Topic: Attn: Closet Kaw lovers - Brake line probs

[Skonnie Boy]

Just so you know, I posted this on kzrider.com 4 hours ago to no avail.  Hoping someone here can help out.

Installing a different (i.e. working) caliper and braided lines on our '77 kz650. The old caliper had a normal banjo fitting, while the new one has the "inverted flare" pipe fitting.

The 3/8" Goodrich brake line we're using will not match up to the pipe we have. The pipe is 10mm x 1.25, while the new brake line would appear to accept only 10mm x 1.0, nevermind the fact that the "inverted flare" of the pipe doesn't really match up to the female brake line fitting. The pipe fits into the caliper itself just fine, just not the new so-called "universal" brake line.

Fair disclosure, the pipe in question is an OEM Honda pipe, part number 45128-341-670.  Yeah yeah, took a chance.   

Does anyone know of an adapter that exists to help connect the two? Or somewhere to buy a correct pipe fitting to bypass the whole issue altogether? Two bike shops, 0 helpful clerks and many thick catalogs have not provided the answer yet. Someone else have this same problem?

Much obliged as always.

[bryanj]

There are two different 10mm threads as you have found! Honda use one---even on the cars!!---and most others use the other so you ought to be able to get a new metal pipe made up with one of each on either end and all they need to do is the "Opp 2" to get the reverse flare

[Skonnie Boy]

Fabricating a new pipe is prolly outside my talent level/ budget.  I was hoping there was an adapter of some sort.  Dammit.

On a brighter note, SOHC4.net has just defeated kzrider.com for title of who can answer my query fastest.

Huzzah. 

[ColinMc]

Did you try an automotive parts store? They should have brake line adapters/fittings. Not sure if they'll have the correct sizes but it's worth a shot. I work at a NAPA as a paint guy so I know they have tons of crap like that...but that's not my field lol. I bet you'll just get blank stares if you try asking for something like that at an Advance or Autozone though lol.

[Skonnie Boy]

Seems like all I get these days is blank stares and a catalog shoved in my direction.  Disappointment, thy name is Berwyn Autozone.  I'll try NAPA though.  Seems like I just have to mention "Thread pitch" and their eyes glaze over.  Thanks for the tip.

[ColinMc]

Lol, yeah...I can't promise NAPA will be any better. I just know from the two I worked at there was always at least one person that knew that type of stuff.

[bryanj]

Dont know about the US but here in UK most workshops can flare a metal pipe and keep the ends "in stock"

[Skonnie Boy]

I just find it odd that a maker of "universal" brake line and 2 major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers cannot seem to agree on what constitutes "universal" or "10mm". 

I'm pretty sure a workshop here will do the job nicely, though I doubt they want to deal with my small-fry job.  I just thought that this sort of problem would have a stock (i.e. catalog) solution.

But perhaps it does not.  The hunt continues.

[crazypj]

Suzuki  (and Brembo or Magura, maybe both? cant remember which) use 10x1.00 mm, should find something to match.
 PJ