Topic: can I route my front brake lines like this?

[riffman12]

So my bike has the front end and dual front brakes from a '77 CB750F. I now have clubman bars on the bike, but the steel brake line kit I have is for standard height bars (the line from the MC to the splitter is really long)

My question is: Can I route the line from the master cylinder over and around the back of the headlight to the splitter in order to take up some of the extra length of the MC line? Or will this somehow affect braking performance?

This is what I mean (not my bike, but you get the idea):

[flybox1]

Yeah, no problem.
A shorter length to the splitter looks better, but does not perform any better.
Just be aware any spot in the arc over the headlight higher than the MC will collect and hold bubbles.

[riffman12]

hm yes that was my worry. But if I sufficiently bleed the system is should be OK?

[MCRider]

hm yes that was my worry. But if I sufficiently bleed the system is should be OK?

Yes, I agree, no problem other than the up arc holding air. Just suspend the MC up higher than the lines and let the bubbles float out.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Yeah but.... do you really want to? 

[MCRider]

Yeah but.... do you really want to? 

Yeah, I'd put a loop in it behind the headlight. Hmmm, might make it hard to bleed there. 

[flybox1]

based on the pic posted up top, bars to the left might get the MC high enough, or re-route the line uphill just for the bleed, then adjust when done.

[martin99]

What you are suggesting will work but as Jerry said, do you really want to?

Better to do it right IMO. Have a shorter line made up that can be routed properly, otherwise you'll be cursing yourself each time you look at it and will then have to go through the whole fluid bleeding thing again to get it right.

But maybe I'm just too fussy

[riffman12]

hm so where would I go about buying just that short line from the master cylinder to the junction?

[martin99]

Plenty of folk over here in the UK that would do that, but probably not much help to you. I've read a lot about Slingshot on this forum, US based and the fella is a member I believe, I'm sure someone will chime in soon.

http://slingshot-cycles.com/

[mystic_1]

The line from the master to the junction block is a 10mm banjo to banjo line, one of the most common types.  The end at the master cylinder can be straight (the stock one is) but at the junction block you'll want about a 15 degree angle.

You can practically just google "banjo brake line" and look for your length among the 429,000 results.

mystic_1

[MCRider]

The line from the master to the junction block is a 10mm banjo to banjo line, one of the most common types.  The end at the master cylinder can be straight (the stock one is) but at the junction block you'll want about a 15 degree angle.

You can practically just google "banjo brake line" and look for your length among the 429,000 results.

mystic_1

Yeah, I can't remember where I got mine, I think the brand name was Spiegler, but they had stainless braid in 1 inch increments from 6 in" on up, with chrome plated ends, banjos of various bends, and clearcoat optional.

[riffman12]

cool thanks guys. I'm going to see how messy it looks with the parts I already have, then possibly get a new line.

The next issue I'm having is getting my lower lines to line up nicely with my junction. How much can you bend braided lines? They're sort of stuck in a round bend from the packaging. Making it very awkward to line up with everything

[flybox1]

They will straighten out with a little encouragement. Lay them flat or hang them by an end and let gravity help

[martin99]

They will straighten out with a little encouragement. Lay them flat or hang them by an end and let gravity help

Also, on the F2/3 the brake lines passed through a rubber grommet attached to brackets on each side of the fender stays. They kept everything nice and symmetrical. If you're running with a modified fender, or without one at all, you will have lost those. I made my own when I replaced my fender, with some 3mm round bar.

[MCRider]

cool thanks guys. I'm going to see how messy it looks with the parts I already have, then possibly get a new line.

The next issue I'm having is getting my lower lines to line up nicely with my junction. How much can you bend braided lines? They're sort of stuck in a round bend from the packaging. Making it very awkward to line up with everything

Besides laying flat and hanging them, hit them with a little heat from a hairdryer to loosen up the braid. They should flex easily.