My brake line issue at InZane this year...a solution.

[John Schmidt]

Some may recall I had a broken SS braided brake line leading from the m/c to the lower triple tree. The line didn't burst, the metal fitting snapped at the point of connection to the tee mounted on the bottom tree. Today while installing SS braided lines on my old bike prior to it going to the new home in Texas, I found myself struggling with mounting the tee in such a way as to keep that line from the m/c from hitting the frame in the neck area at full right side lock. Then it dawned on me...was that my problem with the trike that caused that line to break at the connection. I then checked a full lock to the right on the trike installation and bingo...it hits the frame big time. On a trike you tend to go full left/right more so than on two wheels, things such as u-turns, pulling out of tight parking, etc. It eventually caused that connector to break at the tee. Now I have two projects...both the same. Adjust or re"injunear" the attachment to the tee at the lower tree. Now understand, that only applies if you have aftermarket lines and tee mounted there. The OEM lines aren't an issue but if you've gone to braided lines with a different tee, better check clearance at full lock to the right.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Whose aftermarket setup?

There are Galfer and Russell and Goodridge and Spiegel and roll-your-own, the latter of which some of us have done.

[Jess from VA]

If moving the lines around is a problem, what about some kind of a guard for the T (and connections there)?

[John Schmidt]

Whose aftermarket setup?

There are Galfer and Russell and Goodridge and Spiegel and roll-your-own, the latter of which some of us have done.

John, I have Russell for all the lines. One from the m/c to the tee, one from the tee to the left caliper and likewise one from the tee to the right caliper. Without digging it out to be certain, I think the tee is from Jegs. It's a block with a mounting hole three outlets where I use an adapter in each one. Again without looking it up, I believe the adapters are 3/8-24 inverted flare and the hose side is a 3AN fitting. I've used a similar setup for many thousands of miles on the old bike so am going with the same thing again. It's a "build it yourself" system.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Whose aftermarket setup?

There are Galfer and Russell and Goodridge and Spiegel and roll-your-own, the latter of which some of us have done.

John, I have Russell for all the lines. One from the m/c to the tee, one from the tee to the left caliper and likewise one from the tee to the right caliper. Without digging it out to be certain, I think the tee is from Jegs. It's a block with a mounting hole three outlets where I use an adapter in each one. Again without looking it up, I believe the adapters are 3/8-24 inverted flare and the hose side is a 3AN fitting. I've used a similar setup for many thousands of miles on the old bike so am going with the same thing again. It's a "build it yourself" system.

I've got a couple new-in-package Russell systems and was planning to do the same as you before I got offers I couldn't refuse for a couple of Galfer setups. I'll make darn sure to check stuff when I install them.

[John Schmidt]

Whose aftermarket setup?

There are Galfer and Russell and Goodridge and Spiegel and roll-your-own, the latter of which some of us have done.

John, I have Russell for all the lines. One from the m/c to the tee, one from the tee to the left caliper and likewise one from the tee to the right caliper. Without digging it out to be certain, I think the tee is from Jegs. It's a block with a mounting hole three outlets where I use an adapter in each one. Again without looking it up, I believe the adapters are 3/8-24 inverted flare and the hose side is a 3AN fitting. I've used a similar setup for many thousands of miles on the old bike so am going with the same thing again. It's a "build it yourself" system.

I've got a couple new-in-package Russell systems and was planning to do the same as you before I got offers I couldn't refuse for a couple of Galfer setups. I'll make darn sure to check stuff when I install them.

I tried one ready made Russell set up but the line from the m/c was about 3" short. Probably due to non-stock bars installed but had to return them. I usually don't care for the double line from the m/c that some kits use but may end up using it. Does Galfer make a Valkyrie specific set, might take a look at them this evening before reinstalling the OEM unit, it's so the bike can at least be ridden.

[JimC]

John,
I have a new set of Galfer lines made for the Valk, you are welcome to pick them up and try them to see if you like the size.

Jim

[John Schmidt]

Jim, I'll call you Wednesday...have some questions about the lines.