Steel Braided Recommendations

[rjsjr]

I've been on the upgrade bug of late (suspension, comfort, a little cosmetic) as my riding has improved and one of the next upgrades I've been thinking about is a steel braided brake line.  I find my front brake is pretty effective, but really lacks feel.  There is a fair amount of play before the brake bites and very little feedback in the brake once you start braking (I just keep squeezing harder and try to feel what the tires doing through the bars/chassis).  I've got EBC (not HH, Organic FA-63) pads with Motul brake fluid and I'm pretty sure they are bled well.  I think I'll go to HHs up front if I upgrade (recommended?).

I did a fair amount of searching around (the search scoring seems a little odd, I get a lot of marginal hits), but haven't seen much discussion about steel braided brake line outside of race bikes.  Do you think that a steel braided line is a worthwhile upgrade for the street (some city, lots of fast twisty roads) and occasional track day (haven't gone yet, but plan on doing the next dpss school at Laguna Seca in a few months and expect more)?  I don't expect anything huge, but would definitely like a little more feel and progressive brake bite.

If so, what is a good pre-made line and where can I get them (goodridge seems to be mentioned most though I generally hear Galfer are good, one thread said russell are not legal for street - why)?  I saw some suggestions about making your own, but living in an apartment, having minimal tools, and parking in a communal garage I think the hassle factor is more than I'd prefer (what tools do you need?).

Thanks in advance.

[JamesG]

I've had Russell, Goodridge, Raceline, and probably a few others I can't remember.  I've never had any blow out, and all feel pretty much the same.
So usually I pick a make simply for asthetics.
Russell lines have a wide, flat weave to the braiding that highlites the texture.
Raceline makes a relatively thin black plastic coated line.  Very good for racing and if you want to minimize the visibility of the cables and lines.
Goodridge makes 2 types, regular stainless steel and a kevlar line. The SS are good if rather thick and come coated with clear plastic. But the plastic has a tendency to yellow if exposed to the sun.  The kevlar line is thin, very light, but only comes in a light blue color.  Also, their Aluminum banjo fittings only come in an anodized red color. To get different ones you have to order from europe.

Hope this helps.

[The Buddha]

I like earls steel or SS fittings and Galfer vinyl coated line...colors are available and they are a thin coating on the braids...very nice...in 6 years never had it leak or blow or deteriorate even with severe use...
Cool.
Srinath.

[JasonB]

Now the big question is where can you buy these for the GS at and cost?

[The Buddha]

Earls is big amonst hot rodders...standard car stuff places sell them...Galfer is easier to buy direct mail order...or bike stores.
Cool.
Srinath.

[rjsjr]

Do I need a specialized tool to connect seperate lines and fittings or how are the lines terminated?  What is a good length to use for the GS (i.e. how much slack should I have in there, stock seems to have a pretty good amount of extra length, even at full opposite lock)?

[The Buddha]

Regular cresent wrenches...
Cool.
Srinath.

[albionbiker]

ebc hh pads are good but as they are sintered they only work best when hot. Therefore they are ideal for track use (GREAT ROUND DONNINGTON PARK IN ENGLAND EARLIER THIS WEEK) but can be used for other riding and in the wet as they are still a good pad when not running at temperature.

I've used them are my GS with a SS braided hose (make not known as it was already on the bike when i brought it) and they do improve the braking performance. But twin pots will only give you so good a braking force. If you want good brakes go to four pots (no six pots available for the standard bracket - unless you change the forks) apparently some GSXR 4 pots fit although i haven't found any yet, (don't need to know now as my Brand New R1 has been delivered finally).

I'll be keeping the gs as a workhorse and also for my mate to commute to work on so if i find some good uprated brakes i'll let you know.

Ride Safe

[rjsjr]

Thanks for all the useful info, any recommendations on brake line length?  Should I go for the same length as stock?

[70 Cam Guy]

Regular cresent wrenches...
Cool.
Srinath.

Those will work but its better to use line wrenches (unless I'm not thinking of the same thing).  Chances are you'll be fine with standard wrenches though.  I just used a ratchet/socket on the banjo bolt.  Be careful not to cross thread anything

I know of Earls fittings through my love of muscle cars and big V8's.  Earls makes just about the best fitting you can by.  IMO it goes Earls -> XRP -> Aeroquip.  XRP fittings are still very good.  I have some Aeroquip fittings on my fuel line on my Camaro and they are nice, however, the anodized finish has faded (My XRP stuff still looks new!)

[Adam R]

I believe those wrenches are flare nut wrenches, right?  Suddenly I'm reminded of a brake job I did on my old 240Z a few years ago ....


Adam

[Blueknyt]

Regaurdless of what brand you go, you will love them, i have it on my GS as mine came off the track like that. i had a spare in the parts box and put it on my XJ650, granted there is 2 lines on the XJ, from master cyl, to junction, from junction to caliper, i just put it on from junction to caliper and was 100% improvement. Now i want to buy the braided rigs for all my bikes.

[The Buddha]

In most cases with that junction...I toss the junction and use 2 lines with a double banjo. You also may be better off using a T meant for a #3 line and 1 line from M/c to the 2 calipers...That junction is pretty bad...and hard to bleed as well.
Cool.
Srinath.