Ahoy all! First up, thanks for all the great info here, it's already been very helpful
So, I'm a happy new owner of a 2010 GS500F with only 9000 KMs on the clock. She looks and rides like new, no thanks to my riding ability after 10 years off bikes.
She has only had two services in her life, plus the oil and filter I've just swapped out. I was just about to change the brake fluid when I saw that the brake and fuel lines are supposed to be replaced every 4 years. These are 12 years old but without any signs of cracks, discolouration, bulging. Just wondering how strict are you guys on this schedule with your bikes?
Cheers, Anthony
Melbourne, Australia
Welcome！
I just bought mine last July, did full service except for the brakes. part of me was scared to have it done incorrectly and have a non functioning brake, another part is just that like you said... they feel fine. However, I would probably take that to a shop and have it done when spring comes here in Vancouver.
Thanks for your reply. Funnily enough the mechanic at local Suzuki workshop said they generally only replace them when they are visibly damaged. Seems at odds with 'official' recommendations though
I think a lot of times the 'official' recommendations are disclaimers covering customers from all over the world. in extreme weather conditions brake line might actually need to be changed in that interval, so they will have to write the recommendations accordingly
Yeah good point
They degrade over time and when they see a lot of UV.
They might look ok on the surface but what tends to happen is that over time they start to swell and balloon when under pressure, upshot is you loose feel.
You wont find any of the racers using 12 year old lines :D
Its obviously concerning you, quite rightly so in my opinion,,,,,,,,,so replace them. I guarantee you will see an improvement
Welcome, where pics! :dunno_black:
Well you won't find me racing, so I'm all good? Just kidding, you're right. If I have to ask the question I should probably just do it.
I have rubber lines on a 1980 GS1000 that are still original and still working. And the rear brake line on my '06 GS500 is also original.
That said, just because its possible doesn't mean you should do it. New stainless steel brake lines are a relatively inexpensive peace of mind and they absolutely will improve your braking performance.
Likewise I am reasonably sure the brake lines on my '92 GS500 are original. In fact, I am confident the brake lines on all of my motorbikes are original, except for the rear brake line on my Bonneville, which broke so I had to replace it. The newest bike I have is 8 years old.
Hi,
Similar situation to you last week.
Fuel - I left the main fuel line alone (in good condition) and replaced the reserve, which was cracking and wasn't even fuel line (previous owner). The bike shop wanted $60+ each for Suzuki OEM, so I bought a metre of quality fuel line from Supercheap @$6/m. I also bought a set of assorted spring clamps online for like $15, which is very helpful for replacing those which are rusted out or missing.
Brake - mine are good, so I'm leaving them for now.
Looks great
(https://media.giphy.com/media/z7u8nWDwpQB32/giphy.gif)
Thanks all, I will get the braided lines. More for the sake of tinkering than anything else. I'm going to pop some risers on the the handle bar first so I'll wait until after that to see if I'll need extra length. From what I can gather anything up to about 30mm rise will still allow enough play with the stock lines though?
If you are ordering new lines, you will want them slightly longer for better routing. In some cases you can get away with the stock length with risers but you have to make a more direct route for the lines which doesn't look as tidy.
Best option I found in Australia was Hel Performance in Brisbane. Best price I could find and lots of options re set up.