Braided Brake Lines - Worth it?

Agent Ant · August 19, 2013, 03:54:24 PM

Hi,
I'm looking for a little advice. My bike is just about 2yrs old now - Kwak Z1000. I'm going to need to replace the front pads shortly and as its 2yrs old, the brake fluid as well. So whilst thats all being done I was wondering if braided brake lines are worth the money or if it'll not make any difference to me.

I'm not a track day person (but may try one again at some point). My bike is used for hacking to and from work and some weekend riding too.

Worth it or not?
Will it improve the feel of the brakes or, as my bikes not that old, will the rubber lines not have softend up enough for them to be noticeably poor by comparison?

A set of HEL lines, front and back were £90.

Alzo · August 19, 2013, 03:57:56 PM

Worth it...in fact they should be standard equipment on all bikes...but yes they expand less than rubber hoses and give a more direct feeling from pads to lever...not just for track use...every day use is very beneficial...anything that provides feel and more directness can only be good.
Hel are good quality...they would be my choice.

Dom1 · August 19, 2013, 03:58:24 PM

If you are happy with the performance of your brakes I would leave well enough alone.

Rubber hoses do start to go off over time but as your bike is only two years old this should not be an issue.

If you would like things a bit sharper in the braking department they are a good place to start particularly if you are changing the arrangement from one line plus one over the mudguard to a direct two line with double banjo bolt set up.

And they look bling.

Millhouse · August 19, 2013, 04:00:11 PM

+1 for bling factor

big gav · August 19, 2013, 11:49:44 PM

Do it Ant. Only benefits to be had lol

Maddog · August 20, 2013, 02:26:03 AM

Defo worth it! Its one of the first things i do on any bike or track car i get!

ash · August 20, 2013, 08:22:25 AM

I'm not convinced of this argument on a 2 year old bike. I fitted them to my G1, and TBH found more difference by just overhauling the calipers and MC on a more regular basis and makign sure the system is bled properly.

They made the lever feel very slightly harder, bur didn't affectthe braking force or bite at all.

Alzo · August 20, 2013, 10:56:04 AM

It's a proven improvement...and they dont suffer the gradual deterioration of OE hoses...they look miles better...and dont cost the earth...a no brainer upgrade in my book.

monkeyb0b · August 20, 2013, 11:04:30 AM

it'd be cost effective to do it now and they will last longer than the rubber hoses. I probably would if I were in your position

Agent Ant · August 20, 2013, 11:18:55 AM

Thanks for the info guys.

I think i'll get them. It makes sense to do whilst the system needs to be bled through anyway and changing the pads.

mc101 · August 20, 2013, 11:28:39 AM

Yes no brainer .... when did you hear someone say "I've changed my OEM lines to new s/steel braided lines and now my brakes are worse" ? ;-)

ash · August 20, 2013, 12:21:22 PM

Quote from: mc101 on August 20, 2013, 11:28:39 AM
Yes no brainer .... when did you hear someone say "I've changed my OEM lines to new s/steel braided lines and now my brakes are worse" ? ;-)

I've certainly seen the case where people have done it and can't get the air out of the system which makes the brakes feel totally shite.

Doug_Z1000 · August 20, 2013, 12:51:03 PM

It's the first thing I do on any bike I buy, partly to get rid of the garden hose look, partly because the fittings always tarnish and make the bike look scruffy, and it firms the brakes up a bit.

CBr6y · August 20, 2013, 01:09:29 PM

HEL yes ... do it!!

i wouldnt want to be without the better breaking .... has definately saved me a few of times over the years, first time was my own fault, but others have been smidsy, i dont doubt i may have ended up in the side of a car if i had still had the standard rubber hoses.

I also agree it should be standard, std rubber brake lines should be left in the past!

Gobert · August 20, 2013, 01:44:23 PM

On the vast majority of - if not all - newish bikes you can lock the front wheel quite easily with the standard set up so fitting braided hoses will not make you stop any quicker.

If your bike is getting on a bit then it's a different story.

I take on board Doug's pint - they do look better and firm up the feel if you like it like that.

I fitted a set to my 9 year old bike last year and didn't notice much of difference - making sure you have decent pads and good condition calipers is more important imho.