Brake line lengths?

[cowboyz]

If you have 1 brake line coming out of the master cyclinder T-ing off to 2 does it make a difference if 1 of those lines is alot longer than the other or not?

ie.

.................................brake line 1.2m --- caliper
master cycl - brake line /
.................................\
...................................brake line 200mm -- caliper




Hope my little map stays in place when I post this.

[98tls]

Wont you have one coming from master down to caliper then another shorter one crossing over to the other caliper.

[FROSTY]

Short version--its simple hydraulics you are dealing with nothing more.
within reason it make no difference

[NZsarge]

Wont you have one coming from master down to caliper then another shorter one crossing over to the other caliper.

That's a Suzuki style set up and one I would change if I were to buy a Suzuki with that set up.
As for a single line from master branching into two I don't believe there there's too big of an issue there, it's the in series set up of some Suzuki's I don't really like.
The ideal set up is two dedicated lines from the master cylinder to each caliper I believe.

[cowboyz]

ok. been doing some research on it.

It is actually for trailer brakes not the bike (but dont tell anyone)

Basically I have come up with if the system is closed (which braking systems are) then the pressure is equal everywhere in the system. Therefore it doesnt matter if one line is further away than the other which is mint.

Oh, and the series thing works on the same theroy. Closed system makes equal pressure so it doesnt actually matter where the lines go.


cheers

[98tls]

That's a Suzuki style set up and one I would change if I were to buy a Suzuki with that set up.
As for a single line from master branching into two I don't believe there there's too big of an issue there, it's the in series set up of some Suzuki's I don't really like.
The ideal set up is two dedicated lines from the master cylinder to each caliper I believe. :blink:Dont tell me that ive spent ages trying to get this set up right:laugh:Brakes off mine are off a 05 Hayabusa with 5/8th master and ive had my problems believe me but finally have it sorted.

[NZsarge]

ok. been doing some research on it.

It is actually for trailer brakes not the bike (but dont tell anyone)

Basically I have come up with if the system is closed (which braking systems are) then the pressure is equal everywhere in the system. Therefore it doesnt matter if one line is further away than the other which is mint.

Oh, and the series thing works on the same theroy. Closed system makes equal pressure so it doesnt actually matter where the lines go.


cheers
I don't agree about the in series brake lines, if the first inline brake pads need to be squeezed onto the disc to obtain the proper flow on effect to the last set of calipers.....
I must stress though that not knowing the internal design of the first of the in series caliper on the likes of Hayabusa's and B-King's it might be premature to assume that they are indeed linked that way.

[NZsarge]

:blink:Dont tell me that ive spent ages trying to get this set up right:laugh:Brakes off mine are off a 05 Hayabusa with 5/8th master and ive had my problems believe me but finally have it sorted.

Depending on the design of the calipers would'nt it have been better to run two dedicated lines?

[98tls]

Depending on the design of the calipers would'nt it have been better to run two dedicated lines? Tried it with mine...makes absolutly no difference at all.

[bungbung]

Look at the set up for a car, one line from the master cylinder to one side, then a cross-over pipe to the other side. It'll be fine, the system is self-balancing.

[Max Preload]

If you have 1 brake line coming out of the master cyclinder T-ing off to 2 does it make a difference if 1 of those lines is alot longer than the other or not?

Short answer... no. Longer answer... the pressure is equal enough but there is some lag in movement as brake fluid is not completely incompressible.

[imdying]

Definitely makes no difference at all.

I've made thousands of brake hoses, and plumbed up hundreds of cars, and more trailers than I can count. Definitely makes no difference at all. Can make a difference to how you bleed it, but nothing to lose sleep over.

[vifferman]

A lot of bikes come standard with unequal pipe/hose lengths.

[mashman]

I'm nearly there, just need the front brake line to be extended about 5 inches.

Anyone know it it's easy to do? Anyone who wouldn't recommend it? Is it mechanically sound? etc

Cheers

[imdying]

I'm nearly there, just need the front brake line to be extended about 5 inches.

Anyone know it it's easy to do? Anyone who wouldn't recommend it? Is it mechanically sound? etc

CheersThey'll just make you another. Find a local brake specialist or send it to me. About $30-35 for the typical motorcycle front hose.

[mashman]

They'll just make you another. Find a local brake specialist or send it to me. About $30-35 for the typical motorcycle front hose.

I'm looking to take the banjo off of the end of the line where it goes into the MC. Then add 5 inches of hose and reconnect the banjo. Any ideas?

Cheers for the offer, but I was hoping this was something I could get done in situ. Otherwise i'm gonna have to throw the old clipons back on or remove the brake lines, neither of which I really fancy :rofl: yes yes lazy f**k...

If i can't find anyone that can do it in situ, i'll remove the lines and take 'em somewhere :yes: cheers.

[Max Preload]

Just measure the one that's on there, take note of the orientation of the fittings and get a new one made and swap it over.

Nobody 'extends' flexible brake hose.

[AllanB]

You want a extender?

You'd need some form of joiner to bolt each piece into (like the splitter on many 3 line systems).

I'd politely recommend a full replacement line - down a couple of cans of V and throw that lazy streak aside!

Re 2 or three line front systems - all the name brand brake line companies state on their web sites that there is no difference at all in performance, as perviously stated it is just hydraulics.

Side note - last weekend I changed the brake fluid on my Hornet - I used a Motrax bleeder valve - well worth the $ (30 I think) as you only crack each nipple once and pump. Saves fuffing around with opening closing the bleed nipples.

I may even do the car soon!

[mashman]

You want a extender?

You'd need some form of joiner to bolt each piece into (like the splitter on many 3 line systems).

I'd politely recommend a full replacement line - down a couple of cans of V and throw that lazy streak aside!

Re 2 or three line front systems - all the name brand brake line companies state on their web sites that there is no difference at all in performance, as perviously stated it is just hydraulics.

Side note - last weekend I changed the brake fluid on my Hornet - I used a Motrax bleeder valve - well worth the $ (30 I think) as you only crack each nipple once and pump. Saves fuffing around with opening closing the bleed nipples.

I may even do the car soon!

I likes the look of that thar Bleeder. May well invest in one. Ok, so the brake lines need to come off :facepalm:. May as well get it done properly :rofl:.

Thanks all.

[imdying]

I'm looking to take the banjo off of the end of the line where it goes into the MC. Then add 5 inches of hose and reconnect the banjo. Any ideas?Sure, I can actually do that. But I won't. Ever.

[mashman]

Sure, I can actually do that. But I won't. Ever.

Point taken.

One less thing to go wrong I guess.

Cheers

[Subike]

unequal length brake lines... effect performance, Na
It makes no difference, the length of the brake lines as long as the system is undamaged, properly set up thus in good working order.
If the length of each individual brake line from the master cylinder to the brakes was required to be the same length to all slave cylinders/calipers, then cages would have some very interesting brake lines.
And truck /buss brake lines would be ridiculous,
Lodgic peoples lodgic

[AllanB]

It does make me wonder why most of the motorcycle manufacturers opt for a 3 line split system as it would be cheaper to run two lines ex master cylinder or the old Suzuki front guard loop. Is there is a secret I am unaware of.

[Henk]

Could be cheaper in assembly costs or materials.
Remember that bikes are built to make the manufacturer money not always to use every possible best practice in design or performance.