Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

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Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

24 Apr 2018 15:58
#782315
I'd like to replace the brake lines on the GPz550 I am currently doing with direct master to caliper lines--no junction box.

Has anyone done this and knows what the length/size lines are ... correct fittings?
A source would be great.
Already been down the road with Glafer ... they make lines for a 1982 GPz550 which has a different master ...
TIA

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  • Nessism
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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

24 Apr 2018 16:29
#782316
You can make lines quite easily using Earl's parts. Tutorial available by checking my rebuild thread. All parts are made in USA and there is no guessing on lengths, angles, etc.

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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

24 Apr 2018 17:22
#782321
Okay, how would I find this thread? Thanks very much.

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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

25 Apr 2018 05:46
#782339
Wow. That was amazing.

Any advice for someone who can't make their own brake lines?

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  • ThatGPzGuy
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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

25 Apr 2018 06:33
#782341
Z1E will sell you the line and the screw-on banjo fittings you need. The plus on these is you can place the fittings at any orientation you want.
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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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

25 Apr 2018 07:33
#782343
I have a set of long lines that came with the bike but the one end is def not a banjo. Can I buy a banjo to screw into the bottom?

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  • JMKZHI
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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

25 Apr 2018 07:34 - 25 Apr 2018 07:54
#782344
With a 2-line setup you may need to secure the brake lines so that they don't contact the exhaust pipes or anything.
The lower lines are pretty much locked into position with 3 lines so they stay where they're supposed to.

Galfer brake lines from Cyclebrakes.com is another option. I installed Goodridge from Z1Enterprises, but I probably would've gone with the Galfer lines from cyclebrakes if I'd known about them. There's nothing wrong with Goodridge & they do allow for some flexibility when changing the handlebars.

For the lengths, the parts diagrams have the measurement for the upper brake line but not the lower lines. Goodridge straight fittings add about 1" per fitting. Clear tubing is a handy measuring device. Or remove the brake lines from the motorcycle to measure them. Be sure to consider any handlebar changes as this usually necessitates a change in the upper brake line length.
Last edit: 25 Apr 2018 07:54 by JMKZHI.

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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

26 Apr 2018 07:30 - 26 Apr 2018 07:31
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chopper1963 wrote: I have a set of long lines that came with the bike but the one end is def not a banjo. Can I buy a banjo to screw into the bottom?
Yes, it looks like you should be able to get banjo adapters for that if it's standard threading. But then it's a pretty bulky connector at the connection.

I also use Earl's because when you make the connections yourself (or if you order custom hoses made from another supplier) there is a lot less bulk at the connections. This especially becomes an issue on the gpz because somewhere you will be stacking two banjos. Either at the master or at one caliper, depending on how you route the hoses.

I prefer to run one hose from the master to the right caliper, then another hose from the right caliper to the left caliper.
I've run them the other way too, using two hoses from the master, but this looked less neat. There was no performance difference that I could detect between the two methods. Maybe on a race track there could be some issue, but I haven't heard of any.

The one hose connecting the two calipers suffers no movement when the suspension moves. Only the single hose from master to right caliper moves, and since there is only one hose, there are fewer routing issues and more room for that one hose to move when the suspension moves.
Last edit: 26 Apr 2018 07:31 by loudhvx.
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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

26 Apr 2018 07:59
#782415
Thanks.

Do you know what size the fittings would be? I'm at work and out of town and ... what is the standard line size?

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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

26 Apr 2018 08:16
#782416
Glad you are getting some answers to your questions here. Some of the newer Stock Sportbikes, use the one line "series" setup from the master system Lou has stated.
'85 GPz550(ZX550-A2)

GPz550 Base Manual --> tinyurl.com/ze5b3qo
GPz550 Supplement Manual --> tinyurl.com/h34d2o6
GPz550.com --> www.nwsca.com/scripts/gpz_forum_2005/default.asp
First Race Win GPz550 --> tinyurl.com/o5y3ftp

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Re: Steel brake lines for 1981 GPz550. Sources?

26 Apr 2018 08:34
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chopper1963 wrote: Thanks.

Do you know what size the fittings would be? I'm at work and out of town and ... what is the standard line size?
Probably AN3 which I think is kind of a standard size for brake lines.
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