Braided brake line supplier in Oz that won't break the bank?

[dazzler24]

3 hours ago, betoney said:

I'm not sure what an ergal fitting is?

As far as being good enough, a steel braided hydraulic line is rated to meet a specific psi, I'm sure even a generic hydraulic hose will meet or exceed the psi ratings.  I would think the extra costs of some kits is custom hose colors and special anodized coloring on the fittings.

ERGAL is an alloy of aluminium apparently and is quite hard.  I'm sure a metalurgist or engineering type could give a better description but FWIW.

The ERGAL parts on the FREN TUBOs are the fittings on the ends (banjo and union block).  I know several other brands are all stainless fittings and that may explain why these are cheaper?

And they are certainly well priced, even the top speced ones (Type 4).

[jdavis]

@dazzler24 from the wezmoto site,

Description

Wezmoto performance brakelines are made from a stainless steel braided hose with a Teflon inner hose which is coated with protective plastic sleeve which helps protect your paintwork from scratches and enhances the look of your bike. All our fittings are full Stainless Steel, not Zinc Plated.

You can also choose the colour of the stainless steel banjos from; Plain Stainless, Black or Gold.

Fitting this kit will bring much improved braking, eliminating that mushy feeling of rubber hoses, up to 60% less expansion than the standard rubber hoses, will never fade due to heat build-up and reduce brake lever travel which creates faster braking power and a much improved feel.

If you have added handlebar risers or extended your rear swingarm, we will add the extra length absolutely free! Just tell us how much longer you need it when ordering.

• High quality, 100% stainless steel, non-corroding braided brake hoses
• SAE J 701 (Worldwide), FMVSS-106 (Europe), ADR (Australia), LTSA (New Zealand) and DOT (United States) Approved
• Braided Brake Lines used in MotoGP and BSB
• Coated in a wipe-clean PVC cover
• Choose your colours and click the ‘add to basket’ button to order your Wezmoto Brake Lines.

[wordsmith]

Are you REALLY sure that you REALLY new new lines, dazz?   Talking to mates on ANOther Forum the consensus is firmly that unless the bike has been left out constantly in all weathers, the OE lines at the age of yours shouldn't really need replacing.  FWIW...

[betoney]

19 minutes ago, wordsmith said:

Are you REALLY sure that you REALLY new new lines, dazz?   Talking to mates on ANOther Forum the consensus is firmly that unless the bike has been left out constantly in all weathers, the OE lines at the age of yours shouldn't really need replacing.  FWIW...

"Really need" new lines? I would say absolutely not... just like you don't 'need' an ECU flash, exhaust, custom suspension, aftermarket seat, adjustable levers, cruise control, heated grips, carbon fiber or anodized aluminum bits that bring us pleasure and enjoyment and make the bike 'ours'.  That's just my opinion, but then I love to tinker, modify and customize.

[dazzler24]

5 hours ago, wordsmith said:

Are you REALLY sure that you REALLY new new lines, dazz?   Talking to mates on ANOther Forum the consensus is firmly that unless the bike has been left out constantly in all weathers, the OE lines at the age of yours shouldn't really need replacing.  FWIW...

@wordsmith - Perhaps not, but as per the following reply by @betoney - I think I'm in that camp.

Having said that, the front union block (where the rubber line meets the hard line) is showing signs of corrosion (see photo) and I want to err on the side of caution.  If it were a 'non essential' piece then I may not be too concerned but it is part of the braking system so safety first.

Plus I've never been entirely happy with the feel of the brakes, particularly the rear brake.  Too 'soft' for my liking and yes I have changed fluid and bled the brakes to ensure no air in the lines.

5 hours ago, betoney said:

"Really need" new lines? I would say absolutely not... just like you don't 'need' an ECU flash, exhaust, custom suspension, aftermarket seat, adjustable levers, cruise control, heated grips, carbon fiber or anodized aluminum bits that bring us pleasure and enjoyment and make the bike 'ours'.  That's just my opinion, but then I love to tinker, modify and customize.

I'm with you on all points! 👍

[dazzler24]

12 hours ago, jdavis said:

@dazzler24 from the wezmoto site,

Description

Wezmoto performance brakelines are made from a stainless steel braided hose with a Teflon inner hose which is coated with protective plastic sleeve which helps protect your paintwork from scratches and enhances the look of your bike. All our fittings are full Stainless Steel, not Zinc Plated.

You can also choose the colour of the stainless steel banjos from; Plain Stainless, Black or Gold.

Fitting this kit will bring much improved braking, eliminating that mushy feeling of rubber hoses, up to 60% less expansion than the standard rubber hoses, will never fade due to heat build-up and reduce brake lever travel which creates faster braking power and a much improved feel.

If you have added handlebar risers or extended your rear swingarm, we will add the extra length absolutely free! Just tell us how much longer you need it when ordering.

• High quality, 100% stainless steel, non-corroding braided brake hoses
• SAE J 701 (Worldwide), FMVSS-106 (Europe), ADR (Australia), LTSA (New Zealand) and DOT (United States) Approved
• Braided Brake Lines used in MotoGP and BSB
• Coated in a wipe-clean PVC cover
• Choose your colours and click the ‘add to basket’ button to order your Wezmoto Brake Lines.

@jdavis - Aha!  They will lengthen a line for no additional cost.  I like that idea.

Thanks John. This may be the way to go.

Now, do they remove VAT before shipping I wonder?  Time to send some emails methinks.

