Squishy Brake Lever

[Mashmash]

Thanks for all the help guys. I've yet to solve the problem... I am starting to suspect the brake lines themselves. I've noticed that brake fluid becomes very dirty looking even after running a large amount of brake fluid through them in my efforts to find the phantom air bubbles.

[Sidecar Bob]

Are you still using the original 37 year old rubber brake lines?

Rubber lines should be replaced every 2-3 fluid changes (5-6 years). They deteriorate due to ozone in the air, ultra violet from sunlight, and contact with brake fluid. Have you ever wondered why brake fluid turns red/brown after a couple of years? it's a combination of oxydization caused by the moisture that finds it's way through the porous rubber and rubber particles suspended in the fluid. I think it is obvious that this reduces the incompressability of the fluid, and thus impairs the function of the brake. Not to mention what can happen if the water boils because the caliper gets hot.

If you wrap one hand around a rubber line and squeeze the lever with the other you will feel the tubing expand. This is fluid moved by the master cylinder that doesn't contribute to the movement of the caliper piston(s). In other words: lost braking power.

Modern stainless braided lines, on the other hand, aren't terribly expensive, should last forever unless mechanically damaged and they don't contaminate the fluid so the change interval can be doubled.

[Mashmash]

Why yes. As far as I know they are the original brake lines and or are at least rubber. Anyone have suggestions for good replacements? I've seen these so far...
http://www.helperformance.us/hel-brake- ... -1981.html
https://www.ebay.com/sch/up-the-shop/m. ... p-the-shop
Seems a little pricey to me, but I am cheap.
Again I appreciate all the help.

[Sidecar Bob]

How much is being able to stop worth to you? I'm really cheap too but I consider it a long term investment - some of the lines on my 'Wing are 21 years old now and as good as the day I first installed them.

BTW: Don't forget to get a line for the rear brake too.

[chewy999]

How much is being able to stop worth to you? I'm really cheap too but I consider it a long term investment - some of the lines on my 'Wing are 21 years old now and as good as the day I first installed them.

BTW: Don't forget to get a line for the rear brake too.

Two things I'm 'happy' to pay for are tyres and brakes. I fitted Hel brake lines to my bike and very happy with them, but saying that it's hard to compare with others.

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[rcmatt007]

I bought Russell brake lines in the size I needed along with the appropriate fittings

[Sidecar Bob]

2 of the lines on my 'Wing are Earl's (bought from a car speed & custom catalogue) with factory applied banjo fittings and the other 2 are from bulk line & compression type fittings my local Honda bike dealer ordered from an aftermarket parts catalogue. The line on my 650 is a Goodridge that came as a length of hose with factory applied fittings and banjo fittings with threaded ends to screw into the ends of the line. They all work just as well.