Topic: stainless brake lines: 1 or 2?

[JBMorse]

I am pondering switching to stainless brake lines because I may have to replace front pads soon and I may as well while I'm at it! 
Just wondering what people think about running the one line from the master to the caliper as opposed to using that junction tee on the fork.  I realize I'd have to get the banjo bolt with the stop switch in it for the caliper, like this one: http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=3379
I guess it would be cheaper to do one line overall, since you only have to buy the one line and two fittings.  Maybe the handlebar control would look a little more cluttered with those extra wires coming out of the master cylinder.  But I like the idea of having only two connections. 
Any opinions on the matter or pros/cons I have overlooked?  I'm not in a hurry to do this job but I am trying to get all my cows in a row before I start ordering brake parts!
 

[OldSchool_IsCool]

If you have thoughts of a dual disk conversion, then having the joint in the middle will make that job easier.  Otherwise, your idea of 2 simple fittings makes a lot of sense.

[ev0lve]

For what it's worth I'm using the brake sensor and it makes bleeding the brakes a major pain on my bike. I'll be replacing my SS with 2 lines straight to the calipers as soon as I have the cash in hand but I'll be using an aftermarket MC with the switch built in as well.

[GammaFlat]

I'm going with one line on my K6 and K7.  There are issues with that though.  You lose the block that both lines connect to in the middle which also has the pressure sensor which actuates your brake light.  The good news is that the stainless line (a single) will cost about half as much as the two shorter lines - due to 4 fittings instead of 2 I think.  The way I'm getting away with it is I'm using a K8 Master Cylinder which has the switch built in (years prior do not... at least on the K's). 

The other option is to get the Master Cylinder from ebay for about 65 bucks that has a switch built in.  The downside there is that it does not look original. 

[Dave-and-his-550]

I'm in an easy position to install SS brake lines on my bike. I got clubman bars, and I got my brake caliber etc taken apart and the MC drained...I should go take a look at the length I'd need with the clubman bars, but otherwise I've never been to sure what all I need. I assume the brake lines come with the mounting attached.

Does anybody sell a complete kit for a 550F that replaces stock lines? A few links would be helpful. I've checked z1enterprises and they don't have any. I've also searched Denniskirk, oldbikebarn and they don't have any...

What gives?

I saved this link: http://www.charlies-place.com

But I'm afraid his prices will be...A little pricey.

[ev0lve]

I'm in an easy position to install SS brake lines on my bike. I got clubman bars, and I got my brake caliber etc taken apart and the MC drained...I should go take a look at the length I'd need with the clubman bars, but otherwise I've never been to sure what all I need. I assume the brake lines come with the mounting attached.

Does anybody sell a complete kit for a 550F that replaces stock lines? A few links would be helpful. I've checked z1enterprises and they don't have any. I've also searched Denniskirk, oldbikebarn and they don't have any...

What gives?

I saved this link: http://www.charlies-place.com

But I'm afraid his prices will be...A little pricey.

750 here but I doubt you'll find any ready made kit. Here's a post I made to myself for reference. Might be helpful.
_____________________________________________________
It seems Z1 has all the stainless braided bits in multiple sizes, shapes etc you could ever want and reasonably priced too - right down to the hard line replacement plugs.

All of it
http://www.z1enterprises.com/catalog.aspx?pid=MFGO0

Brake Hose Stainless Steel 10MM STRAIGHT BANJO FITTING - 9.63
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=3533

Brake Hose 833 Series, Colorflex Clear Coat 40'' With Stainless Steel Swivels - 29.20
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=3530

Brake Hose 3/8" CRUSH WASHERS (10-Pk) - 4.44
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=3348

Brake Hose 10MM X 1.0 Double BANJO BOLT Chrome - 8.14
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=3347

Brake Fitting Adapter - Male JIC-3 to Male JIC-3 - 6.58
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=3381

http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=3342

That seems to be all the pieces required to run straight from the master I think. A little over a $100 for the whole kit assuming it's about 40" from the master to the calipers.

[Dave-and-his-550]

Oh but all of those brake lines are the same adapters. I need some that have the stock CB550 adapter end. the one with the loop hole for the bolt ya know?

Like dis:



That way I don't need to buy all those other fittings amirite?

[ev0lve]

Oh but all of those brake lines are the same adapters. I need some that have the stock CB550 adapter end. the one with the loop hole for the bolt ya know?

Like dis:



That way I don't need to buy all those other fittings amirite?

Not this?



Edit: Ohhhhh, you just want them premade with the fittings?

[super pasty white guy]

I went with a single line from HEL USA.  Works just fine with the banjo bolt switch replacing the block on the lower triple.  You will need to do some soldering to get it to work correctly though.  The switch comes with a spade connector, not the bullets our bikes use.

spwg

[IHWillys]

...

Does anybody sell a complete kit for a 550F that replaces stock lines? ...

phillip56, a member here, does.  I got stock replacement stainless lines for my '75 CB550F for $75 shipped.

Ken

[Dave-and-his-550]

Oh cool, i didn't realize Z1 sold that little nobber thing also. I thought I had to buy one that was a single piece, but seems like I can buy all the pieces individually and put it all together...

I guess thats one way to do it. But if the guy over at Charlies place sells steel brake lines in an OEM like construction for roughly the cost of all those fittings needed from Z1, that is the way I'm gonna go. Hard to tell though, I'll have to call 'em.

[754]

Dave, no plain lines don come with mounting hardware..

 And no a 550 fit WONT fit yours.. cuz you changed the bars..

[GammaFlat]

Here's another option.  I spoke with these guys and will probably order from them.  1 line was gonna be about 60 bucks - add 5 for "coloring".

http://www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/brakelines.cfm

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I can vouch for Spiegler.  I ordered a 2-line system from them about 2 years ago.  M/C to SWITCH to CALIPER, eliminating the hardline.

They knew all the right fittings.  I told them the desired lengths and color and I had them in my hands 2 days later!

[754]

There is a member on here, makes up SS lines to order & they are pressure tested.

 You always get the best fit if you measure yourself, for YOUR bike, and chhose what type of fittings/ends you want to look at for the next few decades.

 I was running one on my bike in 97 that I made up in 76 ot 77, they do last a while...

[Dave-and-his-550]

Well I got some prices from Charlies Place:

Hose - $75.00
Fitting - $17.50
Bolt - $9.00

Knowing you got SS lines that look like old stock, priceless?

Edit: Ohhhhh, you just want them premade with the fittings?

Ya! That would make it easier. But I guess its easier to sell them all separate that way they don't have to manufacture a bunch of the loop ends with different length lines...But I'm worried I'll get a bunch of leaks lol

[tygrant]

i got one SS line to the caliper used a banjo at the master and caliper and i am VERY happy with the difference. i also upgraded to a moder mc with the switch built in, cost under 100 for the entire set up. made the brakes night and day