Steel braided brake hose

[Herghott]

Hi guys,

recently I've fitted HEL steel braided brake hose on my MK1 Vara. I decided to fit just front part, that means from brake pump to front callipers.

Overall, after changing also brake fluid, the result isn't very impressive. Brake lever is slightly harder, but no major change while braking, neither in braking distance.

I saw some Varas with complete steel hoses (probably Greek or German). Do you think that if I'd change all hoses it will get much better?

Herghott

[Athanman]

Peter here in South is very common this change especially in models like yours (non abs).Better change all hoses if you can afford . You will feel the difference at once .

[Two Plugs]

I was planning to replace the hoses for steel braided ones on my previous bike, but my tuner and braking specialist adviced me not to do so regarding the CBS/ABS brakes.
Can't recall the details, but it had to do something with pressure valves or something like that...

[SB]

Changing to Braided hoses will not improve the overall  braking performance.

Standard hoses expand a bit when pressure is applied. Braided hoses expand much less.

The result is that the brake lever has to move a shorter distance to reach the same braking pressure when braided hoses are fitted.

The main advantage (other than blingy looks) is that you will get more feedback through the lever telling you when the wheel is about to lock up. If you have ABS this is of no use whatsoever but if you have an earlier bike it may help in wet, muddy conditions etc.

SB

[short-alex]

Hi..

I changed on my MK1  after 70tkm to steel hose years ago. I was riding then app. 10tkm on the steel once.
Try to remind. It was as SB said a more straight feedback situation.
Mentally it felt that you have a better/more braking power - with no technically background(as SB said)... 

Cheers
lex

[jackyork]

I agree with all the answers and add that to check if you need new brake hoses, watch and/or hold them while applying the brakes. You will feel the bulge and it should be obvious  if they are failing. The originals are, after all, designed for a purpose and will only fail through old age.

Jack