[Tacio777]

Hello everyone! I'm considering replacing/upgrading the brake lines on my 2021 SV650 to steel braided lines. I was hoping hear from some of you who have done the said upgrade, pros and cons and such. Also what brand/s do you recommend?
Thanks!

 

[sv650bklyn]

No cons other than expense and labor, and definitely a must once you should replace your brake lines (after 4 years as per manual). If you do it earlier and are not an overly sportive rider, the difference in feel will be marginal in my opinion.

It's more effective to change your brake fluid every year (not the 2 years as per manual) or even more often if your bike is parked outside in the elements or you are a very sportive rider. Also keeping your brake rotors, pads, and pistons clean and grease free, and your caliper slide pins lubed up adds a ton of feel. Brake lines should come last after all the other maintenance items don't cut if for you.

As for brands, stick with established ones that do proper quality control, like Hel, Spiegler, Galfer, or Venhill.

 

[Salty Sway]

Brake line replacement has been one of the first upgrades I have done to every motorcycle and some vehicles. I have used all of the name brands and some lessor known, Venhill is the only one I have been dissatisfied with, the coating came off of the banjo at the caliper allowing it to rust. Used every line configuration you can think of on the front and there's not much difference, last purchase was Core Moto RACING CUSTOM 3T FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM (3 Lines)

As stated the only con is expense and labor.

 

[GeorgeRYoung]

The front, which is squeezed by your (relatively weak) hand benefits greatly in feel with teflon/stainless brake install. The rear which is actuated by your (strong, clumsy, heavy) foot will never notice a difference.

So I would only do the front.

 

[ShaggyZ]

Fwiw. I’ve also had several brake lines. The big names tend to be fine. You can even build your own. I’ve had the same set of Venhill lines on my 2003 SV650 for 11 years. They still look very good. It sits outside, uncovered most of the time. It’s been raced a lot, ridden on street 30k+ miles. I’ve actually changed out upper fittings a couple times when I changed master cylinders. Very easy.

The last time I bought lines, I went with the single upper fitting that splits and heads to both calipers. Simplest, offers best clearance and works just as well as any other setup in my experience.

 

[Soulspinner]

Hello everyone! I'm considering replacing/upgrading the brake lines on my 2021 SV650 to steel braided lines. I was hoping hear from some of you who have done the said upgrade, pros and cons and such. Also what brand/s do you recommend?
Thanks!

No cons, all pros. I did two bikes felt the difference straight away, crisp, firmer feel at the lever. No difference in the rear that I can feel. I went with Spiegler as you can adjust the banjo so your lines are not kinked.

 

[Leo123]

I would not suggest you touch them until you need to replace them. They are pretty decent quality. If you wanna do it just because -> go ahead. However, if you don't feel the brake or need more feedback -> upgrade your MC and lever.

 

[Tacio777]

No cons other than expense and labor, and definitely a must once you should replace your brake lines (after 4 years as per manual). If you do it earlier and are not an overly sportive rider, the difference in feel will be marginal in my opinion.

It's more effective to change your brake fluid every year (not the 2 years as per manual) or even more often if your bike is parked outside in the elements or you are a very sportive rider. Also keeping your brake rotors, pads, and pistons clean and grease free, and your caliper slide pins lubed up adds a ton of feel. Brake lines should come last after all the other maintenance items don't cut if for you.

As for brands, stick with established ones that do proper quality control, like Hel, Spiegler, Galfer, or Venhill.

Thanks for advice. Appreciate it! 😀

 

[Tacio777]

Brake line replacement has been one of the first upgrades I have done to every motorcycle and some vehicles. I have used all of the name brands and some lessor known, Venhill is the only one I have been dissatisfied with, the coating came off of the banjo at the caliper allowing it to rust. Used every line configuration you can think of on the front and there's not much difference, last purchase was Core Moto RACING CUSTOM 3T FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM (3 Lines)

As stated the only con is expense and labor.

Thanks for advice and the link.😀

 

[Tacio777]

The front, which is squeezed by your (relatively weak) hand benefits greatly in feel with teflon/stainless brake install. The rear which is actuated by your (strong, clumsy, heavy) foot will never notice a difference.

So I would only do the front.

Thanks for advice. Your comment on the rear brakes makes sense.😀

 

[Tacio777]

Fwiw. I’ve also had several brake lines. The big names tend to be fine. You can even build your own. I’ve had the same set of Venhill lines on my 2003 SV650 for 11 years. They still look very good. It sits outside, uncovered most of the time. It’s been raced a lot, ridden on street 30k+ miles. I’ve actually changed out upper fittings a couple times when I changed master cylinders. Very easy.

The last time I bought lines, I went with the single upper fitting that splits and heads to both calipers. Simplest, offers best clearance and works just as well as any other setup in my experience.

Thanks for advice.😀