Front brake hoses - not "race config" SK6.

[aesmith]

Hi,

I'm going to be overhauling the front end when I get a chance, and thought it would be worth replacing the brake hoses, which look like the originals. All the aftermarket hoses seem to the "race"pattern, with two separate hoses running to the master cylinder. If I want to stick with the original layout, are braided hoses available anywhere? It looks like the original is a single three legged assembly. It's a fully faired K6 by the way.

Thanks, Tony S

[jambo]

You're after a standard front 3 line setup.

Most distributors of brake lines have such a kit such as these and these.

If in doubt, phone up the retailer and make sure what you're ordering is what you're after.

Jambo

[Sid Squid]

The standard Pointy hoses run into a splitter on the right hand fork lower. The original hoses are crimped thus not removable, which is likely why the present hoses have been fitted as they are.
The Curvy has a conventional splitter with banjo bolts on the lower yoke - it might be possible to use one of those if a suitable mounting point can be found.
Alternatively run one hose to the right caliper with a double banjo bolt, then a hose over the mudguard to the left.

[jambo]

He's right too, I'd completely forgotten that.



Jambo

[PyroUK]

Any reason not to go for the split setup? Other than potentially cost?

My good ridge ones are like that and no issues with mot or servicing.

[aesmith]

Cheers all. I wonder what those kits do at the joint between the three lines since the OEM joint can't be reused? Why not race? I thought it would be neater to keep it as standard, matching up with the guides that are already in place. However if the joint ends up a bodge, maybe the twin lines would be better. Cheaper as well. Theoretically the shorter total pipe length of the standard setup would be better.

PS do the standard guides accommodate the twin lines, or are extra fittings needed to keep it under control?

[PyroUK]

Fair enough, personally I find it neater, the lines each run straight down to each caliper. No mounting needed other than a zip tie here and there. In theory possibly but the only real gain I imagine would be that you might use slightly less brake fluid. But like most things bike, each to their own

[JulesW]

Hel do steel lines in 'race' format with 2 lines or 'std' format with 3 lines in a range of fancy colours. IMHO 2 is better than 3 and cheaper.

Using Hel lines, EBC double H pads and a shorty, dog-leg lever improved the feel and stopping power on my K6. Well worth the investment.

[aesmith]

Thanks everyone. I'll need to take a look and see how I'd arrange guides or clamps for the two line setup. I can't ignore the fact that a three line kit costs 50% more, for apparently no particular functional advantage.

Also need to check what the 3 line kit uses for the joint as if that's messy it would spoil the whole job.

Any ideas why they wouldn't use the two line setup as standard?

[PyroUK]

Manufacturing costs maybe? I will try and take photos of how mine are routed to give you an idea