2014 vfr800 steel braided brake line

[Mariodelmindo]

Can I just change the front brake lines? Do I have to change the rear and the abs lines? Thanks!

[Presson]

You can indeed just change the fronts and leave the rear with the original rubber lines. In fact getting at the connectors under the seat area for the rear brake lines on the 8 Gen is a royal pain in the arse.

 

I did post about changing the fronts a little while back. I will try to find it for you.

[Presson]

Well I can't seem to find my post about the job. Nevertheless, from memory:

 

Make sure you have the correct 10mm flare nut spanner for the hard line connectors. A flexible end spanner makes getting at the joints near the steering head easier. On no account try to use a standard or adjustable spanner as the nuts will just round off.

 

Look inside the new connectors to check there's no swarf left from manufacture. There was in mine and would have really messed things up if I'd not cleaned it out.

 

The braided lines are very stiff so you need to assemble everything loosely and turn the handlebars a couple of times to get everything set before you tighten up.

 

The run over the mudguard to the LH caliper created a high spot that can make bleeding the circuit difficult. I got around this by taking the LH caliper off and holding it up on the RH side of the bike to bleed that bit of the run.

 

You may need to get inventive for the line mount on the RHS of the mudguard of you want the line to stand proud of the guard and not wear through the paint. I'll take photo of what I did and post it here in a while.

 

You might want to consider whether a good clean of the calipers, pistons and replacement seals are worth it while you've got everything apart. Stainless steel bleed nipples are a good idea as well- either standard or speed bleeder type.

[VFR78]

I have done the fronts and the rear caliper line, on my RC79. It all works ok. Presson is on the money, with the lines connecting to the ABS unit. It was way to hard for me. The braided lines look “trick” but I can’t say that there has been a very significant improvement in brake performance.

[Presson]

For some reason I am unable to upload a photo today. For the brake line mount on the RHS of the mudguard, I used a longer bolt and a 8-10mm section of aluminium or brass tubing to stand the line away from the plastic. The original clip for the ABS line was reused but bent slightly so the ABS line rubber grommet is held by the clip on the outside and pressed against the new line 3 way connector on the inner side. 

 

Hope all that helps.

[Presson]

Here's the link to my efforts. The result photos and points to note are towards the bottom of the thread .

[Presson]

Hey VFR78, any thoughts or pointers on installing the rear lines on your 8Gen? When I looked, it seemed to require taking half the rear end apart and I thus thought I'd rather be riding.

[VFR78]

On 4/14/2024 at 8:40 PM, Presson said:

Hey VFR78, any thoughts or pointers on installing the rear lines on your 8Gen? When I looked, it seemed to require taking half the rear end apart and I thus thought I'd rather be riding.

Sorry for the late reply Presson. I’ve been sick as a dog after a 24 hour flight home from the UK. It does require taking half of your motorcycle apart, to get to all of the rear lines, so I didn’t do it. Like you, I prefer riding. There is a small section of rubber line, down at the rear caliper, and it’s easily replaced without much faff, so that is all I did. A bit slack of me!

[Andrew03]

Hey, 

i am looking out for this mod too. Been looking for the hell lines kit. could anyone just tell me the experience with the new braided line, how much difference does it make?

[Presson]

There is a slight difference in feel when you put the braided lines on simply because they cannot expand as you apply pressure unlike the OE lines which tend to get more flexible as they age. The difference in feel is noticeable in my view but it isn't huge. What you do gain is consistency and reliability over the longer term. When you do it, take the opportunity to overhaul your callipers; replace the seals (if they are more than 4-5 yrs old) and clean up the pistons, the body and the pad springs. All together that will make a big difference in braking performance

[bmart]

I would make the opposite argument. On the bikes I've put them on, it is like night and day. Same in the car. 

 

Crappy feel is nearly always filthy caliper pistons/seals, not allowing them to move freely. I don't think that I've ever replaced a caliper piston seal in my life. 

[ShipFixer]

It's a big change, especially over old rubber lines.  

[VeeEffArah]

Echo Brad 100%. The '07 I bought earlier this year had a complete braided line kit and totally different to my friends 2009 with stock lines. SS lines transformed my 03 FZ1 also. Almost want to tackle braided lines on the FJR..... almost...lol.

[Presson]

There you go then Andrew03, a range of opinions depending on the age of the lines replaced, but all agreed it's worth it.

[vfrpilot28]

To me it's an absolute must do. I love the look and feel.  Very responsive feel.  Yes, it's a PITA to install, but it's worth it. And as others have said, replace all the seals and overhaul the system.  Happy riding!