Braided Brake Lines

[beardyweirdy@me.com_imp]

Beardy, I haven't noticed any sponginess in the brakes on my non-ABS 2013, but maybe ABS models feel different. Anyway, I often wonder if braided steel lines are really an improvement, or just a perceived improvement. In the earlier days, pre-'90s or so, rubber brake lines may have had more "give", but since then, I haven't felt the need to change to braided steel lines.
All brake lines use a nylon tube to carry the brake fluid, the rubber outer hose or braided steel just giving different levels of abrasion protection. Wondering what yours and other member's experiences are with braided lines.

I totally agree, my brakes have been great since I've had the bike and truly brilliant since I fitted the fancy sintered pads. I'm changing the fluid as Its 2 1/2 years old.
The braided hoses are mainly because I've fitted clip on 'bars and need then 80-100 mm shorter. I've managed to route them in a roundabout manner and got them working. Not as neat as it could be tho... I'm not bothered if the lines are braided or not, really, just need to shorten them.

beardy, Jamboa had some on his bike. See this link, http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=763

I have a vague memory that he sold his bike, but he has an email link in his profile so you could try to contact him.

There was also a claim in this thread, http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1514 that Samurider stocked them.

In other threads, people have said the same sort of thing as pekingduck.

Thanks Cormanus, checked them out. Jamboa's bike isn't an abs model and also the Samurider parts are listed as not suitable for ABS.

I called goodridge and venhill and it seams it's an industry wide issue. I was told that there are all manor of proprietory designs on new bikes with ABS and the aftermarket suppliers are struggling to cover all the bases.

The issue with the CB is that there is a block connector where the flexible hose joins the ridged pipes of the ABS. I've got to lift the tank to be sure but I'm not sure if it's a one piece part or removable. I can see it's not a std banjo and oil bolt tho. And the aftermarket suppliers don't make a kit for it.

As I mentioned above, my main reason for the change was to shorten the hoses, due to new clip-on's. As I've made it work, I think I'll just change the fluid and have done.

I have to say the CB has the nicest brakes of any bike I've owned. Lots of feel and never lacking. So-so rear brake has improved with new HH sintered pads and is now good enough for my riding style with lots of feeling and kicking in the ABS on bumpy entrances to corners... nice ;-)