Stainless lines GS1000

[Ian P.Jones]

Anyone have info or personal experience/recommendations on which stainless steel front brake lines are best/most functional. ('78 GS1000).
I've had a quick search around, and it doesn't look like there are too many varieties/manufacturers.
Anyone changed the stock flat dinnerplate discs/rotors for something more functional? Which other slotted discs will bolt right on to a '78 GS1000?
Any info gratefully appreciated.

Ian J Allentown, PA

 

[Nessism]

Ian,
A brake line is a piece of hose with banjo fittings on each end. You won't find any differeance between them in terms of function other than maybe OE rubber lines vs. stainless.

There are tons of threads in the archives talking about options for stainless lines. Cost is the main driver since all brands are fine quality wise. Earl's lines you assemble yourself is the cheapest, next is something like Goodrich which has bolt on hose ends, and last is prebuilt lines. If you have lower than stock handlebars, I wouldn't order a premade kit.

For Goodrich lines try Z1 Enterprises. For Earl's, there are lots of options - I get mine from anplumbing.com The owner of anplumbing claims that the bolt-on Earl's hose ends have a higher pull-off force than machine crimped lines. I don't think this matters much but it should provide peace of mind to anyone worried about the quality of the bolt-on hose ends.

 

[Agemax]

HEL are far better quality than goodridge and slightly cheaper too. just shop about and pick what is best for you. any colour brake line and a choice of fittings.

the steel lines are so much better than the stock rubber lines

 

[Nessism]

HEL are far better quality than goodridge and slightly cheaper too. just shop about and pick what is best for you. any colour brake line and a choice of fittings.

the steel lines are so much better than the stock rubber lines

In what way are HEL better? If anything they are more prone to leaks since the hose-ends rotate on what I assume is a rubber seal of some sort.

 

[Rover]

If your after better braking check out Salty Monks twin pot upgrade in the Performance/tuning/mods section.

 

[Ian P.Jones]

Ed and Rover..........thanks for your input on the brake questions. I have looked at all 16 pages(!) of threads on salty monks upgrade - very interesting and something I shall seriously consider for the future - perhaps a Winter project affording me more time to source parts and gather funds (my continuing RG500 project/money pit is speaking for the funds part of the equation!).

I have installed stainless lines on virtually all of the more "modern' bikes I have owned with great results, as one of the first upgrades I carry out. Firmer lever, (= better feel), less fade (street or track), etc. Bikes included in this list are: '97 Bandit 1200, '04 Kaw ZX636, '01 Suz SV650, '05 Suz GSX-R1000, '85 Suz RG500 ('06 GSX-R front end), plus some I may have forgotten.
Coupled with upgraded suspension, the brake lines, or better brakes in general, is money well spent - much better than slapping on an aftermarket pipe or other "go faster" bolt -ons. After all, if you can't turn and stop well, going fast(er) is nothing but plain scary and a general liability!

just my 10c worth.

 

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. Ian P.Jones,

I put Goodridge lines on my bike. No problems, no hassles. There are other options listed in your "mega-welcome". Let's get started...

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff