How should Stainless Steel Braided Lines feel? | GTAMotorcycle.com

How should Stainless Steel Braided Lines feel?

J

jooe

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Hey guys,

I just upgraded my front lines from the stock rubber ones to Galfers Sport Bike Stainless Steel Lines and was wondering how it should actually feel when squeezing the brake lever.

The reason why I'm asking is because compared to the stock rubber ones, it feels like I have to squeeze more to get the same braking power but I can modulate the braking better than before.

I'm riding a 2007 GSXR 600 with stock pads and got it replaced at Snow City since I had to do the master cylinder recall and the stock rubber lines were getting old anyways.

Thanks
 
On the street they'll feel the same as your OEM's. Any change is likely due to new fluid/bleeding.
 
With new fluid and stainless lines on my VFR there was a HUGE difference. MASSIVE initial bite which I loved :)

Maybe there is still some air in your lines?
 
Additional effort should not be required.
 
As said it should definitely not be any worse then before, sounds like some air is still in the system after they were changed. Bleed them, again.

In my experience, they don't feel any different for normal riding, only when squeezing hard and modulating will there be any discernible difference. IMO for a street only bike they are a waste of money, unless it's so old that the stock rubber lines have started to deteriorate.
 
the way i understand the ss lines is that for extreme use (like tracking), your rubbers can swell due to use/heat..the SS ones shouldn't?


IE - you likely won't ever reap the benefits of ss lines on street use...

Could be wrong...
 
You are correct, it's just a marketing thing they love to sell. I also do not think that ss lines will last as long as OEM rubber, but that really isn't an issue for the kind of mileage most bikes see.
 
jcbarnar said:
You are correct, it's just a marketing thing they love to sell. I also do not think that ss lines will last as long as OEM rubber, but that really isn't an issue for the kind of mileage most bikes see.
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Why would they not?

I can definitely feel the difference between rubber and stainless lines. Rubber lines feel very spongy. SS lines do not.
 
jcbarnar said:
As said it should definitely not be any worse then before, sounds like some air is still in the system after they were changed. Bleed them, again.

In my experience, they don't feel any different for normal riding, only when squeezing hard and modulating will there be any discernible difference. IMO for a street only bike they are a waste of money, unless it's so old that the stock rubber lines have started to deteriorate.
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This.
if you ride hard you'll notice it more. I'd get a pulsating/spongy feeling on the stock line. Now I can squeeze hard but its even and consistent throughout.
 
Hardwrkr13 said:
On the street they'll feel the same as your OEM's. Any change is likely due to new fluid/bleeding.
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No

JFD said:
the way i understand the ss lines is that for extreme use (like tracking), your rubbers can swell due to use/heat..the SS ones shouldn't?


IE - you likely won't ever reap the benefits of ss lines on street use...

Could be wrong...
Click to expand...

and yes, your wrong.

The brakes should feel much more positive and need less effort at the lever during any type of braking. You don't need to ride hard to benefit from SS lines.

OP I would try bleeding the system again.
 
CafeRay said:
This isn't right, good braided lines are noticeably better, you can feel the OEM lines swell on many bikes, even new.
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Is it bad enough to affect braking performance though? Why don't the oems use steel lines then? They chase every other component they can for an edge. I'm not being an ass I'm honestly asking... I've replaced oem lines because steel are inexpensive and I value brakes above all else but never because I thought the oem were insufficien
 
Rebleed them. Same thing happened to me, turns out I just suck at bleeding brakes. I actually had to take it to a shop because I was getting so frustrated.
 
jcbarnar said:
Is it bad enough to affect braking performance though? Why don't the oems use steel lines then? They chase every other component they can for an edge. I'm not being an *** I'm honestly asking... I've replaced oem lines because steel are inexpensive and I value brakes above all else but never because I thought the oem were insufficien
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What other components do they 'chase'? You can find much better aftermarket front springs, rear suspension, tires, and any other small or large part of a motorcycle. OEMs supply what they consider the best bang for the buck for them, not the best parts.
 
ViperZ said:
What other components do they 'chase'? You can find much better aftermarket front springs, rear suspension, tires, and any other small or large part of a motorcycle. OEMs supply what they consider the best bang for the buck for them, not the best parts.
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Yeah of course, but I'm not talking about race spec ohlins and $500 masters. I'm refering to things like radial mounting, monoblocks, rotors etc. They are always going on about feedback and control yet they omit a $20 part that is apparently so important. They must be a reason other than cost...
 
jcbarnar said:
Yeah of course, but I'm not talking about race spec ohlins and $500 masters. I'm refering to things like radial mounting, monoblocks, rotors etc. They are always going on about feedback and control yet they omit a $20 part that is apparently so important. They must be a reason other than cost...
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Why can't cost be the best reason for the mass manufacturer? Rubber hose = what, a $1? Stainless steel line = $$$
 
ViperZ said:
Why can't cost be the best reason for the mass manufacturer? Rubber hose = what, a $1? Stainless steel line = $$$
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Yeah I guess so. Like many parts it's a compromise and they know that people who want the best will just change them anyways. Also parts such as shiny brembos are great for marketing, but pricey hydraulic lines really aren't lol
 
All euro bikes come with stainless lines from the factory

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
 
I'm also assuming a bit that stock lines are inexpensive and constructed poorly enough to flex under pressure. I find that hard to believe, not all oem hoses are created equal. They could be braided steel underneath on many bikes if you actually cut them open (o never have)
 
Thanks for everyones help, really appreciate it. I took it back to Snow City last night and they found that there was some air in the master cylinder and left caliper. He fixed the issue and it now feels more solid and a bit firmer than stock.
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