New brake line question

I'm trying to replace my brake lines. I found these: http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermark...e-line-stainless-steel-w-chrome-ends?m=147101
What length do I need and will this fit my '82 xj550r?

 

Order them from XJ4Ever and you won't need to guess if they'll fit.
Click the icon in the upper right hand corner, you will be very happy with the customer service.

 

The picture doesn't show the proper ends.

 

Order them from XJ4Ever and you won't need to worry about the ends being proper.

 

Actually it sort-of does. That line is meant to attach to screw-on banjo fittings (available separately at additional cost).


I'll parrot Stumplifter. Direct-fit DOT approved brake lines: Chacal has them.

 

On xj4ever I'm confused, there are two brake lines, one from the master cylinder to the distribution joint and another from distribution joint to the capiler. Do I need both?

 

Yes. For an XJ 650 Maxim.
I don't know for a 550.

The best course of action is to contact Chacal/ Len (the Man behind XJ4Ever) tell him what bike you have and what you need. He may ask some pertinent questions to verify that you have stock MC etc and then he will get you a list of correct parts needed (including new crush washers for brake line replacement).

You may find that his pricing isn't the absolute lowest around, but trust and believe when I tell you (and others will also); that the customer service aspect and piece of mind knowing that you are getting the proper part for your bike is well worth a couple extra $$.

 

I agree, don't go the universal route--get the ones made for your bike. Not sure, Chacal knows for sure.

 

The OEM diagrams show two separate hoses for the XJ550RJ, one from the master to a Joint, then one from the Joint to the caliper. They do carry different
part numbers, so i would suspect they are different lengths .

 

They are different lengths. Yes he needs both (replacing with a single long line is possible, but untidy and reduces the overal "stiffness" of the assembly).

 

Different lengths and, more important, different end fitting orientations and clocking.

 

Is there a downside to switching to one long line? I'm not rolling in cash at the moment and have a few other things that need to be worked on on the bike. Buying one long brake line and two new fittings is $50 cheaper than buying the two lines from XJ4EVER.

I may be wrong but could two of these http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermark...ttings-universal/goodridge-banjo-bolt?b=10327
be put on this brake line? http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermark...l-brake-line-clear-coat-w-chrome-ends?b=10376
It seems like this would work but i'm not possitive. If you Have any insight that would be great. I understand that buying the original from XJ4EVER would be best but I have too much work to do and not enough cash to spend $110 on that brake line.

 

if you're going to be using new stainless steel braided hoses, then theres no problem using one long length.
just use one of these clips where the union was.

stu

 

I understand being broke.
I'm so poor I can't even pay attention .. .

However 70% of your braking comes from the front brake, you can't put a price on proper braking power.
If someone else has been successful with a single line with proper routing and banjo fittings than go for it.
Personally I would find a way to pony up for a stock (engineered / designed) brake system that is proven to work.
Or wait until the funds are available, it is difficult to not have your ride ready but safety should always be in the fore front of your mind.

Sorry to sound like a wet rag, again, this is only my personal preferences for my old XJ. Others have modified these bikes far from a stock condition and (as far as I know) have been successful. Just want you to be safe.

Good luck.

 

Stainless steel is the plan, i figured one long line would work fine. Two questions though: What are the clips called? What are they for?

 

Good one..........

 

Umm. Do ou have a 550J

They are called various things depending on the application; line mounting clamps, hose mounting clamps, wiring harness mounting clamps, etc. Most good hardware (not big box) stores will carry them in several sizes.

 

Awesome thanks. I think I'm gonna try to convert to a single length. I'll order the parts soon and post pictures of the process I go through for the conversion. And no I meant to type XJ550 RJ.

 

The problem with a single length hose is that you do not know if the orientation of the ends will match where you want it to go. If you have to twist one or both ends to make it fit, you may be stressing the hose for early infant mortality.

The XJ1100 front right caliper is a single hose that uses what I believe is pretty much the same master cylinder as the XJ650. I rebuilt both my Xj1100 and XJ650 master cylinders at the same time with identical rebuild kits.
You may be able to use the XJ1100 right front SS brake hose. I bought mine from XJ4ever (chacal) and the right front brake is now awesome.

Len, do you think that an XJ1100 hose may work work for the OP's intended purpose?

 

the clips are called "P" clips
the hoses I got for my bike came with swivel ends, so no problem
they were the "HEL" ones.
stu

 

This is correct............the XJ1100 front hose for the RH caliper is part HCP2840, and it has an overall length (full length, end of fitting-to-end of fitting) of 42-34". The end fittings are "clocked" about 20-degrees to each other, and the "bends" on each of the end fittings curve "away" from each other (they are opposite to each other).

I don't know if they will work correctly, I don't have a complete XJ550 Seca here anymore, if you want to measure the length and let me know.......