Braided Lines

I would be amazed if the OEM brake lines were not braided. All the aftermarket vendors will claim sharper, more responsive braking but I doubt you could detect any difference between them.
The issues are age (3 yrs often recommended but they will happily survive 6+ yrs of typical use, often 9), physical damage and quality. Braiding is simply a means to contain swelling under pressure so hydraulic effort is directed to the pads not inflating the hose!
The braiding is often concealed rather than exposed as a cosmetic go-faster lure. The 790/865 Bonnevilles all had braided lines as standard in muted black.

 

Race setup is fine, it’s usually done to delete the splitter block and make it two lines instead of three that are fitted as standard by many manufacturers.
You just get two longer lines that both go back to the master cylinder.

 

Due retirement! People like HEL will probably have an off the peg solution to replace OEM lines in the colour of your choice.

 

Another recommendation for HEL. If you have the time take a trip down to their HO just outside Exeter and they will let you know the options available and also advise regarding 'race' set up versus normal. They will supply lines in a variety of colours and can probably let you have a set off the peg or make one while you wait.

 

I thought this article might be of interest re replacement of braided lines and the difference between road and race sets? https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesoci...enance/best-brakes-lines-hoses-braided-rubber

 

Make sure you get the address and directions from the website, they are out of Exeter on the Tedburn Road post code EX4 2HF.
It's out in the countryside!!

 

The venhill page is very good. I agree. A quality line lasts ages. I have some over 25 years old and unless damaged through bending or rubbing are as good as new.
Re racing lines. There is no advantage whatsoever. Providing there is no air the fluid is uncompressable. It could be a mile long and work the same. Race system came about after Graham Richie was killed in a world SBK round at Brands in about 98. He was riding a Ducatu, I think 888 with a hose over the mudguard. He ran over a knee slider that stuck to the tyre and ripped off the mudguard taking the brake hose with it. Next corner no brakes and went straight into the Aramco barriers. Instant death situation. So the aftermath was no lines over the mudguard. As fair as I'm aware in racing you can still use a splitter. But no lines over the mudguard. 2 lines does help with rebuilds after a race crash but now they use line operators that helps but can be expensive.

 

The venhill page is very good. I agree. A quality line lasts ages. I have some over 25 years old and unless damaged through bending or rubbing are as good as new.
Re racing lines. There is no advantage whatsoever. Providing there is no air the fluid is uncompressable. It could be a mile long and work the same. Race system came about after Graham Richie was killed in a world SBK round at Brands in about 98. He was riding a Ducatu, I think 888 with a hose over the mudguard. He ran over a knee slider that stuck to the tyre and ripped off the mudguard taking the brake hose with it. Next corner no brakes and went straight into the Aramco barriers. Instant death situation. So the aftermath was no lines over the mudguard. As fair as I'm aware in racing you can still use a splitter. But no lines over the mudguard. 2 lines does help with rebuilds after a race crash but now they use dry line seperators that helps but can be expensive.