Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hi all,


I have been seriously thinking on installing brake lines as it would save time and expense on changing brake pads to a more composite makeup which would cause more wear and tear on the brake rotors. In reviews it was highlighted that braking could be improved and for me, the rear feels not up to scratch.

Guys what do you think, are braided lines the go ?

I think that braided lines in the front would help threshold braking "feel", however, it might give you more risk of lock up in a panic breaking situation. The stock lines have a lot of stretch which cushions the risk of lock up... but I do agree that steel lines could improve braking... as long as you keep your head.

I think I'd stay away from braided lines in the rear... I'd worry that the rear might just lock up easier.

What do you feel about braided line son a gsx650F with ABS (Canada Model)

Does anyone know who makes a model for our bike, or alternatively, does the Galfer Stainless Braided line for the Bandit 1250 with ABS fir out bike?

Thoughts?

I was having Titax levers fitted by a local shop and asked about braided lines and his {shop owner} answer was ,it would be a total waste of money for our bike .
Reasons being ,brake lines get hot when on a race track under alot of heavy braking and rubber lines loose abit of feel and power ,thats when braided lines work ....you would have to ride our bike like at a track for them to get that hot and you won't notice any differnece at all on the road ,unless your a pro rider.
But its bling bling and that the only reason you would fit them to our bike.

I'm with 'Dog - wank-value only unless you're circuit racing...

And what's this about the rear "not being up to scratch"? Bwahahaha!
Stop using it, newbie - it's good for trailing in a decreasing-radius turn, and practising slow-speed moves. That's all.

Kreeper's right. rear's good in the rain, and on the gravel, pulling up to stop signs, and speed-scrubbing before tip-in, but honestly, your front brakes are gigantic for a reason. use them.

A steel line will make the fronts grab nearly instantly, but if you keep the resevoir topped, and bleed them properly every few years, the difference is entirely negligible. Most of the "OMG IMPROVED!" feeling is because said rider had garbage fluid in his likely worn lines to begin with, changed the lines, changed the fluid. Gee, No small wonder they're better.

A steel line in the back will cause the brake to be touchy, and that is NOT a good thing with a Foot controlling them. it's not the same as your two fingers controlling it. it just isn't. it's Gotta be pretty squishy, so that you have to WANT it to lock up, for it to do so.

As said, the front brakes are huge for a reason but the rear brake is there for a reason as well. It is important in that it still helps cutting of some speed in the initial stage of breaking. Your can add a couple of meters to the total brake length if you don't use the rear brake also. These few meters can be the ones that one need in order to stop behind the truck... Secondly, the use of rear brake stabilizes the bike during the braking.

That said, braided discs look cool but are meant for performance bikes.

Thanks for your comments, the ABS factor is a big one and the big rotor at the front is something I dont use enough....

Out of curiosity, how many replace their lines at 2 years, per Suzuki? I've never done that with any bike, but have had other makers recommend the same. I have inspected mine for cracks, bulges etc. I realize that here in the lawsuit-crazy states they post that for liability reasons, but every 2 years seems excessive. After all, many of us bought leftover 2008 bikes last year....

I'm just saying, old fluid with water contamination can Destroy brake systems. My lines are what, 4 years old, and still kicking strong, and producing stoppies on command? I'd say they work just fine, too. but keeping that fluid fresh, and properly topped is a big deal, for full force braking ,and modulation.

Our brakes work great. I've locked up the rear a couple of times in emergency stops. I would not want them any touchier. I'm pleased with the braking distance that the stock system provides.

Overall, I think your money may be better spend elsewhere. Lots of stuff you can do to improve safety on the bike.