Brake/Clutch Line Replacement--Service Interval?

[Fazer]

Hey everyone.  Just wondering when to replace brake and clutch hydraulic lines.  Been reading lots of discussion about the benefits of braided etc. but can't see where there is a recommendation with respect to age or miles.  My 98 is now 24 years old.  Is this something I should be thinking about?  I have not noticed any degradation of braking, or any blemishes in the current lines.  No leaks or anything.

I change out the fluid every two years or so and have replaced the pads twice in 53,000 miles.

[sandy]

I sold my ‘98 tourer 5 years ago with 155K and it still had original clutch and rear brake lines. I found a deal on front braided lines which is the only reason I changed them.

[Jess from VA]

I have read the OE Honda lines are very good quality.  Beyond looks, I have read braided stainless is really a racing application.

My 2 '99 interstates;  one is all OE (54K), the other has braided stainless brake lines front and rear (shorty) lines (105K) (came that way) (not the clutch line).  I have never been able to tell any difference in braking at all. 

The difference in braking I have felt, has all been from scrubbing my calipers and pistons and lubing up the foot pedal.  (but never rebuilt with any new parts, except pads)

[Jims99]

I have stock on two and braided on one. All have over 68k miles and aside from looks, I can’t tell a difference either. I’m sure there is as they won’t expand as much, but the difference is not noticeable.

[hubcapsc]

I've put new OEM lines on my 1500 and new Spiegler lines on my 1800. I don't perceive
one to be better than the other.

I'm glad I replaced the 1500 lines when I did, some (all?) are no longer available. I like the
way OEM lines fit...

My Spiegler lines fit pretty well, and I got black ones with smooth covers. I've seen some
ribbed stainless lines that I think looked awful, the way they fit...

-Mike

[Fazer]

Thanks everyone.  I do not want to change for cosmetic reasons, but don't want a major failure either.  I suspected the responses would be as they were--not a necessity to change due to age. 

[mello dude]

If you really have a concern the OEM lines front are available for not a lot of money....
Check a later Valkyrie model, like 2002.....It shows unavailable on the 1998 even though it's the same parts.
I'll never get why Honda does that on their bike models, showing unavailable on some earlier model parts when the parts are still being made available for later models  

 

[clanky]

I just replaced my front brake lines with Spiegler SS braided lines. I have 170K miles. I too did not see cracking of original brake lines but replaced them as they are 24 years old.  Also replaced coolant hoses and wheel bearings as they are all original components.  I don't mind if the bike doesn't go but might not be able to talk about it if the bike doesn't stop.   Love this bike !

[Big Rig]

Same rubber on the inside of the ss braid...racers use braided because of higher pressure and can get away with smaller lines...lighter equals speed...