Braided steel hoses

[inspiron]

I've seen some discussions about using braided steel hoses instead of rubber for the brake lines. In eBay, I have seen braided-steel for the clutch and brake lines for my bike.

So, my questions: Are these worth the investment (for everything, I'm looking at like $200 parts, plus time to install and bleed everything)? Can this kind of work be done by a weekend mechanic, or should I take it to a shop and let a professional do it? (I'm quite worried about doing hydraulic work myself - not being able to stop would be the "worst-case-scenario" for me).

Looking forward to some experienced judgements here ... 'Nut ... ?

[NWEng]

I'm not very mechanically inclined, but after some research and reading, I installed my Galfer brake lines (front and rear) without any problems. I think they were worth the investment for me and it really didn't take that long to do; in hindsight it would've been a waste of money to take them to a shop to be installed.

[The Chad]

the braided steal lines are a very worth while investment, IF, you ride hard and optimum break responce and feel is required. My opinion about putting them on a cruiser, the only thing they really do for you is look better. Yes they will give you a slightly different feel, but not muh difference. Break lines are really simple to put on and blead, remember not to overtighten the banjo bolts, they break much easier than normal bolts because they are drilled. I would also suggeset giving the fluid a good flush while you're at it. If you accedantly get brake fluid on the bike some where, the best thing to do is dump water on it, it almost totally desolves it on contact. Brake fluuid id designed to evenly dispurse water within itself that's why water works really well to clean it up, after the water, just use a mild degreaser to finish cleaning.

[Street buff]

As said before the new lines are great. if your going to the track or get to go to the twisties very often you will notice a great diff. after using the brakes often, even kevelar lines will start to spung with a few miles in the mountians.
the process isn't hard, I suggest a small drain hose to fit over the the bleeder and into a small cup. then squeeze the lever fully and place a few rubber bands on it and the grip. bleed the fluid and disconnect the lines, replace w/new, and bleed.
I would check with a dealer for the right lines, I paid $85.00 for my front lines for 04R1.

[LayinLo]

Definitely worth the investment Inspiron.

I'm looking for some right now.

[87gsxrnut]

I don't know, I've got friends that race with stock lines and have no problems. They were originally copied from aircraft designs and used years ago to help stiffen up REALLY poor brakes. Today's braking systems don't really need them IMO. I put them on my racebike beacuse I could get a smoking discount on them.

I know on older bikes they do help quite a bit. Especially when doing a lot of hard braking and generating heat.

You might want to get them and have a go at it. It is fun to install them for sure.

Don't expect a whole lot of improved performance. You will have a bit stiffer lever pull.

- Nut

[prekarious1]

How much time do you spend going deep into corners before hitting brakes?
Are you a late braker on the road?
In an average ride, do your brake lines heat up enough that the expansion of the rubber causes you to have less braking ability than normal?

If you answered yes to 2 or more, then get the steel braided lines. Otherwise you would be doing it simply for looks or because you have money to burn and can't think of anywhere else to put it.

[LayinLo]

They help after a lot of stoppies.

[prekarious1]

somehow don't see inspiron doing a lot of stoppies on a 1400. maybe its just me?