cost involved with this?

LowRyter said:

The dealer is ordering the parts for my bike. Just curious, is there any out of pocket cost involved with this?

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Should not be.

Thanks Ed.

Ed K said:

Is it possible to ask the dealer to save the old brake line, and then would it be possible to compare it to a new one to see if there are any differences? Maybe a pic, side by side, if that’s possible. Also, maybe ask if the routing of the line is different.

Click to expand...

The new hose is quite different. Better crimps and better insulated too, presumably to try and resist the heat soak from the exhaust.

It didn't cost be anything to have done but the dealer said the book hours for the job were 4.5 as all the tank, air box, brakes, fairings and wheels had to come off.

The forum should do a group buy to get the front brake hose made to the correct length so it no longer fouls the fairing.

Matt

@Matt_SSS Thanks... and yeah, thinking same about the cause, exhaust heat.