Brake line for handlebar swap
- The_Proletariat
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- "Cocaine is a hell of a drug"
- Posts: 269
- Thanks: 13
Brake line for handlebar swap
02 Apr 2014 19:41
I am swapping my stock LTD bar for a Z1 superbike bar. For anyone who has done something similar, what brake line have you used?
Thank you.
Thank you.
1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- martin_csr
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 8019
- Thanks: 1645
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 05:48
There are a bunch of options. I installed Goodridge braided ss lines & fittings from Z1Enterprises.com.
Cyclebrakes.com has Galfer lines that have the fittings already crimped on, so that would be a slightly easier installation, but the stuff I got was easy.
To figure out the length, install the bars first then figure it out.
Cyclebrakes.com - brake lines
Cyclebrakes.com has Galfer lines that have the fittings already crimped on, so that would be a slightly easier installation, but the stuff I got was easy.
To figure out the length, install the bars first then figure it out.
Cyclebrakes.com - brake lines
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Nessism
-
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- Posts: 7552
- Thanks: 2912
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 06:40 - 04 Apr 2014 05:18
My preference is to make my own lines from Earl's components. You can configure length on the fly and don't need to determine length before ordering the parts. Failing that, there are various other Kawasaki models that used low bars from stock. If you don't want to figure out the length yourself, then ordering the line from a ([strike]Z1R[/strike]) GPz for example, may be the easiest thing to do.
Edit: corrected the Z1R comment. :S
Edit: corrected the Z1R comment. :S
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
Last edit: 04 Apr 2014 05:18 by Nessism.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- martin_csr
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 8019
- Thanks: 1645
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 06:49 - 10 Jun 2014 15:48
I'd never heard of Earls or do-it-yourself brake liens for that matter. Does it require special tools?
Just curious... not looking to make my own lines. Thanks.
Just curious... not looking to make my own lines. Thanks.
Last edit: 10 Jun 2014 15:48 by martin_csr.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- StreetfighterKz
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 1528
- Thanks: 135
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 10:33Nessism wrote: there are various other Kawasaki models that used low bars from stock. If you don't want to figure out the length yourself, then ordering the line from a Z1R for example, may be the easiest thing to do.
Z1R's have a cable operated m/c behind the fairing if I remember right so they don't have an upper brake hose to speak of.
If you're looking for a cheap option and don't need SS lines, look at a Zx6D/E or Zx11 upper brake line. They mount the bars above the top triple clamp in roughly the same position as a superbike bar. You should be able to pick up something like that relatively cheap from eBay. You can also ask the seller for a measurement to confirm a length that way too.
Later, Doug
1978 z1000 Streetfighter
1976 z900 Stripfighter
1979 z650 Resto-Mod
1983 Gpz750 Resto-Mod
2018 Z900RS
1976 z900 Stripfighter
1979 z650 Resto-Mod
1983 Gpz750 Resto-Mod
2018 Z900RS
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Nessism
-
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- Posts: 7552
- Thanks: 2912
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 12:43 - 03 Apr 2014 12:43martin_csr wrote: I'd never heard of Earls or do-it-yourself brake liens for that matter. Does it require special tools?
I found Earls stuff at Summit Racing, but without spending much time on it, I did't find what I was looking for. Just curious... not looking to make my own lines. Thanks.
No special tools need, just common hand tools...including a sharp chisel! Believe it or not the best way to cut the line is with a block of aluminum to use as a backstop, then a chisel and hammer to make the cut. Works remarkably well.

Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
Last edit: 03 Apr 2014 12:43 by Nessism.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Rainman
-
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- and a little Kaw shall lead them
- Posts: 597
- Thanks: 75
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 15:21
Factory brake line and clutch cable will work with creative routing.
Example - superbike bars
www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/593332-b...andlebar-swap/reply#
Café bars
That can give you a chance to test the new bars before buying new cables if you want better routing.
Good luck,
Jim
Example - superbike bars
www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/593332-b...andlebar-swap/reply#
Café bars
That can give you a chance to test the new bars before buying new cables if you want better routing.
Good luck,
Jim
80 KZ750 H1 - the Kaw calf
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Rainman
-
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- and a little Kaw shall lead them
- Posts: 597
- Thanks: 75
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 15:21
Factory brake line and clutch cable will work with creative routing.
Example - superbike bars
www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/593332-b...andlebar-swap/reply#
Café bars
That can give you a chance to test the new bars before buying new cables if you want better routing.
Good luck,
Jim
Example - superbike bars
www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/593332-b...andlebar-swap/reply#
Café bars
That can give you a chance to test the new bars before buying new cables if you want better routing.
Good luck,
Jim
80 KZ750 H1 - the Kaw calf
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- koolaid_kid
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 783
- Thanks: 99
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 17:10
Personally, if you are going to replace them I would go with stainless steel lines. Lots of companies out there will make custom lines for you if you just tell them the length and type of connector on each end.
1983 GPz 750
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- lightitup
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 236
- Thanks: 10
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
03 Apr 2014 23:29
on my ltd i went with the emgo bars and i just ran the lines differently dont forget u will also have to do this with ur clutch and throttle cables.
81 kz 550 ltd
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- martin_csr
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 8019
- Thanks: 1645
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
04 Apr 2014 06:39 - 04 Apr 2014 06:40
If the brake lines are the originals, they should be replaced - the old rubber lines can burst.
I would not want to crash for lack of a fairly inexpensive maintenance item. Besides, replacing them kinda give you an excuse for at least flushing the brake & adding fresh fluid, and maybe doing some other needed stuff.
PS: if you don't know the age or the Rr brake shoes (drum brake), replace them. The adhesive that binds the linings to the shoes can fail over time, so a lining can come off and get jammed between the shoe & drum, locking the rear wheel. It happened to me when rolling the bike off the center stand. very lucky.
I would not want to crash for lack of a fairly inexpensive maintenance item. Besides, replacing them kinda give you an excuse for at least flushing the brake & adding fresh fluid, and maybe doing some other needed stuff.

PS: if you don't know the age or the Rr brake shoes (drum brake), replace them. The adhesive that binds the linings to the shoes can fail over time, so a lining can come off and get jammed between the shoe & drum, locking the rear wheel. It happened to me when rolling the bike off the center stand. very lucky.
Last edit: 04 Apr 2014 06:40 by martin_csr.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- The_Proletariat
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- "Cocaine is a hell of a drug"
- Posts: 269
- Thanks: 13
Re: Brake line for handlebar swap
09 Apr 2014 18:45 - 09 Apr 2014 18:56
Rainman, is that a "C" "LTD" master cylinder?
1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD
Last edit: 09 Apr 2014 18:56 by The_Proletariat.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.