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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: gsatterw on April 01, 2012, 09:41:18 PM

Title: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on April 01, 2012, 09:41:18 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS500E-CUSTOM-STAINLESS-STEEL-BRAKE-LINE-HOSE-/120885936913?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c255d0311&vxp=mtr

Just ordered one. Stock lines for stock bars are 29", #3 fittings, and i did a 45 degree offset, but i dont think it really matters.

$34.90 shipped per line. Feedback seems to indicate quality lines. I will report back when I get em in and my bike back together and running.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: ninjeff on April 02, 2012, 06:08:44 AM
oooo def. keep us up to date on how it goes.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: craigs449 on April 02, 2012, 02:38:22 PM
Keep us posted.....SS braided lines would be a HUGE help with these front brakes.  I put HEL lines on my last Suzuki DRZ 400sm and they were a really big improvement.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on April 03, 2012, 11:29:05 AM
So I ordered these at on a Sunday at 8 pm. He promptly got back too me and asked a question concerning my configuration (there were 2 ways he could have done it based on my specs). I replied pretty quickly, and at 10 pm he sent me my tracking number. Wow. Can't wait to try these out.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on April 03, 2012, 11:29:50 AM
and is it worth to replace the rear brake line? The rear locks pretty easily as is...
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: The Buddha on April 03, 2012, 12:14:14 PM
Rear, over kill, front, only 30% overkill so we need to do that ... The feel is better, not neccesarily actual braking power unless you have the worlds stickiest tire and on a clean smooth road.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: bombsquad83 on April 03, 2012, 12:15:49 PM
Just don't lock up the back and end up in a lowside.  Or worse, lock the front and end up in fast lowside or a highside!
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: bombsquad83 on September 21, 2012, 09:49:41 AM
Resurrecting this topic.  How did those brake lines work out?  I'm looking to order some.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: GI_JO_NATHAN on September 21, 2012, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on September 21, 2012, 09:49:41 AM
Resurrecting this topic.  How did those brake lines work out?  I'm looking to order some.
This.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: Dizzledan on September 21, 2012, 02:10:22 PM
I got a custom length front brake line, with the stock fittings (one straight, one 15 degree). Pretty simple install, though I did have to use a hand vacuum pump to fill/bleed the lines the first time. Definitely a noticeable improvement over stock bulgy hoses, plus mine is blue to match my bike. It comes with copper washers and banjo bolts too.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: bombsquad83 on September 21, 2012, 03:55:49 PM
What did you have to specify for the order, or do they already know what to do for a 93 GS?
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: Dizzledan on September 21, 2012, 08:06:01 PM
Specify length, angle/type of fittings (#3), and orientation of fittings.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: bombsquad83 on September 22, 2012, 08:00:05 AM
And what length did you specify?
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: jestercinti on September 22, 2012, 07:33:02 PM
The words cheap and brake should never be used in the same sentence.

It's only safety after all.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gaillarry on September 23, 2012, 04:28:04 AM
I got the same set for my 500F, front and rear.  Seller was quick to ship and the quality is very good.  Makes a great improvement in braking.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on September 23, 2012, 09:56:52 AM
Quote from: jestercinti on September 22, 2012, 07:33:02 PM
The words cheap and brake should never be used in the same sentence.

It's only safety after all.
[/quote

They are only cheap because its one guy in Canada who has made an ebay business selling high quality brake lines that he makes in his garage. From a materials stand point, it costs practically nothing. There is no reason the brand name ones should cost $70+, except they are brand name. We are talking brand name drug vs. generic. Same drug, one is a fraction of the price. No brainer. I'm still alive, they feel great.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: sledge on September 23, 2012, 10:16:57 AM
They are only cheap because its one guy in Canada who has made an ebay business selling high quality brake lines that he makes in his garage. From a materials stand point, it costs practically nothing. There is no reason the brand name ones should cost $70+, except they are brand name.

Wanna know why they cost 70 bones and upwards??

Because they are carefully designed to conform and meet with recognised standards...such as these..

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_tc_browse.htm?commid=46734

And they are manufactured in factories that use quality control and testing procedures, with calibrated tooling from traceable materials by companies that carry liabilty insurances.

The man in the garage makes a nod towards quality but has he got the paperwork to back it all up?.......I doubt it :D
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gaillarry on September 23, 2012, 10:41:28 AM
Quote from: sledge on September 23, 2012, 10:16:57 AM
They are only cheap because its one guy in Canada who has made an ebay business selling high quality brake lines that he makes in his garage. From a materials stand point, it costs practically nothing. There is no reason the brand name ones should cost $70+, except they are brand name.

Wanna know why they cost 70 bones and upwards??

Because they are carefully designed to conform and meet with recognised standards...such as these..

