Braided Brake Lines

Ok this has probably been asked before but at this time of night I can't be bothered going looking for it.

Can anyone tell me where is the best place to get these?

Are they easy to fit? (Robracer explained it on Saturday but I got a little lost when he was talking about the front brakes)

Approximate costing?

I recently got a set of HEL braided lines for my ZX9 and they cost me $197 delivered. Cost may vary depending on what bike they are for.
I was really happy with the service and communication provided by them, c/ Tim.
http://www.superbikesupply.com.au/eng/s ... p3?id=2193

Yeah Michael the details are : Motorsport connections Unit 15 4A Foundry Rd Seven Hills 9838 7272
Made while you wait from your samples any colour etc give em a buzz for pricing...... heaps cheaper than hell & quality is just as good as hel + you can customise.

Thanks Robyn and Rob

I will check them out.

How much of a difference do braided lines make? Are the brakes more responsive, stop faster or just fade less? Do you need to change your pads as well or do the braided lines make enough of a difference by themselves? (these questions should probably be in the noob section )

Last edited by Nelso on Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.

How much of a difference do braided lines make? Are the breaks more responsive, stop faster or just fade less? Do you need to change your pads as well or do the braided lines make enough of a difference by themselves? (these questions should probably be in the noob section )

What braided lines does Nelso is basically stop the line expanding when heat gets into them eg. Fade less

I'm probably not the one to answer your question Nelso - I'm sure one of the boys will tho . . . . but, as I recently changed mine, what I can say is they seem to give me 'more feel' and I certainly feel a lot more confident in my braking tbh. I didn't change the pads, but will do as soon I get my new discs!
Because the ZX9 is relatively new to me and had a warped front disc, I am really looking forward to fitting the braided lines to the ZXR to really feel the difference as I've spent a lot more time on it, so it the difference will be a lot more evident to me (if that makes sense)?

Thanks guys. I have them on my 4wd but the lifted springs and big tyres make it impossible to notice how they feel. I just wasn't sure if they were meant to reduce fade or increase the ability to apply faster brake pressure, or both. Also, I was curious as to how noticeable the difference is on a bike and get an idea if it is worth the investment.

The other thing (for those of us with older bikes) is that OEM lines get soft and spongy with age; SS braided lines don't. I've got HEL lines, ordered online, delivered within a week. Brakes are 'crisp' now.

just a question also,is is it better to use rbf 600 brake fluid when changing to ss lines or is dot 4 good enough?

just a question also,is is it better to use rbf 600 brake fluid when changing to ss lines or is dot 4 good enough?

I used dot 4 on mine?

most braided and rubber brake lines are dot 4 rated.

I have used both RBF600 and DOT 4, the only difference I can gather is the the higher boiling point (only like 20degs high from memory and I couldnt be arsed to walk outside and check both bottles)
other than that I have been told that the RBF 600 is less corrosive but there is no info on the back so I couldnt be sure.

Unless your going to push your brake fluid into the higher temp range constantly and need that higher boiling point I would suggest you just save your dough and use DOT 4 as reccommended.

Oh yeah FYI brake lines are legally meant to be ADR'ed. Which means the braided lines that we all buy from OS (me included) are not actually legal and could be found to be a bone of contension if the insurance company or MR Plod ever checked. Braided lines that have been ADR'd will have a yellow sticker on them stating so. What you do with that info is up to you.

Thanks guys. I have them on my 4wd but the lifted springs and big tyres make it impossible to notice how they feel. I just wasn't sure if they were meant to reduce fade or increase the ability to apply faster brake pressure, or both. Also, I was curious as to how noticeable the difference is on a bike and get an idea if it is worth the investment.

The difference is FAR more noticeable on an older bike as like Dave said , the lines do get spongy over time. The fronts are particularly prone due to the length of the flexi lines.[The Geepa got to the point the lever could touch the grip if you pulled hard enough!!]

You will notice less lever travel for the same amount of braking effort and as Robyn mentioned , more 'feel'.

***No need to change the pads you have unless they are already stuffed***

Note;
Goodridge braided lines run a crossover from the R/H to the L/H caliper on the front which though very neat looking can be a pain in the ass to bleed. (ADR compliant)

HEL,Gremlin Racing and many others use a double length banjo bolt on the master cylinder - bulky but easier to bleed.

Re brake fluid ; Like Blurr said....
Silicon based brake fluids do not mix with mineral base ie DOT 3-4.
If you change from one to another you need to flush the circuit through properly.
Not a huge benifit unless it's your track bike really.

Oh yeah FYI brake lines are legally meant to be ADR'ed.

That's why I went with Superbike Supply and not purchased from o/s.

And in regard to fluid. . . . I believe Dot 5.1 would be a goer too.

Oh yeah FYI brake lines are legally meant to be ADR'ed.

That's why I went with Superbike Supply and not purchased from o/s.

And in regard to fluid. . . . I believe Dot 5.1 would be a goer too.

That's spot on Robyn, Hell brake lines are ADR approved. DOT 5.1 is the way to go cause of a high boiling point and fluid life.
A much better feel through the lever. I use HELL.