[Buggy Nate]

On 4/16/2020 at 10:18 AM, dazzler24 said:

@jdavis - John I think you'll find that @betoney used Speigler lines that come as a five line package that bypasses/replaces the hard lines.

And just for clarity as there seems to be some confusion around how and where the hard lines start and finish - at least it had me puzzled as to why some people were using five line installs and some seven on the same bike!

From the ABS the front lines begin life as rubber lines and then join hard lines at a union joint just above the starter motor on the left-hand side and are attached to the frame at that point.  They then reappear just under the lower front triple clamp where the turn back into rubber lines and head off to the MC and the front calliper.

The rear pair are hard lines from the abs unit to the union that is visible through the frame just above the rear brake where they turn back into the rubber lines.

I reckon betoney, and he could confirm, didn't need to pull the airbox off to do his five line install as I believe he simply cut the hard lines to make it easy to remove them without having to fenagle them out with all of their bends making it difficult.

I would also reckon that a seven-line install would require the removal of the airbox to access that union point to join into unless it can be done from below through the frame?  I haven't done the job but someone who has may care to comment - @Buggy Nate?

Air box and throttle bodies to make it easier, I took the opportunity to clean the throttle bodies and it made a good bit of difference to the smoothness. Mine were bought from the UK on eBay before our dollar went to shite. So might want to check it out. I think it was between 350-400 delivered with a longer line for my bar risers.

[betoney]

3 hours ago, Buggy Nate said:

Air box and throttle bodies to make it easier,

You really took the more difficult route.  I can understand if you were already taking those off for cleaning but removing the throttle bodies is way too much work and absolutely not necessary to install the lines. 

[dazzler24]

11 hours ago, Buggy Nate said:

Air box and throttle bodies to make it easier, I took the opportunity to clean the throttle bodies and it made a good bit of difference to the smoothness. Mine were bought from the UK on eBay before our dollar went to shite. So might want to check it out. I think it was between 350-400 delivered with a longer line for my bar risers.

I've done some more investigations and Wezmoto Facebook is indicating that they've got a backlog and some issues with getting some parts and delays in transport thanks to the dreaded virus.  There's no reference on their website to the Tracer version, only the MT-09 ABS 2013-2015 version?!  Perhaps it's the same but there is a Tracer version on eBay from them?!

I'm now getting a little nervous about trying to source from them for all of the above reasons as well as the fact that the dollar has turned to shite as you mentioned.  I think after delivery (if available and when), plus GST it puts it in range of the HEL lines which are made less than a 100kms from me - if they are open! Friggen virus!

It might be cheaper to get some 5-line Speiglers from the USA!  Just got to find a place that delivers to Oz. All the rules of normality and expectation have been turned on their head with this pandemic!  Have I mentioned...friggen virus!

[texscottyd]

3 hours ago, dazzler24 said:

It might be cheaper to get some 5-line Speiglers from the USA!  Just got to find a place that delivers to Oz. All the rules of normality and expectation have been turned on their head with this pandemic!  Have I mentioned...friggen virus!

It looks like a set of Spiegler lines here in the US is about $200, which google helpfully suggests is about $315 AUD.   Do you know someone who could buy a set for you here and just private party ship them over to you?   I can’t think it would be that expensive to casually find their way to the other side of the world... 

[dazzler24]

2 hours ago, texscottyd said:

It looks like a set of Spiegler lines here in the US is about $200, which google helpfully suggests is about $315 AUD.   Do you know someone who could buy a set for you here and just private party ship them over to you?   I can’t think it would be that expensive to casually find their way to the other side of the world... 

If I've done my sums correctly it's probably going to cost around AU$400 delivered if I factor in a 10%GST addition as well so I'm once again getting up there.  The $ numbers for imported gear always start off reasonable but it's often the transport and tax that can blow the cost right out.  And unfortunately I don't know anyone personally who could do an under the counter shipment for me.

I'm going to try and contact HEL here in Oz on Monday and ask if they will do a 5 line version - unlikely I'm thinking.

I could always just go and see ENZED (hydraulic specialists) and get them to make me up a complete custom set!

[jdavis]

Would be good to get a '5' set here, a lot easier to install I think.

PS, I am still waiting for my HH front pads to arrive from England, been a while now.

[dazzler24]

1 hour ago, jdavis said:

Would be good to get a '5' set here, a lot easier to install I think.

PS, I am still waiting for my HH front pads to arrive from England, been a while now.

And you'd reckon a five setter would have to be (should be!) significantly cheaper, not only because there's two less lines but four less fittings and associated crimping.

Let's see:

- 7 lines has 8 banjos and 6 unions

- 5 lines has 10 banjos

And yes, the transport delays are a bit of an added worry now as well.

[jdavis]

From Revzilla for Spiegler plain and silver lines for the FJ09

 

Edited April 19, 2020 by jdavis

[dazzler24]

2 hours ago, jdavis said:

From Revzilla for Spiegler plain and silver lines for the FJ09

 

@jdavis - That price is of course in US$.   Works out to be AU$406 for a five-line solution with aluminium banjos - not that I'm suggesting that there is anything wrong with that but a locally bought (Sandgate) 7-line with Stainless steel fittings is around $80-90 more in the colours that you want.

There is that big banner across the top of the Revzilla website that says - expect delays etc - is also a (possible) worry.

Anyway, I'm making some enquiries today to see if we can't get a five-line made up.  Are you interested if I ask and we can get two sets made?  It might sweeten their deal?

Also have you enquired at 'Brakeland' in Water Street, Toowoomba?  I read somewhere that they do bike brake lines.