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_tc_browse.htm?commid=46734

And they are manufactured in factories that use quality control and testing procedures, with calibrated tooling from traceable materials by companies that carry liabilty insurances.

The man in the garage makes a nod towards quality but has he got the paperwork to back it all up?.......I doubt it :D

I put a set on my Kawasaki ZG1000 5 years ago.  It's a heavy bike and I do a lot of hard braking.   Haven't had one problem.
All I know is they work.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on September 23, 2012, 10:55:37 AM
Quote from: sledge on September 23, 2012, 10:16:57 AM
And they are manufactured in factories that use quality control and testing procedures, with calibrated tooling from traceable materials by companies that carry liabilty insurances.

The man in the garage makes a nod towards quality but has he got the paperwork to back it all up?.......I doubt it :D

I honestly don't believe that every brake line that comes out of a large scale factory is tested. I feel much more confident in my line. I know for a fact that the man in the garage tested the line to 3000 psi like it says on the ebay page. He probably does not have a massive insurance plan, so he probably makes damn well sure that his lines are up to spec.

After placing my order he promptly sent me a message saying he will have the line completed and shipped by the next day. Quality product, quality service, great price.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: Phil B on September 23, 2012, 11:37:43 AM
Quote from: Dizzledan on September 21, 2012, 02:10:22 PM
I got a custom length front brake line, with the stock fittings (one straight, one 15 degree). Pretty simple install, though I did have to use a hand vacuum pump to fill/bleed the lines the first time. Definitely a noticeable improvement over stock bulgy hoses,

for the newbs (such as myself) would you please quantify exactly what is improved when doing this?
and how much is "noticeable"?
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gaillarry on September 23, 2012, 12:17:00 PM
Quote from: Phil B on September 23, 2012, 11:37:43 AM
Quote from: Dizzledan on September 21, 2012, 02:10:22 PM
I got a custom length front brake line, with the stock fittings (one straight, one 15 degree). Pretty simple install, though I did have to use a hand vacuum pump to fill/bleed the lines the first time. Definitely a noticeable improvement over stock bulgy hoses,

for the newbs (such as myself) would you please quantify exactly what is improved when doing this?
and how much is "noticeable"?

The brake lever feels firmer.   SS lines are abrasive resistant and what makes them so good is that they use teflon tubing instead of rubber. The teflon does not stretch or bloat like stock lines do.

The brake seems more responsive and I believe I have a better feel, and thus better control, of the braking action regardless of effort, especially during heavy/emergency braking.      And they look better than those black rubber lines.

Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: deets on September 23, 2012, 02:27:28 PM
Put HEL brake lines on great improvment and feel...
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: catch2otwo on September 25, 2012, 12:16:48 PM
Quote from: gsatterw on September 23, 2012, 10:55:37 AM
Quote from: sledge on September 23, 2012, 10:16:57 AM
And they are manufactured in factories that use quality control and testing procedures, with calibrated tooling from traceable materials by companies that carry liabilty insurances.

The man in the garage makes a nod towards quality but has he got the paperwork to back it all up?.......I doubt it :D

I honestly don't believe that every brake line that comes out of a large scale factory is tested. I feel much more confident in my line. I know for a fact that the man in the garage tested the line to 3000 psi like it says on the ebay page. He probably does not have a massive insurance plan, so he probably makes damn well sure that his lines are up to spec.

After placing my order he promptly sent me a message saying he will have the line completed and shipped by the next day. Quality product, quality service, great price.

Your missing the point.  Your backyard mechanic cheapy brake lines are not tested/qa'd to any kind of accepted standard.  Congratulations, they will hold 3000 psi, but under what conditions?  Where were his materials sourced from?  During his manufacturing process, do any of the processes weaken or change material properties?  yada yada yada...

Its fine if you like them cause you saved a buck, but you cant honeslty argue that he has a better product then a known aftermarket product that has been tested to a reconized set of standards.  Just understand that there is alot more that goes into manufacturing goods then you think.  There is a reason why canadian brake line maker can produce a product for half of what Galfer or Goodrich is selling.

Hope they continue working for you
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: adidasguy on September 25, 2012, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: gaillarry on September 23, 2012, 12:17:00 PM
The brake lever feels firmer.   SS lines are abrasive resistant and what makes them so good is that they use teflon tubing instead of rubber. The teflon does not stretch or bloat like stock lines do.
It is the stainless steel braiding that doesn't stretch and bloat - not the teflon.
Not all use teflon on the outside covering or the inside.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: weedahoe on September 25, 2012, 03:34:09 PM
Quote from: catch2otwo on September 25, 2012, 12:16:48 PM
Quote from: gsatterw on September 23, 2012, 10:55:37 AM
Quote from: sledge on September 23, 2012, 10:16:57 AM
And they are manufactured in factories that use quality control and testing procedures, with calibrated tooling from traceable materials by companies that carry liabilty insurances.

