braided lines

[littlebigman]

Hi Guys, thinking about new brake lines when I replace discs and pads.What do you think?
Do I need front and rear,are they worth it?

[bikemonkey]

I run Hel braided front and rear, worth it in my opinion.

They're supposed to increase braking feel (less spongy than rubber hoses which are probably knackered now).

They look miles better to me than rubber ones, as long as you don't get tacky colours, but each to their own

[littlebigman]

Thanks.Black I think.

[Vfr400/tbird]

I fully recommend these I to have HEL ones on the nc21 and my triumph thunderbird they transformed both and in my opinion there one of the best low cost upgrades you can do to transform these bikes!
When bleeding the system make sure you also bleed the master cylinder as it tends to get air locked!
Unscrew the banjo bolt on the m/c and put your thumps over the outlet on the m/c this will pressurise the m/c and allow it to pump fluid, another good way of bleeding the system is to use the syringe method to pump fluid in from the bottom up via the bleed nipple on the caliper end (I used animal feeding syringes to do this with some 6-7mm clear hose)!

[Vfr400/tbird]

Thumb :) not thumps don't thump it lol

[speedy231278]

Yes, do it. In theory rubber hoses need chucking away every four/five years (at least, that's what the OEMs will tell you). Braided lines last until you manage to break the things, so hopefully forever, and seem to cost the same if not less as genuine Honda bits. The maker will tell you they increase feel, are more consistent because they don't expand, etc. All I can say is that on my little bike, I swapped the rubber hose for a HEL line, and even with the same pads the difference was ridiculous. Because there's no almost no expansion due to the braiding, all the effort goes straight to the caliper, and the slightest touch of the lever starts to give you some feel. My RVF has Goodridge hoses both ends, and behaves in the same manner. I have no idea what it would feel like with rubber hoses as it came with braided ones when I got it. Never had an issue, except where the rear hose rubbed on the wire hangar on the pinch swingarm bolt and wore through the braid! Can't recommend enough!

[Cammo]

I'd agree with everything said above, but I think it's a waste of time putting a braided rear on these bikes as it gives less feel, which is not ideal on a bike which has a wooden rear brake feel as standard. Just my opinion.

Even on my racebike I preferred a rubber rear brake line.

[BB_158]

2nd what Cammo has said. Definately for the front, but in my experience (mainly road riding) with a braided line fitted to the rear I would occasionally lock up the rear wheel under sudden heavy braking - not something you really need in an emergency, as rear is pretty ineffective in this situation as all weight is transferred to the front.

It depends on how much you use the rear brake as a rider, and what type of riding you are doing road or track, but ultimately its your choice. If you are still undecided you could always try braided one and if you don't get on with it switch back to standard.

[duncan]

I have black Earles lines on my NC21/24 for both the front brake and the clutch

[littlebigman]

Thanks a bunch guys.Braided front I think and new rubber rear.