Changing brake lines on EBS enabled bike

atoyf

Well-known member
Changing brake lines on ABS equipped bike

Hi,

Is there anything particular I should know about changing brake lines on ABS enabled bike? I want better brakes feel, thus the change to stainless steel lines.

Thanks
 
Last edited:

Tri750

Mr. Knew it All
Please let us know what brand and model motorcycle you are working on.
Do you by chance mean ABS equipped ?
 

atoyf

Well-known member
man, if not Jeffrey I'd still be scratching my head, my bad, I had ebs pads on my mind... yes Abs system.

I want new lines and new pads :)
 

atoyf

Well-known member
guys... okay, fair enough...

the question was about ABS system, I want new lines for it...
 

bobl

Well-known member
Atoyf: My apologies, your question is legitimate and should be answered by someone with that knowledge. I just couldn't resist that snarky comment. Sorry.
 

IL8APEX

Well-known member
I shouldn't be laughing, but I just can help it...

The real deal is that line replacement on an ABS bike "should" be just like any other: Take of old, put new on, add fluid. HOWEVER... The tricky part is to bleed the system of all the air and cycle in fresh fluid. (One never misses an opportunity to freshen brake fluid, right?!) In order to get the fluid flushed properly and ensure no air bubbles you MUST cycle the ABS pump. This will require a proper mechanic with proper tools that contain black magic and plug into electrical places on the motorcycle I've never seen.

If you consult a mechanic about this job who doesn't speak of cycling the ABS pump, walk away and find another.

Come back and tell us how it went after!

-Tom
 

atoyf

Well-known member
Informative posts IL8APEX and Slow Goat - I appreciate this information :thumbup

I'll update with my findings and endeavors....
 

JimE

Rider
Well.... it depends. You don't cycle the ABS pump on my R1150GS you bleed at the module. It has a separate bleeder. There's a procedure. I've done it a few times but still won't quote it for fear of being mistaken. I would consult the manual.

This is what I recommend. The systems evolve and change. Different makers have different takes on it. Get a manual and follow it to the letter. Read the procedure a couple times before you do it. Buy the special tools (or equivalent) if needed. If you can't be sure of a good job take it to a GOOD shop. Don't eff with your brakes man! Safety, um... third or something. Wheelies first, right?
 

ST Guy

Well-known member
Just fine a set of lines for your bike from a reputable manufacturer. Then bleed per the manual. Easy.

Note: Some people prefer the "softer" feel of non SS lines for the rear brake.

Also note that since your bike is so new, you'll likely not notice any difference in brake feel when you switch to SS lines.
 

thedub

Octane Socks
This will require a proper mechanic with proper tools that contain black magic and plug into electrical places on the motorcycle I've never seen.

The techs at a dealership aren't magic; you can do anything they can do.
I bought a product called dealer tool for my triumph. It's a piece of software as well as an obd dongle that lets you interface with the bikes ecu from your laptop. It has lots of slick functions, among them is the ability to cycle the abs pump. Just click the button, it opens, and push new fluid through. Easy peasy and no magic required.
 

motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
To the OP, it has been my experience riding several bikes with ABS, some with ssl braided lines, that ABS dulls/softens the feel and will not provide the firm feel you can achieve with non-ABS brakes.
 

atoyf

Well-known member
I am getting an impression that ABS is a bit of an unknown technology out there amongst street and perhaps even track riders. While motogp has been using all that for so many years... does it make you a better rider without having ABS ? Regardless, I've got what I wanted from this thread, much appreciate everyone's (or almost) input. :ride
 
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