Braided brake lines?

[jtope28]

I know that some of you have gotten braided brake lines for your machines. My question is: are they worth a darn?
It is common knowledge that the KLR brakes lack in the power department and I am just wondering if it is worth my time or money to replace the stock brake lines. Any input, as always, is greatly appreciated.

[Bug Killer]

I would do it again, but if you add up all the $ I have into this thing it is embaressing how small of a percentage it is

[Lockjaw]

I'd say whether you have a Gen1 or Gen2 would factor in as well. Better brakes on the Gen2.

[flash]

I did front and rear on my '08. Noticeable improvement on the front as it took the "squishy" feel away. Nothing on the rear and I would NOT spend the money there again. Spend that money on a power bleeder. The speed bleeder nipples that come with some brake line kits are fine as long as there is some fluid in the line, but from dry useless.

[mwynn]

I have an 07 and have done the brake lines, 320 rotor and green pads on the front. The stopping is not excellent but very good compared to OEM. Don't forget brake fluid change.

[FJRacer]

I'm up for new front line on an 09. Any particular brand that stands out?

[steferf]

Originally Posted by FJRacer

I'm up for new front line on an 09. Any particular brand that stands out?

I too am curious. Cheap is good.




Anyways, to answer the OP's question, apparently the SS lines get rid of the "mushy" brake feel. I've yet to put SS lines on fwiw.

[LoneRider]

'07, front EBC 320 mm rotor, Gafler Green pads, FMS braided brake lines; all most worthwhile.

Isolating discussion to the braided brake line alone; much crisper response, eliminates "squish," as noted above. The faster response time, conveying hydraulic pressure to the caliper pistons, means . . . less distance traveled before the brakes actually engage; not much, maybe, but maybe enough to avoid hitting something you'd prefer not to.

Bottom line: Steel-braided barke lines for front, worthwhile. Rear? Wouldn't hurt anything, but . . . not particularly appealing to me, YMMV.

[flash]

Originally Posted by LoneRider

Bottom line: Steel-braided barke lines for front, worthwhile. Rear? Wouldn't hurt anything, but . . . not particularly appealing to me, YMMV.

I had the SS braided line on the rear and replaced it back to OEM. I actually prefer to have the rear soft to help NOT inadvertently lock up the rear on the street. Easy enough to do in the dirt when called for. YMMV.