I set aside time this morning to work on the front brakes. As I mentioned prior, I had ordered some Spiegler lines through Brock's. I opted for the black lines with black ends, but there are many color varities to choose from.
I have the rear brakes and clutch lines as well, but today it is just the fronts!
Product info:
One nice feature with the Spieglers, is that they feature ends that you can rotate if need be, and a tool is included:
Basically you clamp them into the vice using the supplied pieces, and rotate them to your desired position. In my case, they fit perfectly as-is!! It is nice to have an easy option, though, just in case there is a little bind, especially if you have a modified front end setup.
In order to get the system dry quickly, I soaked the fluid right out of the master cylinder. This job can be a mess, and patience is a must!
Got it all!
I used a $40 vacuum brake bleeder, from Autozone.
These work well for me. One important thing is that you must pump up vacuum pressure BEFORE you open the bleeder on the caliper...otherwise it won't work!!
I removed the Yamaha plate from under the headlight, really a requirement for this job!
I removed everything with little mess, and fitted up the new lines. Make sure to look at how the old ones are oriented! The lines include the required crush washers. They are aluminum. Follow the torque specs on the included instructions!
I also cleaned up the calipers and installed new EBC HH pads. It is easier to do this before you attach the new lines. Watch for any fluid to leak out as you manipulate the caliper!
I used the old rubber bushings to protect the lines. I simply cut the stock lines and removed them.
I also "squished" the factory brackets, so as to clamp the line a little tighter and keep the rubber bushing in place. A little bit is all it takes, and it is easily done with pliers.
The work paid off, beautiful fitment!! The lines are the perfect length, and the ends have the proper bends. I also used the small rubber "cover" off of the stock lines that covers the bolt at the master cylinder. I love the black lines!
I will give a full ride report once I can get the bike out and bed the pads in. I'd like to get the other lines done as well, so that could be a few days. I have no reason to expect anything but a massive improvement, however!
Brake upgrades are popular on the early Gen 1. For now I just wanted to improve what I have. I have a setup for USD forks and radial brakes that I might add in the future, so I wanted to stick with the oem for now.