Improve the brakes?

[afterburn]

I'd like some suggestion on how to improve the brakes. My RP08 ABS has rubber hoses that cannot be disconnected from the solid lines (unlike the RP11, which has screw on hoses), which makes it a PITA to change to SS lines in a neat and proper way.

I have bled the system using a compressor powered bleeder that just sucks everything out of the system, provided you keep the reservoir full.

I have changed the pads to EBC HH, but I don't like them. They do give tremendous stopping power, but only after a couple firm brake session and they are stinking hot. If they aren't that hot, they do not convince.

Anyone have any suggestion to improve the brake power, other than taking half the bike apart to change to SS lines? Which brake pads are better? Other suggestions?

 

[red2kcbr]

A lot of people on here replaced brake lines as part of the Spiegler group buy. I did, and it was a very worthwhile modification.

It's not a very difficult (or messy) job if you plan it out. There are some good how-tos on the tech site, as well.

The Spiegler lines and banjo bolts are top quality. You won't regret it.

 

[afterburn]

'preciate it red, but replacing the lines on a RP08 with ABS is not exactly a fun job. The rubber lines are fixed to the metal lines, which go all around the engine and through the frame to the ABS regulator. They are a pain to remove, and the 5' SS lines that need to go in to replace them are a pain to put in in a nice and clean way. So, I'm investigating options that will allow me to improve the brakes, while postponing replacing the lines at least for a while.

 

[Ignacio]

My RP08 ABS has rubber hoses that cannot be disconnected from the solid lines (unlike the RP11, which has screw on hoses),

I presume you're talking about variations within a specific model. You're saying some bikes (RP08) have different types of hoses (presumably swaged) than other bikes (RP11) with threaded?

Does this designation show on the VIN or some other place? I usually catch this kind of thing on the forum, but wonder where this thread came from and the details of which years, models, continents, etc. have which.

Meanwhile, I guess I'm fortunate and have RP11 since my hoses were threaded and came off the steel lines with a brake line wrench.

 

[afterburn]

FJR1300 models 2001-2002: RP04

FJR1300 and FJR1300A model 2003 RP08

FJR1300 and FJR1300A models 2004-2005 RP11

These are EU years. But since US and EU are out of sync up to 2006, I use the Yammie model designations to save confusion.

And yes, the RPxx is part of the VIN number.

 

[afterburn]

My RP08 ABS has rubber hoses that cannot be disconnected from the solid lines (unlike the RP11, which has screw on hoses),

I presume you're talking about variations within a specific model. You're saying some bikes (RP08) have different types of hoses (presumably swaged) than other bikes (RP11) with threaded?

Correct.

 

[Ignacio]

So, I'm guessing the RP08 wasn't offered in North America....or maybe we didn't get the ABS ones? I don't remember anybody bringing this up when there were a couple hundred folks (mostly North Americans) springing for Spieglers about a year ago on another board far, far away.

.....or nobody spoke up and are still stuck in their garages trying to unscrew lines

Maybe our benevolent dictator knows something...

Oh Warchild, this crazy Fin is talking about funky brakelines. Either he's been drinking too much Aquavit....or we need some over here.

 

[meosborn]

These are EU years. But since US and EU are out of sync up to 2006, I use the Yammie model designations to save confusion.

Yeah, good job. No one confused here. :dribble:

 

[Fabone]

So, I'm guessing the RP08 wasn't offered in North America....or maybe we didn't get the ABS ones? I don't remember anybody bringing this up when there were a couple hundred folks (mostly North Americans) springing for Spieglers about a year ago on another board far, far away.

No, it was not. These were some of the first batch of the ABS bikes in EU.

.....or nobody spoke up and are still stuck in their garages trying to unscrew lines

There was only one person that I'm aware of that ran into this same problem. Our friend Stefano had contacted me about this problem, after receiving the Spiegler lines. I never heard back about how he resolved the problem. However, making the 2 longer separate lines and threading them thru, would not be all that difficult and that's the route I'd take, if I really wanted SS lines.

Aside from that, your only other option would be to get some ABM rotors and some SKB pads. Either way the price is going to be close the same in the end.

 

[fjr183]

I've found the DP hh+ pads are the best of the bunch. Easy two finger use with std rotors and lines.