Replacement Brake Lines - 1982 Seca 750

Just picked up an '82 Seca 750 from the original owner. The bike only has 49XX miles on it but has been sitting in a barn for the last 15-20 years. I am going thru it now; looks like someone poured maple syrup into the gas tank... Anyway, I'm looking for a source for some replacement brake lines. I've been poking around but haven't found a reasonable source. I would prefer to go with stainless, but the idea paying ~$200 for a set of brake lines for a $500 bike seems a little wrong. Anybody found a "better, cheaper, faster" alternative?

And what's the deal with this "Anti-dive" crap? Sorry, what I meant to say was, "how about that innovative anti-dive system"...

Rick
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Re: Replacement Brake Lines - 1983 Seca 750

Stainless braided lines are not cheap as the original rubber ones. You can check with Len @ xj4ever and see what his prices are and compare to rubber vs stainless.

 

Re: Replacement Brake Lines - 1983 Seca 750

Hi RickB and welcome to the forum!
Unfortunately, the cost of just bringing one of these bikes into a safe and ridable condition should not be compared to the original purchase price, or even the KBB value, unless you will try to sell it for profit. Doing so will just be an exercise in frustration.

However, these little XJs are simple to keep running once you do all of the neglected maintenance. It will give you many years and thousands of miles of reliable service once you put the work into it.

As for the brake lines, the anti-dive system adds another two brake lines and doubles the cost. Do a search for blocking off the anti-dive, or rebuild it, but don't leave it as is because lots of old crud and brake fluid settle in those units.

The brake side unit has a piston that is activated by hydraulic pressure. That piston actuates a valve in the forks to increase the dampening to prevent fork dive (and bottoming out) while braking. I'd agree that compared to modern motorcycle suspension, it's not the best solution, which is why you don't see it any more. If you want to improve on it, you'll end up spending a lot more than your bike is worth too (but again, nothing wrong with that).

Since the bike has 49,xxx miles on it, the first thing I'd do before ordering any parts is a compression test. Also, check the valve clearances. If the engine is healthy, then between tires, carbs, brakes, battery, forks, shocks, fluids and "miscellaneous," budget $1000-$1500 for restoring the bike. But once it's up and running, it's well worth the money.

 

Re: Replacement Brake Lines - 1983 Seca 750

Thanks for the quick responses.

"check with Len @ xj4ever.." I'm not smart enough to know how to do that; please tell me more.

And its 49XX miles, not 49,XXX miles... So once I get the tank, petcock, carbs, battery, and basic maintenance items done it better fire right up... famous last words.

Maybe I should wait for it to "fire right up" before I buy new brake lines, a master cylinder rebuild kit, and caliper rebuild kits...

Rick
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Re: Replacement Brake Lines - 1983 Seca 750

Oh, good call, I was worried about a bike that would have almost 50k miles yet had been sitting for that long, it wouldn't be very typical. 5k and sitting for 20 years is. Any info on why it was put away?

Absolutely check the valve clearances! The change most in the first 10k miles or so. I'd say check the valves, adjust if out of spec, then compression test. If the engine passes, EVERYTHING else is easily fixable/rebuildable, and for not too much money (compared to an engine rebuild). Also, closely inspect the frame for any damage, especially on the bottom of the down tubes.

Len is a parts supplier that goes by the name chacal on this site. Send him a personal message (PM) concerning the parts you need, and he'll send you copious info on what he's got, what else you might need, and any questions to you have. It's not like ordering from an online site, so it'll seem odd at first, but his prices are fair (not necessarily the absolute lowest) and his customer service is truly second to none. He's got a catalog of parts on thisthread, but unfortunately, the prices have changed.

 

Re: Replacement Brake Lines - 1983 Seca 750

Thanks again for the info. The bike belonged to my buddy's dad. His dad bought it new, rode it off and on for a while, and then just stuck it in his barn (like you read about?). The PA tag on the bike expired in 1996. The bike is clean, complete, and unmolested. Doesn't even look like it's ever seen a driveway tipover. Too bad its not a 1960s era BMW...

 

Re: Replacement Brake Lines - 1983 Seca 750

Well hey, for only $500, I'd say that's a heck of a find, even if it's not a BMW. Still doesn't change the budget, but at least when it's road worthy, it'll already look good and you won't have to doing anything cosmetic. And it's a lot less than a BMW barn find.

And back to the brake line options. Rubber lines are supposed to be replaced every 4 years (conservative). Stainless steel will outlast that. Given the condition and low mileage of the bike, I'd pay up for the brake lines, that bike will last you if you take care of it. I don't remember chacal's prices on the brake lines, but I remember it cost me over $300 to completely rebuild the brake/anti-dive system. Chacal's brake lines are made to fit each model he sells them for, with the proper fitting and positioning. I haven't seen any other SS brake lines that can offer this (most have you rotate the fitting).