Steel Braided Lines - Worth the Cost/Headache?

[Patent1]

I will be replacing the brake/clutch fluid on my 2005 FJR w/ABS shortly, and am wondering whether I should install steel braided lines. The bike has the original rubber hoses, and 40,000 miles on the odometer. The brake and clutch lines appear OK (No leaking, cracking, bubbles, etc.) I'd like to hear from owners who have actually replaced their rubber hoses - Would you do it again?

Many thanks!

 

[FJRay]

They will for sure give you a better feel but that doesn't mean you will stop better. The nature of hydraulics is equal pressure every where. The rubber lines swell a bit but eventually you get full pressure to the brakes. The SS lines don't swell so you get a firmer feel. I haven't heard of a line failing on a FJR so if you are happy the brakes then spend the farkle money on something else. IMHO

 

[FJRBluesman]

I agree with FJRay. The stock lines will bulge over time (meaning when brakes applied they won't maintain the same I.D. size, you can feel this but probably never see it) and Yammer recommends a replacement interval. Believe me, on the clutch, once you've pulled the stockers off, you'll be lucky as you know what to get another stock clutch line back in, that would be a PITA!

Replacing with SS lines is far easier to install IMO. I had a set (dual front lines, more better, and the clutch) on my old non-ABS bike, loved them I replace all my lines with SS lines on my new bikes. They should never need replacing, never do the bulge thang like stock lines, etc.

The feel is far better and worth every penny IMO.

I'm just trying to find a full set of SS lines for the ABS for cheap.

BTW - I did not replace the rear brake line, don't want or need the edge of the SS lines, most of the braking is on the front, so it didn't matter to me.

Good luck.

 

[wfooshee]

As everyone else has already said, it's feel rather than function. They change nothing in how the brakes work, they just make the lever feel better - more solid.

I didn't vote in your poll because none of the answers apply.

 

[wheatonFJR]

They will for sure give you a better feel but that doesn't mean you will stop better. The nature of hydraulics is equal pressure every where. The rubber lines swell a bit but eventually you get full pressure to the brakes. The SS lines don't swell so you get a firmer feel. I haven't heard of a line failing on a FJR so if you are happy the brakes then spend the farkle money on something else. IMHO

I agree. I spent money on SS lines in a group buy because I thought the lines needed replacing per the book after 4 years. Money wasted in my opinion. Yeah, maybe a little better feel...but I ain't Steve McQueen...so it doesn't make a difference the way I ride. Not worth the money IMO. Stay with the stockers if yer happy enough with them.

Not the "bang for the buck" like the suspension upgrade, or Russell seat upgrade.

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

One thing to note is that over several seasons and 40,000 miles, what degradation there is happens at a snail's pace, so you may not have noticed the change. In a perfect world, you could ride someone else's braided-line-equipped FJR back-to-back, and see if there's a difference. Perhaps the FJR's stock lines are stout enough to last longer than others. I don't know, myself. I do know that when I change brake fluid this fall, I will be putting in SpeedBleeders and stainless braided lines.

On my 98 SuperHawk, I had replaced the lines after 3 or 4 seasons of riding, and the improvement was very noticeable. I know it's not apples-to-apples, but it made a huge difference on my Honda. More power and better feel. I had installed SpeedBleeders too, and when my riding buddies saw how easy a brake bleeding was with them, they all bought sets for themselves. Great product, and cheap, to boot.

Just another opinion. Take with a huge grain of salt.

 

[Bustanut joker]

I did it because all the cool kids had 'em

 

[wfooshee]

And ya still just can't get as cool as them, can ya?

 

[cougar8000]

It gives you better feeling on what your brakes are doing and in turn I think/feel it makes you stop quicker. SS Lines do not expand like rubber lines which means that brakes start functioning sooner as they should not later.

I have installed SS all around and haven't had any issues with the rear like many saying you would.

Plus, your OEM lines need/MUST be replaced every 4 yrs. You do change oil, why many neglect rubber lines I have no idea. Oh, and it is cheaper to put SS lines vs stock rubber lines.

 

[Jim in Phoenix]

One of the first things I did for my '06 when I purchased it in '10. I had put 5k miles on the bike before it went in for service and I did notice a difference - better feel, quicker reaction. I've done this for all my bikes and feel it is worth it.

 

[CAJW]

I replaced my stock ones with SS at the 4 yr interval just to be on the safe side since I plan on keeping my Gen I and ride it into the ground. I perceive a bit more stopping firmness,but as far as stating it stops in a shorter distance, (with only a butt dyno reading on that) it's not that noticeable IMHO. One note of caution is to assure you have the angled banjo ends installed properly (i.e. front to back for the rear brake) as although they look interchangeable, the angles are specific and during compression the rear swingarm could come into play and make contact with the line. Mine are Galfers for reference in case anyone is wondering.

 

[Patent1]

Thanks guys! Seems as though this farkle really isn't worth the cost - I'll consider it if and when I have to replace the OEM hoses.

 

[Cavy]

I have also been considering installing SS hoses. What brands/kits are you guys using? Do you replace the ABS lines as well?

 

[FJRBluesman]

I have also been considering installing SS hoses. What brands/kits are you guys using? Do you replace the ABS lines as well?

I use Galfer, always have probably always will. They are reasonably priced and work and look great. I'd bet any of the better companies, Goodridge, Spiegler, etc will do the job. Shop around for best price. Galfer Gen1 ABS Feej lines go for $300-$500.
I have always replaced my front brake and clutch lines (always get a double front line not the Y-split, if you can). I recently bought an ABS Feej and I'm 95% sure I'm going to get a set of Galfers for it. Looking at this (FJRInfo),changing the ABS is not for the faint of heart. Looking at my bike and assessing this, one fitting looks like a PITA to get at, that's the only thing that concerns me. Otherwise it should be no issue if you've bleed brakes or replaced lines before.

I really do think they are that good and improve the feel like night and day. Like a suspension upgrade, a little pricey but once you’ve done it, you’ll never regret it.

 

[SkooterG]

Uh folks, don't the OEM lines have metal cores? Bulging lines a thing of the past?

If it was a non-abs bike I would say go for it. Relatively inexpensive kit and not too difficult to do.

But buying and primarily swapping out all the ABS lines is a major PITA.

 

[FJRBluesman]

^^^ This pix form FJRinfo.com shows there are plenty of flexy rubber hosed lines (left side set of lines. right side braided SS lines). The rigid lines are from the steering head to the rear swing arm just before the ABS unit.

Like it says on FJRInfo, if you screw up a rigid line, you’re really screwed. Pull the motor?

 

[SkooterG]

^^^ This pix form FJRinfo.com shows there are plenty of flexy rubber hosed lines (left side set of lines. right side braided SS lines).

You Bluesy, I wasn under the impression those 'flexy rubber hosed lines' had a metal CORE.

????

 

[C&C]

I was confident that I was going to hold on to this bike, I got onto the 'group buy' (way back when) so I got a pretty good price (and got to pick the color of the lines and connectors), I knew that this would be the only time I would have to change those lines, (and after the fact), they weren't a PITA to install. So, in the grand scheme of things; you pay your money and you take your chances. Oh, I also got the clutch line, and while not as easy as the brake lines, wasn't what I would call a PITA either.

 

[carlson_mn]

I have full set of stainless lines on my other bike (Bandit 1200). I prefer the feel of the stock lines on the FJR and I liked the feel on the Bandit with the OEM lines also. The feel of the OEM lines was softer and warmer - but both give the same braking feel. I just prefer the OEM lines. Mine are 8 years old and working just fine on my '04, no plans to change them for a couple years or more, we'll see.