Braided hoses pros/cons?

[Easty]

2002 650 braided hoses wondering if it's worth fitting. go!

[garynortheast]

Yes.

[andrewsmith]

Yes better than 13 year old rubber hoses

[jambo]

braided brake hoses vs brand new rubber lines is a bit marginal, however, as they get older the rubber lines start to flex more and the difference gets bigger.

Some reviews on braided lines are a bit misleading as someone might replace the lines but in so doing give the front brake system its first proper fluid change and caliper service in years, and then declare the brakes transformed. Where they've actually changed quite a few things at once. If the brakes are a bit marginal then rebuilding the calipers, checking all the seals / replacing them if uncertain, putting fresh pads, fluid & braided lines and cleaning & greasing the lever pivot itself can bring back that fresh feeling :)

Jambo

[admin]

I just bled the brakes on my 7 yo VFR. This made a big difference on standard lines. I'm now wondering if I've jumped to braided lines too quickly in the past.

[wideguy]

All brake hoses have braided reinforcements, the stock type just have some type of very strong fabric braid instead of woven steel. The steel keeps the lines from expanding quite as much, but the expansion is marginal in both cases.
A slight difference in feel at the lever is the only real world change, and some riders will prefer, and be better off, using stock type hoses. You won't know unless you try them, as has been said, without changing anything else.
Keeping fresh fluid in the system and air out is essential, and pad compounds will have much bigger effects on your stopping power.

[Mark_h]

Braided hoses look cooler but on their own will make very little difference. A good service makes the brakes better. Braided hoses make brakes prettier.

[barryreynolds]

Installed wezmoto braided lines to my 2002 curvy, made a big difference.

[Easty]

Thanks for all the replies. Helpful :). Will look at investing in a set. Will be changing other stuff aswell as just lines

[chezza]

Sorry Easty to jump on your thread, but saves opening a new one on a similar subject.

My bike is going in for its MOT and Major next week and the Garage have said they can supply and fit HEL Braided lines for £95 inc Vat - good price ? - Its the sort of job I could do myself but as its on for all this anyway ??

[Corny Gizmo]

well the lines are around £80-£85 I believe so i would say thats a good price yes :)

[admin]

Sounds cheap to me.