Upgrading Standard Brakes

[ff73148_imp]

Has anyone installed steel braided brake hoses on the standard model?I'm waiting to see if Honda comes out with a DLX model for 2016 and if they don't I might decide to buy a standard model. But non ABS is an issue for me. So Has anyone improved on the standard model braking? Thanks.
Frank Ferrante

[kmoney_imp]

I don't really know that SS brake lines will really improve the braking significantly vs. the ABS model. The 4 pot calipers on the standard are still great in terms of power and modulation/feel (they are probably actually better than the 3 pots on the 2013 ABS, and IIRC are identical on the 2014+). Honda definetely didn't cheap out on the components on either model.

[ff73148_imp]

kmoney,
I've installed ss lines before on other bikes and was shocked at the improved performance. I had to be careful with the brakes at first because of the improvement. The Honda OEM lines are rubber and over time the rubber will brake down and expand when you pulse them. Honda used to recommend to change them every few years. Thanks.
Frank

[the_undecider_imp]

Standard brakes are phenomenal. I think if you are concerned with not having abs, installing steel braided lines is not going to make up for the perceived shortcoming of the standard brakes. In fact, I find the standard brakes so responsive, easy to modulate, and with lots of feedback that adding braided lines might take away from the ability to easily modulate the brakes which is less safe on a non-abs equipped bike. Modern brake lines are not that of yore. They are internally reinforced, so you see only the rubber layer on the outside. They will last a long while.

Try to test out a standard and see what you think of the brakes. Unless you are used to riding supersports with radial mounted Brembos, I can't imagine anyone wanting for more.

[redbirds_imp]

The bike I had before the CB (Moto Guzzi Breva 1100) had braided lines and Brembo calipers and they were fantastic but not one whit better than the brakes on my non-ABS 2013 STD. The brakes on the CB are superb.

[ff73148_imp]

I don't really know that SS brake lines will really improve the braking significantly vs. the ABS model. The 4 pot calipers on the standard are still great in terms of power and modulation/feel (they are probably actually better than the 3 pots on the 2013 ABS, and IIRC are identical on the 2014+). Honda definetely didn't cheap out on the components on either model.

Standard brakes are phenomenal. I think if you are concerned with not having abs, installing steel braided lines is not going to make up for the perceived shortcoming of the standard brakes. In fact, I find the standard brakes so responsive, easy to modulate, and with lots of feedback that adding braided lines might take away from the ability to easily modulate the brakes which is less safe on a non-abs equipped bike. Modern brake lines are not that of yore. They are internally reinforced, so you see only the rubber layer on the outside. They will last a long while.

Try to test out a standard and see what you think of the brakes. Unless you are used to riding supersports with radial mounted Brembos, I can't imagine anyone wanting for more.

You make a good point about changing to ss lines and interfering with the brake set up. I wish I could test a standard but dealers are unwilling to provide test rides.
Frank

The bike I had before the CB (Moto Guzzi Breva 1100) had braided lines and Brembo calipers and they were fantastic but not one whit better than the brakes on my non-ABS 2013 STD. The brakes on the CB are superb.

You honestly feel the brakes on the stamndard are as good as the ABS on your Guzzi?

[the_undecider_imp]

I can't help but get the impression that you are really worried more about not having abs. It's unfortunate that you can't test ride the bike before buying because I think you would find the standard brakes superb. That said, it's not going to tell you much by comparing one bike with abs to a completely different bike without abs. Apples and oranges. Not saying the Guzzi brakes are lowsy, but if they are objectively worse than the CB1100, having abs doesn't make up for such shortcomings. My V-strom 650 abs has weak, wooden front brakes. I like the additional security abs adds to that bike, but partially because it allows me to be ham-fisted without fear od screwing something up. I feel just as secure on my non-abs CB as I do on the V-strom (which I plan to upgrade to braided lines up front).

Even comparing a CB1100 to a CB1100 will (or Standard to Deluxe) will only confirm that one has anti lock brakes. I think you should focus on whether that feature is a requirement. I certainly do understand the predicament in wanting a CB but not finding one with abs. I appreciate the additional confidence that abs provides. That's up to you to figure out if you want a standard more than having a deluxe. If you get the standard, you'll soon find out how the brakes feel. I think you will also find that there is no "low hanging fruit" in terms of a brake upgrade.

Best of luck with you decision. I know how hard those can be.

- the_undecider

[TINK_imp]

Really, come on, ABS is no silver bullet, people...

Ya it's nice, but necessary, not in my opinion.

Spend some money on advanced rider training and you'll find that the brakes on most any motorcycle produced in the past 10 years are phenomenal.

I have a 1979 BMW with triple disks, state of the art in 1979, and even those old-tech brakes are not too bad and get the job done just fine, thank you.

Leave more "escape space" when you ride and you will find the standard OEM brakes are much more than adequate.

And this "myth" that Stainless Steel lines improve braking is just that, a myth along side the other great myth that aftermarket exhaust increases horsepower, phooey.

You want to tweak your brakes? Try some alternative brake pad material and that "might" get you where YOU think you need to be in the way of braking power.

Again, I would spend my money on a street skills track day, Like Reg Pridmor's CLASS, and improve the most important braking factor... YOU.

[Novice_imp]

Really, come on, ABS is no silver bullet, people...

Ya it's nice, but necessary, not in my opinion.

Spend some money on advanced rider training and you'll find that the brakes on most any motorcycle produced in the past 10 years are phenomenal.

I have a 1979 BMW with triple disks, state of the art in 1979, and even those old-tech brakes are not too bad and get the job done just fine, thank you.

Leave more "escape space" when you ride and you will find the standard OEM brakes are much more than adequate.

And this "myth" that Stainless Steel lines improve braking is just that, a myth along side the other great myth that aftermarket exhaust increases horsepower, phooey.

You want to tweak your brakes? Try some alternative brake pad material and that "might" get you where YOU think you need to be in the way of braking power.

Again, I would spend my money on a street skills track day, Like Reg Pridmor's CLASS, and improve the most important braking factor... YOU.

Spoken like a true voice of experience. Bravo.

[gossman_imp]

I understand the desire for ABS, they can be hard to find. I decided that I was going to have ABS on my next bike, when I found my CB for sale used, I pounced on it. It took a while but for myself I have no doubt that they are superb. That said, many here feel that the '14 standard has excellent brakes so I would take that into account also.

I agree with TINK that riding classes are a great way to learn how to make the most of riding, but in my case after 40 years of riding I knew that I wanted ABS. Don't settle for what others may say in the long run, it's your money and if you want ABS you may have to wait a bit.