Topic: Is this brake hose too long?

[Nicolai]

Hi All

I am trying to figure out if I need to buy a shorter brake hose or if this set up will Work fine?

Nicolai

[Schnell]

Instead of an S shape with 2 tight bends, can you make just one (large) bend?
If not, I think that looks okay as is. It's not a cable, its a fluid, which doesn't mind a bend as long as there is no kink, which there isn't.

[kghost]

Judging from the picture you have a lot of time and effort in your project.

Will it work? Yes

Should you use it? No. It's ugly

[tomkimberly]

If you decide to replace the line, consider going directly from the master cylinder to the caliper, you can by-pass the tee/stop switch housing and use a new style stop switch at the master cylinder.

Tom

[Untold]

I just picked up a shorter brake hose from Venhill on ebay.  Check them out.

[Psychonaut]

I hope I don't offend as you may already know.  I don't know how much ridding you will do but flipping your clip ons over so they angle down will take a lot of strain on your wrists.  If you are going for a style please disregard.

[flybox1]

Judging from the picture you have a lot of time and effort in your project.

Will it work? Yes

Should you use it? No. It's ugly

+1 
(and upgrade to a braided stainless line)

[SohRon]

Yes it's way too long; expect to have problems with air bubbles when you go to bleed, and in operation as the set-up ages. The whole idea here is to get as direct and straight a path from the MC to the joint as is possible. Spend the extra bucks to get the proper part and you won't be sorry! If you need a custom part, try Slingshot Cycles. He's a member of the forum and will make the hose up to your specs; I've used him before with excellent results!

And, yes, it's ugly, too! 

[crazypj]

How old is it?
The date is printed on it, if it's old, get a one piece stainless
It's recommended to change every 4 yrs but almost no one does, 20-30 yrs old, it needs changing even if it looks fine
BTW, clip-on's are probably marked left and right, it does look like you have them on the wrong sides

[excellrec]

Slingshot Cycles has good SS hoses that are made to length depending on what kind of bars you have.  Here is a single line that may work for you- http://slingshot-cycles.com/products-page/cb750k/1pc-stainless-steel-braided-brake-line/

[MoMo]

Besides the odd look it will not work as well as a direct hose.  I had a similar shape on one on my bikes and had braking problems until I got the correct part.  Slingshot is good, I was very happy with his work...Larry

[RFogelsong]

I know everyone has already said to replace it and that's totally what you should do, but on the off chance you're itching to take it out on the road...a tip on bleeding.

I used a setup like this for a while when I ran clubmans and it'll work fine as long as you've got the thing bled perfectly (tricky).  Don't fight the line and just take the master off the bar to bleed it.  Hold it high so the line is straight and you'll see all the bubbles previously trapped in the kink come right up.  A few more pumps (assuming you've already bled at the caliper) and you're good to go.  You'll never get it bled with the master cylinder on the bar, trust me.

[Nicolai]

Thanks for all the feedback...and I agree this really does not look nice. I will go for a shorter hose.

What length upper hose are you guys using when using clip ons? According to my measurements it should only be about 20 cm/ 8 inch (this is a cb500).

Regarding the clip ons. Yes these are on the wrong way and will be switched when I am doing final assembly :-)

[crazypj]

Get some fuel line to measure the length you need, or, as you won't be using the old line, you could just cut it to length and measure that

[MOONDOGNYC]

Don't change it.
I have the same set up but in stainless steel brake line. I also have the same headlight ears.
 After market manufacturers sell that as part of the stainless kit for stock handlebars, but I went with clubmans. 
 You will NOT notice it at all. Run the headlight ear on the inside of the first loop, not outside of it. The headlight will cover the rest of it.  As far as it working correctly, if there are no sharp bends, it will work as well as a straight line. Think garden hose.  Also, if you haven't done so, invest in a mighty vac. Best tool for brakes I have bought.
  If you do get a new hose, remember that the banjo needs to be offset at the M/C or it will not run over the headlight ear. I think that will look ugly...   just my 2 cents.

[crazypj]

As I said when I first posted, check the age of the line, you can see the printing on it in the pic,
If more than 4 yrs old it should be changed
I doubt it will fail but the inner rubber liner will be deteriorating
I've seen 30+ yr old lines with age cracks being used, owners are totally cavalier about brakes for some reason?