braided steel brake lines

[gavin]

Although i don't have a problem with my brakes, i am thinking of replacing the standard lines with some of the braided steel type. I notice the Adventure has them as standard, will they fit a standard 02 GS1150?, or should i go to someone like Goodridge etc. I assume a few of you have done this to your bikes, can i do it myself, or should i leave the job of getting brake fluid all over the place to the professionals?

 

[Roge]

Most local Hydraulic companies will make up the hoses for you if you specify the material (Stainless Steel) , the type of banjo bolts you require note their orientation and the lengths needed.

 

[Lord Snooty]

This is a very worthwhile mod to make. You'll probably find that Motobins or Motoworks stock the brake lines you want.

 

[gavin]

Yes, i'm going to do it, but would it be cost effective getting the standard ones as fitted to the Adventure?

 

[Fitzdangle]

the Goodridge lines are just as good as the BM ones and most probably half the price !

 

[Simon Eassom]

Has to be HEL . . . much better than Goodrich. Much better than "standard" (Adventure braided hoses are ABS only). Not cheap though, about £110 for non-ABS on an 1150GS, £130 ABS.

 

[gavin]

Hel seems to be the popular choice, do they have them in kits or do you give them the measurements?

 

[Cheesy Mike]

So apart from look pretty, what do they do?

Can I get someone to supply and fit the HEL hoses?

Mike

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Ignore my previous post - here's the story on HEL

I did some reading and now understand why braided hoses are better.

I just spoke to HEL who are in Devon.

They only do R1150GS ABS & non-ABS up to 2001 model. They don't have the specs for the later models. What they did say however is that if someone were to send them the originals off their bike or even take their bike down to HEL, then they could produce the hoses. Plus they would give that individual a good sized discount on their own set of hoses.

www.h-e-l.co.uk
01392 811601
HEL Performance Products
Lower Trelake Business Park
Tedburn Road
Whitestone
Exeter
Devon
EX4 2HF

Anyone up for doing that so i can get some hoses for my '03 bike? Failing that I could do it myself - Exeter is easy from Cheddar - but am not confident in changing the hoses myself (unless someone can help me do it)

Regards,

Mike

 

[Simon Eassom]

So apart from look pretty, what do they do?

Er . . . stop you in a hurry?

Can I get someone to supply and fit the HEL hoses?

Er . . . HEL?



Seriously, order direct from HEL or use an intermediary like Peak Performance down in Exeter. Fitting to non-ABS is a pretty straightforward DIY job. Get any reliable mechanic/workshop/dealer to fit for you if you're not confident. It's a 30-minute job so not too extortionate even at BMW prices. If you're due a BMW annual service and you get it done at a dealer, the service includes changing brake fluid. Give 'em the hoses to do the job at the same time.

HEL hoses are made for the aircraft industry as well as for bikes. They are more durable and use better quality materials than BMW or Goodridge. Do not buy hoses with aluminium banjos. HEL only use stainless steel. They look very smart. They're well made and they last.

Peak Performance and/or HEL know the measurements and banjo requirements for the GS. HEL advertise in most of the bike mags. I haven't got the number in front of me. If you buy mail order you'll get a "kit" in a plastic case/holder with hoses and all fittings. For the 1150GS, HEL replace the solid bar-hose across the top of the front wheel with a single hose - much better, safer, less likely to be damaged etc. Order any colour plastic sheathing you like to match your bike.

 

[MikeO]

(Adventure braided hoses are ABS only). Not cheap though, about £110 for non-ABS on an 1150GS, £130 ABS.

Braided hoses on my non-ABS Adv...

Mike

 

[bickie]

Originally posted by Simon Eassom
(Adventure braided hoses are ABS only). Not cheap though, about £110 for non-ABS on an 1150GS, £130 ABS.

mines a non abs adventure wiv braydid hoses as well

 

[Gecko]

Got mine for GBP 79.70 from HEL (1999 R1100GS) free postage all the way to sunny Belgium and very quick it was too
Just a thought - maybe a dumb one but a HEL kit for my R11GS is front only - don't people put braided on the rear ? Is it too 'efficient' for rear braking ?