Which brand of braided hoses?

[dern]

About to order some braided hoses for the cbr1000rr and wondered if there were any brands to be avoided. Are hel ok for example?

Just replacing standard lines at 22k as the lever started to come back to the bar on track yesterday at the end of the straight at Bedford at the end of the sessions. Fluid is new and rest of system is tip top. Standard lines have been on the bike since new at 2007.

Thanks

Mark

[Cylon2007]

I've always used HEL lines, quality, saying that all braided hoses are pretty similar and way better then the Rubber ones fitted as standard by the Japanese manufacturers.

[MrGman]

Hel, for me. I've always used Hel and never had an issue with any of their products.

[robbocop33]

I've had a shiit load of bikes and seem to put Hel lines on them before i even drive them. I think it's an affliction! Never had a problem with them either.

[dern]

Great, thanks. I'll get them ordered.

[Rubin215]

MrGman said:

Hel, for me. I've always used Hel and never had an issue with any of their products.

I had an issue a few years ago when I bought a full set for Mrs215's Bandit 650.

Most of the lines were longer than the standard ones by at least an inch, the two longest ones by nearly two inches making them a bd to fit neatly.

Also, a few of the ends were on at just the wrong angle meaning the hose had to be slightly twisted to make it fit.

Bearing in mind this was the Christmas they had 50% off everything, they were probably made by one of the girls from the office or the tea-boy...

[Krikkit]

Would braided lines need replacing on the same schedule as normal ones? Mine are factory fit and good condition, but I'm wondering if the lack of UV exposure might keep them fresher for longer.

[patchb]

I usually buy Hel hoses, however for my track bike I bought some J20M hoses. This was a brand that I’d never heard of before, in my opinion they’re better than hel ones, you can rotate the ends to fit and they then have a nice little bit of heat shrink to slide over the end when you’re happy with fitment. My brakes feel amazing but in fairness I think that aspect will be the same with any braided hose (and I changed master cylinder at the same time)

[moanthebairns]

Krikkit said:

Would braided lines need replacing on the same schedule as normal ones? Mine are factory fit and good condition, but I'm wondering if the lack of UV exposure might keep them fresher for longer.

No, they wont go off. You will only need to replace due to damage.

[dern]

patchb said:

I usually buy Hel hoses, however for my track bike I bought some J20M hoses. This was a brand that I’d never heard of before, in my opinion they’re better than hel ones, you can rotate the ends to fit and they then have a nice little bit of heat shrink to slide over the end when you’re happy with fitment. My brakes feel amazing but in fairness I think that aspect will be the same with any braided hose (and I changed master cylinder at the same time)

I like the look of those, I've ordered a set. Cheers.

[Dog Star]

If you live within a reasonable distance then I really recommend Brakes International in Rochdale. They will make up HEL lines while you wait in a wide variety of colours. I've just had a rear line done for the '99 R1 in red with stainless banjos - £15 including bolts and washers.

Incidentally - the ends of the HEL lines *DO* rotate, you will just need to use (suitably padded so you don't scratch them) pliers.