The man in the garage makes a nod towards quality but has he got the paperwork to back it all up?.......I doubt it :D

I honestly don't believe that every brake line that comes out of a large scale factory is tested. I feel much more confident in my line. I know for a fact that the man in the garage tested the line to 3000 psi like it says on the ebay page. He probably does not have a massive insurance plan, so he probably makes damn well sure that his lines are up to spec.

After placing my order he promptly sent me a message saying he will have the line completed and shipped by the next day. Quality product, quality service, great price.

Your missing the point.  Your backyard mechanic cheapy brake lines are not tested/qa'd to any kind of accepted standard.  Congratulations, they will hold 3000 psi, but under what conditions?  Where were his materials sourced from?  During his manufacturing process, do any of the processes weaken or change material properties?  yada yada yada...

Its fine if you like them cause you saved a buck, but you cant honeslty argue that he has a better product then a known aftermarket product that has been tested to a reconized set of standards.  Just understand that there is alot more that goes into manufacturing goods then you think.  There is a reason why canadian brake line maker can produce a product for half of what Galfer or Goodrich is selling.

Hope they continue working for you

I totally agree with you about the sourcing of parts and testing and such. But then again, i cant count how many OEM parts Ive had fail over the years so I think that kinda brings us back to square one with this.

If the work, hold up over time and dont leak, why not use them?
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: catch2otwo on September 26, 2012, 06:27:22 AM
Quote from: weedahoe on September 25, 2012, 03:34:09 PM
Quote from: catch2otwo on September 25, 2012, 12:16:48 PM
Quote from: gsatterw on September 23, 2012, 10:55:37 AM
Quote from: sledge on September 23, 2012, 10:16:57 AM
And they are manufactured in factories that use quality control and testing procedures, with calibrated tooling from traceable materials by companies that carry liabilty insurances.

The man in the garage makes a nod towards quality but has he got the paperwork to back it all up?.......I doubt it :D

I honestly don't believe that every brake line that comes out of a large scale factory is tested. I feel much more confident in my line. I know for a fact that the man in the garage tested the line to 3000 psi like it says on the ebay page. He probably does not have a massive insurance plan, so he probably makes damn well sure that his lines are up to spec.

After placing my order he promptly sent me a message saying he will have the line completed and shipped by the next day. Quality product, quality service, great price.

Your missing the point.  Your backyard mechanic cheapy brake lines are not tested/qa'd to any kind of accepted standard.  Congratulations, they will hold 3000 psi, but under what conditions?  Where were his materials sourced from?  During his manufacturing process, do any of the processes weaken or change material properties?  yada yada yada...

Its fine if you like them cause you saved a buck, but you cant honeslty argue that he has a better product then a known aftermarket product that has been tested to a reconized set of standards.  Just understand that there is alot more that goes into manufacturing goods then you think.  There is a reason why canadian brake line maker can produce a product for half of what Galfer or Goodrich is selling.

Hope they continue working for you

I totally agree with you about the sourcing of parts and testing and such. But then again, i cant count how many OEM parts Ive had fail over the years so I think that kinda brings us back to square one with this.

If the work, hold up over time and dont leak, why not use them?

Did the failed oem parts cause you to not be able to stop?  :icon_eek:
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: weedahoe on September 26, 2012, 06:37:14 AM
Quote from: catch2otwo on September 26, 2012, 06:27:22 AM
Quote from: weedahoe on September 25, 2012, 03:34:09 PM
Quote from: catch2otwo on September 25, 2012, 12:16:48 PM
Quote from: gsatterw on September 23, 2012, 10:55:37 AM
Quote from: sledge on September 23, 2012, 10:16:57 AM
And they are manufactured in factories that use quality control and testing procedures, with calibrated tooling from traceable materials by companies that carry liabilty insurances.

The man in the garage makes a nod towards quality but has he got the paperwork to back it all up?.......I doubt it :D

I honestly don't believe that every brake line that comes out of a large scale factory is tested. I feel much more confident in my line. I know for a fact that the man in the garage tested the line to 3000 psi like it says on the ebay page. He probably does not have a massive insurance plan, so he probably makes damn well sure that his lines are up to spec.

After placing my order he promptly sent me a message saying he will have the line completed and shipped by the next day. Quality product, quality service, great price.

Your missing the point.  Your backyard mechanic cheapy brake lines are not tested/qa'd to any kind of accepted standard.  Congratulations, they will hold 3000 psi, but under what conditions?  Where were his materials sourced from?  During his manufacturing process, do any of the processes weaken or change material properties?  yada yada yada...

Its fine if you like them cause you saved a buck, but you cant honeslty argue that he has a better product then a known aftermarket product that has been tested to a reconized set of standards.  Just understand that there is alot more that goes into manufacturing goods then you think.  There is a reason why canadian brake line maker can produce a product for half of what Galfer or Goodrich is selling.

