Topic: Question about Galfer SS brake line kit (doesn't fit!)

[500K2Kitch]

Hello Everybody,

I recently purchased a Galfer kit for my 73 CB500K2 (Kit# FK003D250-2 for Honda 71-73 CB500) and found that it does not fit on my stock system in any way, shape or form.  The new upper line is at least two inches shorter and the lower line is several inches longer and has a fitting that will not fit onto the hard lead or caliper.

I contacted the vendor and was told that they are the correct lines for that part number.  I was referred to a Galfer rep and was told the same thing.  Don't get me wrong, they seemed like nice enough fellows but it was apparent to me that they had little knowledge of vintage Honda as well as the concept of maintaining a stock apprearance.  I am at an utter loss because there was NO apparent mention of any major differences or modifications required in the catalog listing.

Although I have been offered the opportunity to return the kit and have custom lines made up, I want be sure that I request the proper lower fitting style.  Has anyone else here had this problem?  Any advice would be most appreciated.

This forum has been my #1 resource in bringing my beloved family heirloom back to life.  Many thanks to you all!

-Kitch

[754]

Why would you buy SS lines if you want stock appearance?

What is HARD LEAD ..

 Tell us for starters, WHAT ends are on the lines you got, AND the lengths.

[karlk]

Sorry, I will have to disagree here.  I'm the first to admit I'm no expert but I do not think the bleeder valve thread size has anything to do with the brake lines and the banjo fittings and bolts themselves (754 - I'm sure he means the banjo fittings when he says hard leads). Banjo bolts on these bikes are pretty much all the same size, when you buy stainless steel brake lines they differ in number of hoses, hose lengths and the angles of the banjo fittings.  One thing you can do is send the exact measurements of the lines in your system and the angles of the stock banjo fittings to your Galfer reseller for them to match up against, the cost is not much different to get them made to your exact spec.
I'm not sure about Galfer, but a couple of these Stainless line resellers actual make the lines themselves, they just get the specs, fittings, hoses and a tool from the manufacturer and make them to order.

I also know that the information Galfer has in their list is not 100% accurate, for example they list a 79-82 GL1100 set. There is a 79 GL1000 and an 80-82 GL1100 but no 79 GL1100. Also the 78 and 79 GL1000 use the same brakes, clearly either the years or models or both are wrong on their list.

Hope that helps, don't stick your banjo fittings in your bleeder valve holes though   Isn't there a 73 500 twin? Maybe that's what the Galfer kit fits?

[cafe750]

It's very possible that when they made the lines, that someone had the drawings upside down, or didn't read something right. Has the Galfer rep actually seen the lines, and compared them to spec? Otherwise, all he sees is a box, with a part number, that has some lines in it. It may be the proper part number, with the wrong parts in the box.

I'd try and square it all up with Galfer. Call them with the measurements of the stock lines, and what you have in the box, and they should be able to fix you up.

Next time though, use Speigler...You can even get all sorts of custom colors so that the new lines almost look stock...

[754]

Well I was thinking hard lead may be the steel portion with flarenuts coming out of the caliper?

Its hard to tell anything with out knowing the lengths, may be as simple as he has longer bars, or junction is different, that sort of thing..

[500K2Kitch]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions! 

To answer the questions and some clafications:  By stock apprearance I was mearly referring to gettng lines that are of stock length with black outer coating and having fittings that are compatible with the stock brake system.  As far as using "hard lead", I 'm afraid that I slipped into the lingo from my days in aircraft maintenance.  I was referring to the solid line that runs from the caliper, between the fender and left fork then connecting up to the stock lower rubber line. As you stated in your later post, 754, definitely the steel line with the flarenuts.

I already use a speed bleeder on this bike and my 93 750 Nighthawk and am very satisfied with them.

I was thinking the same thing about the possiblity of a packaging error but even after speaking with the vendor and then the Galfer Rep, I really couldn't any details from them even after I provided the measurements of my lines versus the lines in the kit. They kept suggesting that I should send the kit back and go custom (at some additonal cost).

The bottom line is that I will be requesting a full refund.  Thanks again for the help!

[tomkimberly]

If you already know the lenghts of the line you need, why not go with Z1 Enterprises?


Tom