Front brake line too short after spring install

[brickerenator]

I've got an 89 with handlebars from an 01, just installed my sonic springs this weekend. Now the fron brake line is too short and the caliper can't reach the mounting bracket on the fork.

Did I:
1. Screw up the install of the springs

Or

2. Does the combination of new springs (sits higher) and different handlebars require a longer line?

[iceman86]

Not sure if this will help or not.

I recently replaced the old brake lines (front and rear) for my GS500F 2005 with stainless steel braided ones.

I got a set custom made by a company in Toronto called Apex for $57 shipped within Toronto.

I measured my front and rear brake lines and gave them the measurements.

I believe the front was about 29.5 inches long and the rear was about 28.5.

If you can find out the stock length for your brake lines you can compare the measurements from your front brake reservoir to your front brake calipers.

Sorry if that didn't help! I thought I try 

[brickerenator]

Thanks! That's my current plan.

[RichDesmond]

I've got an 89 with handlebars from an 01, just installed my sonic springs this weekend. Now the fron brake line is too short and the caliper can't reach the mounting bracket on the fork.

Did I:
1. Screw up the install of the springs

Or

2. Does the combination of new springs (sits higher) and different handlebars require a longer line?

It's either the handlebar or you misrouted the lines. The line should comfortably reach the caliper (not taut) with the forks fully extended, the max extension isn't dependent on springs.
DO NOT ride a bike that has the brake line under tension at full extension, fix it first. Too much risk otherwise.

[brickerenator]

The line appears to be routed correctly. It never moved during install. I'm just going to replace it with a longer stainless line.

[RichDesmond]

The line appears to be routed correctly. It never moved during install. I'm just going to replace it with a longer stainless line.

Yeah, didn't think there was much chance of that, but thought I'd mention it just in case. The SS line is good upgrade regardless.

[brickerenator]

Thanks! I'm really excited to try out these Sonic Springs. They're huge compared to stock springs 

[piresito]

You can also drop the front end a bit (raising tubes trough the triple), that might give you enough to use your current lines.
Although, I wouldn't drop it more than 10mm, it would be very big change in geometry...

[robfriedenberger]

OP had handle bars from an 01... so he wont be able to drop the front end enough with out hitting the bars.....

I kinda want to know why he has bars from an 01, I'd love to get me bars from an 89 =)

[brickerenator]

I fooled around with it more last night. At full extension of the forks the line will not reach the handlebars no matter how I run it or set the bars.

I'll bet the front lines on 89s are shorter than all other years.
Shorter line + higher bars + new springs = 

OP had handle bars from an 01... so he wont be able to drop the front end enough with out hitting the bars.....

I kinda want to know why he has bars from an 01, I'd love to get me bars from an 89 =)

The previous owner swapped the clipons from the 89 to his 01, then sold me the 89.

[BockinBboy]

Yeah, that would be a reasonable conclusion.  I am aware of various lengths, and angles of brake lines over the years - I think its safe to assume some of these were due to the handlebar vs clip-ons of the earlier models.

- Bboy