single front disc brake, Need the Junction?

my KZ550 has the single front disc brake. the hose from the master cylinder still goes to that junction-fitting mounted to the lower triple, and then a single hose from that to the caliper. Do I need that junction, or can I run a line from the master cylinder straight to the caliper?
I believe the overseas models had dual disc front brakes, so maybe that junction piece is a vestige of that?

The pressure switch thats turns brake light on is usually mounted on the splitter.

PLUMMEN wrote: The pressure switch thats turns brake light on is usually mounted on the splitter.

I don't see anything else leaving that splitter? Also, the brake hand lever has an electronic wire coming out of it, I assumed that was for the light?

I'm certainly not an expert here but i think you'll find the brake light switch is IN the brake lever itself & not a hydraulic switch in the union block at the lower triple... at least it's always been this way in every bike i've owned, Kawi or not.
Additionally, i thought it was like a safety thing? Like keeping the flex hose in shorter sections (hmm? Maybe it's just safer for big industry so they can use the same shorter upper flex hose on all bikes & change only lower section per model requirements?). Ha! Follow the money. Prolly a manufacturer's fiscal requirement! :laugh:

wrenchmonkey wrote: I'm certainly not an expert here but i think you'll find the brake light switch is IN the brake lever itself & not a hydraulic switch in the union block at the lower triple... at least it's always been this way in every bike i've owned, Kawi or not...

It depends on the model. Quite a few Kawasakis, such as my KZ650-C1, have the switch screwed into the splitter (see image below). Ed

I would go with one line unless forced otherwise by the switch.

I'm a big fan of making my own brake lines from Earl's parts. The hose end pull off force for their mechanical locking hose ends exceeds that of a crimp on hose ends according to the Earl's store owner in my area - AN Plumbing. Making your own lines is also very affordable and allows you to customize length and hose end angle style to suit your own needs.

From the diagrams at Partzilla the 550A has the Fr brake light switch at the brake lever. most 80s models & beyond probably have it there.

For securing or routing a single brake hose, the 550-Ltd diagrams list an alternate fork bracket that has a brake hose guide. Some 650 models et al have a smaller hose/cable guide. usually chrome.
550-C3 Ltd 11036-1253

wrenchmonkey wrote: (hmm? Maybe it's just safer for big industry so they can use the same shorter upper flex hose on all bikes & change only lower section per model requirements?). Ha! Follow the money. Prolly a manufacturer's fiscal requirement! :laugh:

I'm guessing that's exactly what it is.
I'm going to ditch it and get a single brake hose, I switched to much shorter handlebars so my upper brake hose is all crammed up right now anyway.
plus I want to use that connector location for a bottom mount headlight.

Well now that I've decided to replace the hose with a single hose set up, I'm not sure what hose to go with. I'd really prefer to go with a stainless steel hose with the banjo bolts crimped on, opposed to one of these universal hoses with the threaded banjo bolt attachment. I'm surprised that seems to be all Z1 offers. What looking I have done has me paying $150 for a brake hose. Any other options I should be looking at?

Have you tried either of these places? Ed

www.cyclebrakes.com/html/galfer_brake_lines.html

www.h-e-lusa.com/

I haven't, they look good, any experience with either?
thanks for tip

650ed wrote: Have you tried either of these places? Ed

www.cyclebrakes.com/html/galfer_brake_lines.html

www.h-e-lusa.com/

No personal experience, but from what I've read both make quality brake lines. Ed