KZ1000J3 Brake Line Replacement with Aftermarket Replica Lines

  • Vintage3
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KZ1000J3 Brake Line Replacement with Aftermarket Replica Lines

12 Jun 2026 17:56 - 12 Jun 2026 17:59
#924822
Hi everyone,
I had my front master cylinder and brake calipers rebuilt today.  The issue now is the brake is still soft. The likely culprit is the brake lines are at the end of their life (they are original to the bike I believe) and they flex in spots when applying the brake.  Interestingly they are softer now with the new parts installed than before which I suspect has to do with the increased pressure in the lines with the master cylinder being more efficient now. The other reason for this possibly is there could still be some air in the lines which the mechanic acknowledged. He suggested with the bike sitting for the weekend at the shop, this may help better the issue come Monday?  Any thoughts on this?  Regardless I think the lines require replacement (including the rear brake line).  

Two questions:
1. I would like to maintain the OEM look to the original brake lines (rubber with same thickness and banjo fittings) - the bike is worthy of this.  OEM brake lines are NA - the front anyway (the back is still available from Kawi).  Does anyone know a vendor that would sell quality replica aftermarket rubber lines in the same thickness, colour and look?
2. The shop showed me some Spiegle brake lines and apparently this manufacture  sells a kit for the J3 however I don't like the narrow diameter of the lines.  I asked if the springs on the old lines could be transferred to the Spiegle lines and they said yes but due to the narrower diameter they mentioned they may move around a bit.  Is this true and should I be concerned about this? Has anyone done this conversion and put the springs back on and if so how do they function and look?

Many thanks....    
Last edit: 12 Jun 2026 17:59 by Vintage3.

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  • asphalt900
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Re: KZ1000J3 Brake Line Replacement with Aftermarket Replica Lines

13 Jun 2026 06:16
#924829
If You are in the US, try BrakeQuip. I buy their 1/8" brake line in bulk and their 10mm banjo fittings. I cut/fit and index banjo ends here and reinstall OEM springs if any and take it to town where they have the machine to do the crimping.  The brake line itself is "pretty" similar to OEM, ribbing is slightly courser then the finer ribbing on originals but if using a spring over you'll never see it anyway. I use Tomkins Industries out of Olathe, Kansas but You could call BrakeQuip directly and they can tell you where a local distributor would be/not be in your area.   
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  • kzConrad
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Re: KZ1000J3 Brake Line Replacement with Aftermarket Replica Lines

04 Aug 2026 18:59
#926483
I read this post while looking for information on replacing the front brake lines on my 1978 KZ650 B2A. asphalt900 replied "I cut/fit and index banjo ends here and reinstall OEM springs if any and take it to town where they have the machine to do the crimping."  Would you please elaborate a bit on that?  I was going to get my lines from Z1Enterprises. I have no idea what is involved in attaching the lines to the banjo fittings. Is this something I can do, or should I take them somewhere?  Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

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Re: KZ1000J3 Brake Line Replacement with Aftermarket Replica Lines

05 Aug 2026 01:43
#926489
Glad to expand Conrad. I do a multitude of various brands/models. Also having to shorten master to splitter length of hose for low rise handlebars. I don't know what Z1E is asking for brake lines? Just a reference though each Brakequip banjo fitting used was 12USD per fitting. So 4 would be required for single disc, 6 for duel. Then add for the 1/8" line, 10bucks a linear foot. Now you would have to find an authorized Brakequip  dealer to crimp the ends on. You can see costs escalating. I do it for convenience and ability to customize, I'm not really concerned about the additional costs.  
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