Brake lines

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
Once I was offered to ride a Guzzi with the "integral braking".
I was sceptical but they sold me ! The system help keep the transfer from rear to front at a minimum. It seems that the bike is glued to the road and this system gives a tremendous confidence.
I think they should have generalized it instead of the ABS .... And it is simpler too. Clever engineering !

[Luca]

I think manufacturers also link brakes because a lot of riders tend to just use the front brake during hard/sudden braking.  It might do most of the work, but not all.  That being said, I'm with Monte on keeping them separate.  I have bad dreams about blowing out a front tire and not being able to only use the rear brake as I come to a stop.

Jeff, I hate going to NAPA, but they are the best when it comes to getting hoses/fittings and such... while some of the other stores just look at you like a deer in the headlights with "year, make model?"  Honestly, if you were to ask them for a water pump for a Ford small block, they'd ask "year, make, model?"

And Georges, brake hoses sold by auto parts stores must meet DOT standards.  One big reason the BMW hoses (or most motorcycle parts, for that matter) are so expensive is because motorcycle parts are produced at a fraction of the volume of auto parts.  In fact, some of the really nice braided stainless lines are not DOT certified...  and don't doubt that insurance company lawyers would try to discredit the performance of your smashed up machine should they be standing opposite you in court.

[k_enn]

I second Monte's view on integrated braking systems.  They are good for new riders and for a lot of emergency situtations (espectially if equipped with ABS).  However, I am of the old school and regulalry use trailing braking with the rear brake only when riding the twisties.  I am not sure that they even teach that technique anymore, but I would be lost without it.  It has become such an ingrained habit that I have had some uncomfortable moments on bikes with fully integrated systems.  For me, an acceptable compromise is a braking system that is integrated when you use the front brake handle, and that is rear only when you use the foot brake lever.  

k_enn

[georgesgiralt]

Hello Luca,
Here in Europe things are somewhat different from the USA.
In Germany you can't fit something onto a moving vehicle unless it is approved and tested for it's use on the destination vehicle...  And you better keep the paper they give you otherwise, the next road test will fail...
In France, you can't buy braided lines made on the spot any more. It is not as bad as Germany, but the lines have to be approved for road use (so no banjo bolt.... ) and somewhat certified. Price tells that there is some paperwork.
So I'm quite confident with the invoice in my hand, that the braided lines I've put on the R65 will sustain a thorough examination by a "nasty" insurance expert...
Near my work is a shop specializing in hydraulics for the construction work. Boy, my breaded lines are made of gold or platinum, if I compare with the price they charge for a complete set made to measure for a tractor or bull.... So definitely there is a lot of paperwork with my lines....

[Luca]

Yikes, Georges!

Please forgive my ignorance. Here in RI, USA, an inspection sticker is practically optional. At least you folks can still buy good gasoline  [smiley=laugh.gif]

[georgesgiralt]

Good gasoline ?
What is it ?
Unleaded fuel is phased out and is replaced with a mixture with 10 % ethanol in it. All fuels have ethanol more or less without one knowing exactly, and of course the accompanying water... Price for 95 with 10% ethanol is 1.545 Euro per litre ...
You guys are lucky !

[Dizerens5]

Experience with a Yamaha Diversion told me that a surprisingly slight kink in a brake hose can make the brakes fail to release correctly. On my old Yam it resulted from very gently clipping the two hoses together to tidy things up. Not a good idea.