Blkburd

I am working on the Blackbird's ergos and have had a set of custom riser bars made for it as an experiment. These risers are SIGNIFICANTLY higher and further back than stock, like 5" higher and 3" further back. On the front brake, the line goes down to a 3 way block with a hard pipe going across the fender to another 3 way block. One cannot just buy a longer brake cable. In fact, one cannot replace it with two brake cables. I see some references in the torque spec table to a "10mm" pipe joint. All of the aftermarket brake lines have an option for a pipe joint end fitting that is 3/8 x 24, which is the more-or-less standard brake joint for the US and many foreign made vehicles. 10mm and 3/8 is VERY close to the same and it is virtually impossible to just look at them and see the diff. Does anyone have any knowledge whether the pipe joints in these places on the Hondas is 10mm or 3/8"? I know the Banjo bolts on the honda are 10mm x 1.25mm threads. Maybe the pipe joints are also metric? Specifically, has anyone replaced the front brake hose with a longer one...and how?
Ed Lee

testrider

Just get a set of stainless steel brake line like Galfer that come in 2 lines that go directly from the front brake master cylinder to the left and right calipers and you can remove the hard line and junction all together. Mine has Heli bars but it's only about 1" taller than stock. You can get any length of Galfer lines if you like (+1", +2", +3" etc...). I got +2 for my Heli bars but it's still too long.
See some pics here (my 97 XX with Galfer lines) and you can click on them to see a bigger picture:

Motorcycle Brake Works

PS: Do you have pics of your custom bars? How much does it cost you?

Blkburd

Testrider, I am going to have to look again, but as I recall, the 3 way block on the left side has one hose to the left caliper and one that goes to the rear brakes. If that recollection is correct then you can't simply hook up two hoses from the master cyl, one to right and one to left. As for pics, I am going to take some and post them next week when I get back from EASToc 07 (I have an ST1100 also).
Ed Lee, Lancaster, SC

testrider

Ed, take a look at the pics. One of the pic is the OEM hose and hard line that I removed and were replaced by the Galfer 2-line kit. The block you see on the left side is actually 2 junction blocks, screw together by the bolt you see. The block that has the line that goes to the rear is still there. The 2 blocks are just bolted together. If this is still not clear, let me know and I'll take some more pics for you.
-mike-

Trev

If what you're after is a longer line from the master cylinder to the first block (on the r/h side of the forks), then contact Goodridge in the UK (GOODRIDGE braided brake hoses and fittings). Although they sell a complete (10 line!) replacement kit for the 'Bird's brake hoses, they will - if you are persistent - sell you the line you want and will make it longer than stock for a nominal extra cost. This way you could get away with just the one line. I've got a full set on my bike, but needed a longer line from the master cylinder when I bought some bar risers - from memory, the one line cost me about £20, with postage.

They'll also sell you a clutch hose (again, longer length) that does away with the solid pipe.

It's good quality stuff, and is widely used over here.

Blkburd

Testrider. On looking more closely I see you are correct. On the left side is actually two separate blocks just bolted together. Now that I am looking for it I can see that. At first, the two blocks appeared to be a single block. Thanks for pointing that out.
Ed...PS Gone to the Blue Ridge Parkway for four days leaving in the am.

testrider

Have fun and be safe.

corky51

Do you have photos of your custom risers? sounds just what I need. thanks.

Blkburd

Corky, I sold the bike. I can't take a photo of the installation any longer.
Ed

corky51

thanks anyway.