I just put the new bars on my 89 and now i see that the stock front brake line is about 3" too short. Does anyone know if the newer brake line is longer or do i have to get a custom line made?
Due to the clip ons being closer in, the brake line is shorter by a few inches. Stock bars bring everything up and away from the front by a few inches so it is longer.
You can use longer lines when going to clip ons from standard bars - just let the extra length bend in somewhere safe.
Pretty hard to stretch a line by 3" when going the other way (clip-ons to standard).
Sorry - I never thought of mentioning this.
Its not even close to being able to stretch the 89 lines to the newer bars, so i will have to get a different front line. funny only the brake line is too short.
It might go directly from the MS to the caliper - not routing through all the clips and around the triple. I'd do that only to test. Wouldn't want it that way for riding.
you could upgrade to a HEL brake line, about 50 ish bucks their stainless braided lines and will outlast the bike and you can get them customised to your liking. Google them.
+1. For the price the best thing to do is upgrade to HEL braided line. It's the right length for the 90 and later years (that is, the longish one that you want) and will also be an improvement in brake feel, and all for around the same price as the OEM rubber hose, I think. Seems like an easy choice!
I have extra Goodridge lines from England. They're great - $45 each. I'm sending a new MS, stock line and caliper (2006, 7000 miles) for now for cheap. I want to see him riding ASAP. He can upgrade in a while when more bike funds are available.
I've been happy with the Goodridge. I don't think I'd trust the $20 lines. HEL is really good, too.