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Help with the right brake line

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20 Nov 2021 23:42 #858132 by Shdwdrgn
Help with the right brake line was created by Shdwdrgn
I'm having a bit of trouble with the lookups for the right part.  I have a 1981 KZ1000J/A frame and have been having issues with my rear brake freezing up, so on advice from here I'm looking for a new brake hose.  The problem is that the lookups I've done on various sites keep pointing me to 21" or 22" hoses, but the line on my bike is only 16" to the very ends of the connections.  The parts diagrams I have call for a 43059-1180, but it seems that may be a discontinued part?  However I can't seem to match that part to a description that tells me the expected length.  I was hoping to get one of those with the braided sheath, and I would assume one of the generic lines should fit?

I guess what I would like to understand is how the actual measurement is taken (or what size I need for my bike, if anyone knows).  I'm not sure if I should measure to the ends of the connectors, or to their centerpoints?  And is there anything I should watch out for when ordering the replacement (Amazon seems to have a lot of options)?

1981 KZ1000-JK1
She's a beautiful mess, and I've made her all mine

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21 Nov 2021 04:54 #858136 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic Help with the right brake line
If you are reasonably handy with tools you can make your own lines from Earl's parts.  I've got a photo tutorial inside my 750 build thread.  It's easy to make these lines and you never have to worry about getting length right since you can fully customize before cutting the tubing.

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  • DOHC
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  • Those Doe-Hawks really go!
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21 Nov 2021 05:08 - 21 Nov 2021 05:10 #858137 by DOHC
Replied by DOHC on topic Help with the right brake line
Another option is that Z1 enterprises sells modular lines in 1 inch length increments, along with threaded banjo fittings.  There are different styles and colors, but here is an example.

www.z1enterprises.com/gr83300.html

'78 Z1-R in blue , '78 Z1-R in black, '78 Z1-R in pieces
My dad's '74 Z1
'00 ZRX1100
Last edit: 21 Nov 2021 05:10 by DOHC.
The following user(s) said Thank You: slayer61

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21 Nov 2021 10:51 #858152 by Shdwdrgn
Replied by Shdwdrgn on topic Help with the right brake line
@Nessism - I had considered that but figured I'd rather just get something pre-made.  Sometimes it's easier to just not mess with it.

@DOHC - Yep I saw those, and noted the two different types of ends (Banjo connectors, that's the word I couldn't think of yesterday!).  I hadn't gone into the description though so I didn't see the explanation of measurements before.  And then the banjos are sold separately, which seems like it creates another point of failure?  I thought they would be a single crimped unit but I guess I haven't looked at my stock one that close.

So if I'm reading this all right, I need my center-to-center length (15"), minus 3" for both banjos, so I would order a 12" line?

Looks like I'll have some work to do in the Spring.  Try to get the brake cylinder cleaned out of whatever is plugging it so I can replace the hose, plus I have the parts on hand to rebuild the front forks but never got a chance to do that this Summer either.

1981 KZ1000-JK1
She's a beautiful mess, and I've made her all mine

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24 Nov 2021 18:57 #858304 by azman857
Replied by azman857 on topic Help with the right brake line
Have you tried the banggood site? They have brakelines.

I don't have a plan and I'm sticken' to it! '77 KZ 650 / 750 GPz custom project in progress

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  • ThatGPzGuy
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25 Nov 2021 05:21 #858312 by ThatGPzGuy
Replied by ThatGPzGuy on topic Help with the right brake line
Have you tried Galfer ? I bought a set for my GPz front and I thought they were not quite right so they made me up a new set from my old ones at no additional charge. So, pretty good Customer Service...

 

Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"

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