SS Brake Lines

[Serk]

I know, I know, this should be on the main tech board, but the signal to noise over there just confuses the issue, and I prefer to stick to the local board, if that's okay...

So... My front brakes are feeling kinda... mushy... Replaced brake pads, replaced the brake fluid and bled the lines... Next step I'm considering is some of those fancy braided brake lines.

If I get on the front brakes I can physically see the stock brake lines bulge a bit, so I'm sure they're getting a little tired.

I'm looking at the Goodridge SS Braided lines, but what concerns me is that it mentions that they "routes brake hoses directly from the master cylinder to the brake caliper bypassing the junction."

What does that mean? Would I have to run two separate lines from the master cylinder to the front wheel, one for each caliper on each side? Or am I reading far more into it then it's saying?

How hard is it to run the brake lines? Seems like it should be pretty easy, if tedious, but figured I'd rather ask, and see if I'm totally off base before dropping the money on new lines and the time and effort on replacing the stock lines with 'em...

Thanks again!

[Valkpilot]

Serk, we just installed those on my bike at the last wrench party.  It's no big deal at all.  They come with an extra long banjo bolt for the connection to the master cylinder, so that you connect both lines directly to the master.  

Slice off and reuse the rubber whosits that go in the routing clip on the fendor.  You can also re-use the mount points where the crossover goes under the tree.

I'll take some pictures and post them later tonight.

Fronts were a piece of cake.  The rear is a little more difficult.

Huge, HUGE difference in brake feel and responsivness.

[Disco]

Braided lines are on my to-do list, also.  Sounds like another wrench party idea. 

[godfire]

I know, I know, this should be on the main tech board

Any topic welcome here...post away!

[john]

i like the  braided lines too ...     
is there one company that make all the lines for the valkyrie ?      ???
push & pull throttle
choke
speedo
clutch
front and rear brake
what else ?
usa made ...     

[Valkpilot]

Here's some pics:

Individual right and left front brake lines connected to master cylinder.



Left side brake line zip-tied to existing retaining clip.  Line runs from cylinder on right handlebar, down the bar using existing ties, and under the headlight to the left side.



Rubber retaining grommet from old brake line.  Slit it lengthwise to get it off the old line, put it on the new line, then position it in the retaining clip with the slit toward the center of the clip (apex of the curve, in our terms.)

[Disco]

John,

Here's a source recommended to me.  The Barnett "About Us" page says Made in USA since 1948.  Goodridge looks to have HQ in the UK with 3 facilities here.

Idle, Throttle, Cross-Over, and Choke cables: http://www.barnettclutches.com/products/cables.aspx?harley=&cruiser=Honda&model=&vintage=&misc=

Brake Lines: http://www.barnettclutches.com/products/goodridge_cruiser.aspx?make=Honda

[Super Santa]

Looks like a worthwhile project.  Is there one place that sells all of the parts at a reasonable price?  From looking around it  is not possible to deal with company direct.  And not something that HDL deals with either.

Suggestions appreciated.

[Valkpilot]

Looks like a worthwhile project.  Is there one place that sells all of the parts at a reasonable price?  From looking around it  is not possible to deal with company direct.  And not something that HDL deals with either.

Suggestions appreciated.

I got mine from HDL. 

Goodridge brakelines: http://www.hondadirectlineofshadyside.com/stores/product.asp?pid=6683&str=2&ID=180371282

and

Galfer clutch line: http://www.hondadirectlineofshadyside.com/stores/product.asp?pid=371&str=2&ID=180371282

Haven't looked for braided throttle cables.

[Serk]

Got mine ordered... This place had a better price than HDL and had REAL free shipping instead of the pseudo free shipping HDL does:

http://www.morepoweracing.com/product.asp?s=Xs4lf210263148&P_ID=3107&V_ID=6792&strPageHistory=basket

They called me today to say the rear lines are back ordered 'till late next week, but I'm not in a major hurry...

Valkpilot - Thank you for the pics! I see how it goes now...

[Valkpilot]

They called me today to say the rear lines are back ordered 'till late next week, but I'm not in a major hurry...

Running the new (actually removal of the old) rear line will be next to impossible with the rear wheel on.  Hopefully their timing corresponds to your matriculation to the ranks of the Darkside.

[Serk]

Running the new (actually removal of the old) rear line will be next to impossible with the rear wheel on.  Hopefully their timing corresponds to your matriculation to the ranks of the Darkside.

D'oh! Got the rear tire taken care of and put back on today... But it's all good, taking the rear off went a LOT easier this time then the previous attempts, I think I've finally "Got It" on doing that...

Thanks again for all the input and assistance ya'll!

[Serk]

Thanks again ya'll for the input and insight! The front lines came in the other day, I got 'em swapped out tonight... Getting brake fluid into 'em was a bit of a chore (All I've ever done before is a basic bleeding of the brakes, never had to get empty lines filled before), but it's all buttoned up, and the test ride confirmed what ya'll have been saying... Woah... I was afraid I was gonna brake the front tire loose a few times in my testing, HUGE HUGE HUGE difference!

I might put off doing the rear until the next time I have the rear wheel off or... Who knows... I might get a wild hair one day and just go out and do it... But, they haven't come in yet anyway...