NAPA brake hose

[montmil]

While replacing the head stock bearings in the '83 R65, several other small items turned up needing attention. Big surprise, huh?

The portion of the front brake hose hidden under the dash pad was in poor condition. The hose must make a serious bend and after 26 years, it was looking sad. I ordered a new BMW OEM hose. Naturally, it had to be shipped from der Fatherland. Took just over two weeks. $52.00+ and shipping.

After getting the bike repair, replacement and rehabs completed -rode it just yesterday, actually- I took the old hose to NAPA for a chit chat. They had the proper metric end fittings and made me a new hose for $30.00 plus tax... in about two hours. Shoulda done that in the first place, ya dummy. I missed quite a bit of pleasant riding weather. I now have a spare front brake hose ready for the next twenty-year replacement schedule.

I'm in the Snowbum School regarding rubber vs braided stainless hydraulic hose on the Beemers. If you're interested in his take, visit his site for the details and reasoning.

Should you be considering a new stopper line, check your local NAPA.   Monte

[Barry]

Monte, I haven't read snowbum on brake lines but I will, I promise I will.

At a guess I bet he says something like rubber and braided are only what you see on the outside and the bit which actually contains the fluid on the inside is much the same for both types of hose so that a new rubber hose is as good as a new braided one and comparing new braided with old rubber is not really fair.
 

[montmil]

You're quite close, Barry. Hippy Holidays [smiley=beer.gif]  Monte

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Monty, consider installing a speed bleeder to go with the new hose.  Just installed a couple last weekend and it's a pretty neat device.  I must have missed something though, you bought a new OEM hose, then had another one made?  It's not like you to spend money like a sailor on shore leave.  That must be for the other bike.

[MrRiden]

I run the stainless / teflon on my R65LS but have had the rubber line you show made up for repairs on bikes brought to me for $14 here:
http://www.parkerstorephx.com/

[Ed Miller]

Oh no, you've thrown down your riding gauntlet now.  Getting something made up for less money than my frugal cousin!

[montmil]

Oh no, you've thrown down your riding gauntlet now.  Getting something made up for less money than my frugal cousin!

I couldn't afford the gas money to shop there!  

With parts prices as they are, I can't imagine what a simple brake hose will cost in twenty years. I figure it's more like an investment.

Monte

[MrRiden]

Oh no, you've thrown down your riding gauntlet now.  Getting something made up for less money than my frugal cousin!

Hey what can I say. I'm a poverty rider [which reminds me, it's time for another tip on foraging for free parts or something] It's not meant to challenge someones frugality. But if a contest were to be announced, well then, count me in!