Paul_Burkett Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I want to change my break lines on the '02 RT to braided. 1. Are they worth the price? 2. Where can I get them if the price is right? Link to comment
russell_bynum Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I can't speak for the servo-assist BMW's, but I've got stainless lines on all my bikes (except the dirt bikes) and they're well worth the money. I get mine from www.cyclebrakes.com. Link to comment
FrankT Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I have the Spiegler brand lines and am happy with them. Braided lines in general aleviate brake fade from multiple brake applications in a short period of time. Some say that the stock rubber hoses get flexible/spongy over time. This is the primary reason to switch to the braided lines rather than buy another stock set since the braided lines should last much longer. The Spiegler lines come in multiple colors and color combinations if you want the full Bling effect. www.spieglerusa.com. Usual disclaimer...no affiliation. Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I have the Spiegler brand lines and am happy with them. Braided lines in general aleviate brake fade from multiple brake applications in a short period of time. Some say that the stock rubber hoses get flexible/spongy over time. This is the primary reason to switch to the braided lines rather than buy another stock set since the braided lines should last much longer. But if you're using servo-assisted brakes, are you going to notice any difference at all at the lever? Link to comment
Jim VonBaden Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I have the Spiegler brand lines and am happy with them. Braided lines in general aleviate brake fade from multiple brake applications in a short period of time. Some say that the stock rubber hoses get flexible/spongy over time. This is the primary reason to switch to the braided lines rather than buy another stock set since the braided lines should last much longer. But if you're using servo-assisted brakes, are you going to notice any difference at all at the lever? IIRC ALL of the servo assist BMW bikes have SS lines from the factory. I know the new 1200 series does, and I believe the 1150 series does as well. Jim Link to comment
bmweerman Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I changed to them and really noticed a difference, and they are a lot stronger. Got mine from Bobs BMW Link to comment
Paul_Burkett Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share Posted March 21, 2007 I called Spiegler today, they do not have a pattern length for the 5 hoses that the 1150RT uses. Gina's is sending the measurements to them and getting me a price that will be around $260. Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 But if you're using servo-assisted brakes, are you going to notice any difference at all at the lever? IIRC ALL of the servo assist BMW bikes have SS lines from the factory. I know the new 1200 series does, and I believe the 1150 series does as well. Which makes me think the difference will be even less pronounced. What would be the purpose of replacing stock SS-braided lines with aftermarket SS-braided lines on a bike with servo-assisted brakes? If it's about adding bling or color, then rock on; but if a real change in performance is expected, then I think the buyer will be disappointed... Link to comment
casticus Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I have an 04 RT and I didn't think it had stainless braided brake lines on it...Can anyone confirm that? Link to comment
Edgar Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I recently put Spiegler lines on my 1100 RT and did notice that the lever feels firmer. I did have to modify the front distribution block that resides on the right fork, as it did not fit in the BMW mounting bracket. I had to remove material from the side of the aluminum block to allow it to fit. Was it worth it? In my case it was because the hose from the handlebars developed a leak at the big bend. Link to comment
Paul_Burkett Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share Posted March 21, 2007 I have an 04 RT and I didn't think it had stainless braided brake lines on it...Can anyone confirm that? Unless the braiding is inside of the rubber shiething, then it is not. Link to comment
stubble! Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 My 02 with servo-ABS does has conventional lines. Link to comment
Jim VonBaden Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 I have an 04 RT and I didn't think it had stainless braided brake lines on it...Can anyone confirm that? Unless the braiding is inside of the rubber shiething, then it is not. Take a close look. The black outer coating is actually a nylon covering the braided steel lines. This is the same with the 1200 series, except the coating is clear instead of black. Jim Link to comment
KDeline Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 I have heard with the steal lines that you can go longer between bleeds, any truth to that? Link to comment
Davis Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 By bleeds, I assume you mean flushes. Can't really see how stainless braided lines would make any difference in the frequency of flushes. Brake fluid is flushed because it is very hydroscopic and I don't see the hoses being the largest source of moisture ingress. Also, the braided hoses are the same rubber underneath the braid, so they would let as much moisture permeate them as non-braided hoses. The advantages of the braided hoses are that they are more abrasion resistant and the stainless braid constrains the rubber hose. More of the force is transfered immediately to the calipers because the hose isn't able to expand slightly like a standard hose can. Link to comment
RPG Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 My stock '04 has rubber lines. But even with the stock lines, there is absolutely no brake fade. Or I'm not pushing them hard enough. A recent Track Day confirmed that these brakes are incredible. Rick G Link to comment
casticus Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Ditto...I ran my bike through Pridemore's CLASS school at Gratton the same spring I bought it (2003) and never had a problem with the brakes at all. Link to comment
Jim VonBaden Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I have heard with the steal lines that you can go longer between bleeds, any truth to that? Yes, BMW specs the brake control circuit flush with braided lines at 4 years, and the wheel circuits at 2 years, with braided lines. Jim PS I am still surprised you guys are finding rubber lines on servo bikes. Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 My stock '04 has rubber lines. But even with the stock lines, there is absolutely no brake fade. Or I'm not pushing them hard enough. A recent Track Day confirmed that these brakes are incredible. You're not pushing them hard enough. I boiled the front brakes of my '99 RT during a track day; this was only a couple of weeks after flushing the brakes with brand new fluid. Scared the crap outta me when I effortlessly pulled the lever all the way back to the bar and got NOTHING. Managed to pump the handle a few times, and I guess the brakes were cooling off just a little bit, so I got a smidge of brake back; I ran off into the grass but was able to stop without falling over. FWIW, brake fade is a consequence of extremely hot brake pads that result in either a reduced coefficient of friction against the rotors, boiled brake fluid, or both. I don't believe the composition of the brake lines can mitigate either of these events. Link to comment
russell_bynum Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 FWIW, brake fade is a consequence of extremely hot brake pads that result in either a reduced coefficient of friction against the rotors, boiled brake fluid, or both. I don't believe the composition of the brake lines can mitigate either of these events. Correct. All the braided lines do, is not expand as much under pressure...which means they don't rob as much braking force. Link to comment
casticus Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Geez Mitch....you are hurting my feelings...I thought I was going balls to the wall most of the day Link to comment
TWEETY BYRD Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 WHEN I REMOVED THE ABS FROM THE 02 RT SS LINES WERE INSTALLED. THE RESULT WAS GREAT FEEL AND FEEDBACK. TRAIL BRAKING DEEP INTO CORNERS OR MIDCORNER CORRECTIONS CAN NOW BE DONE WITH UNDERSTANDING AND WITHOUT THE FEAR THAT THE RUBBER STOCK BRAKES AND ELECTRIC CRAP IMPARTS. BOB Link to comment
mikeR1100R Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 I replaced my stock brakelines on my '98 R1100R with braided steel lines from Galfer. There is a noticeable difference in responsiveness. I have never taken the bike on a racetrack, so I can't speak to fade, boiling of brake fluid, etc. but I can tell you that I was surprised at the difference in the responsiveness of the brakes. It was a worthwhile upgrade. Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Geez Mitch....you are hurting my feelings...I thought I was going balls to the wall most of the day Sorry...but if your rotors didn't look like this at the end of the day: then your bike still had more to give. Link to comment
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