Hope they continue working for you

I totally agree with you about the sourcing of parts and testing and such. But then again, i cant count how many OEM parts Ive had fail over the years so I think that kinda brings us back to square one with this.

If the work, hold up over time and dont leak, why not use them?

Did the failed oem parts cause you to not be able to stop?  :icon_eek:

There are other ways to brake with no "brakes". There is neutral, there is the clutch and you can always engine brake

And to answer your question, yes. Ive had OEM calipers freeze or lock up and not apply pressure to the the rotors
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: Funderb on September 26, 2012, 07:42:52 AM
jesus guys,
How about the safety concerned buy OEM or top shelf brake lines, and those that can't quite justify spending more money when there is a lower cost alternative (that MAY (and probably) be just as safe) just buy these lines and be happy with a little extra pocket change.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: bombsquad83 on September 26, 2012, 07:46:40 AM
Amen to that.  Why are you berating people who are probably replacing 10+ year old rubber OEM brake lines with what they can afford?
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on September 26, 2012, 04:54:55 PM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on September 26, 2012, 07:46:40 AM
Amen to that.  Why are you berating people who are probably replacing 10+ year old rubber OEM brake lines with what they can afford?

This

Quote from: Funderb on September 26, 2012, 07:42:52 AM
jesus guys,
How about the safety concerned buy OEM or top shelf brake lines, and those that can't quite justify spending more money when there is a lower cost alternative (that MAY (and probably) be just as safe) just buy these lines and be happy with a little extra pocket change.

And this.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: catch2otwo on September 26, 2012, 05:14:41 PM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on September 26, 2012, 07:46:40 AM
Amen to that.  Why are you berating people who are probably replacing 10+ year old rubber OEM brake lines with what they can afford?

No one is berating anyone.  You could replace your brake lines with plastic straws for all anyone cares.  Im sure the brake lines that are half the price are "probably" good enough.  They "probably" will never fail.  They are "probably" better then your stock bulging rubbers.  The same sentence can be applied to pricier name brand brake lines.

Im just providing reasons why pricier lines may cost more rather then going on the often misused " your paying more because its a name brand".  There are reasons things are cheaper or more expensive.  People who are in the market deserve to understand why something may cost more or why its cheaper.  This is called being an informed consumer.

OP said he bought great brake lines for $xx.xx costing far less then name brand lines.  Wouldn't people want to know why they are cheaper and then make the decision for themselves as to whether or not to buy?  Again, you can buy whatever you want just be informed on what you are buying. 
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on September 26, 2012, 05:54:48 PM
look, we are talking about 2.5 feet of braided tubing and some end attachments. Material costs are negligible compared to the price. What you are paying for is overhead and labor. One comes from a large scale facility with many many employees, marketing, insurance, huge capital investments on equipment and land, meaning lots of overhead, meaning expensive product. The other one is a small operation started by a ss hose technician. Yes, I called him. He has been making ss brake lines for 25 years, I am glad I found him.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: fetor56 on April 15, 2013, 02:42:26 AM
Some of the prices for SS brake lines really can't  be justified.......i'll be trying this "coastguard" guy.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on April 15, 2013, 09:34:51 AM
My line has held up and performed phenomenally. You won't be displeased

Graham  :2guns:
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: J banning on April 15, 2013, 12:22:02 PM
I was surprised to see this thread since I just ordered a front line from the same seller on Friday. Communication was excellent (he verified the fitting types and angles I wanted) and I'm eagerly awaiting it to arrive later this week.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on April 15, 2013, 01:40:41 PM
yup, pretty cool dude
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: ruifrsilva on April 27, 2013, 02:36:54 PM
I want to order a from line for my bike but don't have the stock line anywhere near
me. What specs should I give the seller when ordering the lines?

Rui
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: fetor56 on April 27, 2013, 03:59:17 PM
My 2013 Naked measures 760mm(30") centre banjo to centre banjo with a 20 degree bend at the master cylinder and a 45 degree bend at the caliper,BUT i strongly suggest u measure yours personally as they seem to slightly differ.
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: gsatterw on June 30, 2013, 03:37:34 PM
The coating on the lines has not held up, it started crumbling off. My bike lives outside and is exposed to the elements always. The line itself, however, still feels very good and stiff and doesn't leak, and my brakes work fantastically. Still worth it i'd say.

Graham
Title: Re: Cheap Custom Stainless Steel brake lines
Post by: The Buddha on June 30, 2013, 04:01:31 PM
The galfer vinyl coated line I had held up for ever ... or course its far more $$$,
Maybe you can hand coat the line with silicone. Or other vinyl type substance - can not use heat shrink tubing, You cant heat the line.
Cool.
Buddha.