braided hoses

Neepling · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Karma :

Hi all,
Just picked up a ZX6R and although they work fine the front brake feels a little 'mushy' I was wondering if it is worth putting braided hoses on? How much difference do they actually make?
Cheers

John

kt · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 21 Jun 2010 Karma :

They do help but dont always solve the problem, I would suggest you replace the brake fluid with new fluid before going down the hose route. Its easy and cheap to do but make sure you use the recommended fluid for your bike. brake fluid is an oil and only has a certain life which is always neglected. Brake fluid has a natural tendancy to absorb water and unless you know when it was last changed just assume that it has never been done. Its a job best done with the help of a friend and Do USE THE RECOMMENDED FLUID.

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

Would also be worth taking the pads out and giving the pistons a clean with brake cleaner and a toothbrush and then give them a light smearing of silicon grease. Bleed the system through afterwards. You ought to notice a difference in lever stiffness and more responsive brakes after that.
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

Rowey · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Karma :

How old are the brake lines? Rubber ones eventually degrade till they become very flexible and will bulge under braking. Loosing some of the power and reducing feel.

What age is your ZX6R? If the pipes are more than a few years old, it wouldn't hurt to change them.

Otherwise just give them a good service. New fluid, new pads, clean the pistons, check the calliper seals, check the master cylinder seals and clean and check the discs.
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ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Is it a ZX6R with the 6 piston calipers? If so strip and clean the calipers thoroughly (clean up the corrosion hiding behind the seals), then reassemble and bleed properly. If that doesn't work then braided hoses might help.

That said I have bike with 17 year old rubber hoses that are fine (RS125).

All the best

Keith
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Kai.Wilson · Spanner Monkey Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Karma :

What's the diffrance in ruber and metal hoses?

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :