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Brake line question

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  • Mr.Mow
    Mr.Mow
    2 years ago
    I’ve got some new bars, I need literally 1/2” extra on the brake line, answer me this.. this junction, where the metal part of the line is facing down, is there a reason for it or can I loosen off the nut, turn it upwards a little to give me the bit extra I need?


    379759B9-9758-4F43-8279-E6791669995C.jpeg
  • OlChesnut
    OlChesnut
    2 years ago
    That's the junction box for the ABS barkes.  I've got one similar (2015 Sportster Custom), but my elbow joint is welded to the box.  I can't see any reason you couldn't loosen and adjust the elbow upwards.  I would loosen as little as possible in case any brake fluid leaks.  Also, be careful not to get any air in the line.  But as long as you tighten again it should be fine.

    I wanted to get some length out of my hoses to raise the forks, but didn't have as much extra hose as you have in your pic.
  • Pedro123
    Pedro123
    2 years ago
    Like olchestnut mine (2016 custom sporty) is solid.
    If you are going to undo the nut and turn the pipe I would suggest putting a bit of pressure on the brake lever at the same time. If fluid does come out you can always wash it off and top up the resevoir.
    Bleeding an abs brake system is a bitch!


  • FBUser214
    FBUser214
    2 years ago
    Quoting Pedro123 on 11 Dec 2021 03:00 AM

    Like olchestnut mine (2016 custom sporty) is solid.
    If you are going to undo the nut and turn the pipe I would suggest putting a bit of pressure on the brake lever at the same time. If fluid does come out you can always wash it off and top up the resevoir.
    Bleeding an abs brake system is a bitch!



    Good tip
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    Quoting Pedro123 on 11 Dec 2021 03:00 AM

    Like olchestnut mine (2016 custom sporty) is solid.
    If you are going to undo the nut and turn the pipe I would suggest putting a bit of pressure on the brake lever at the same time. If fluid does come out you can always wash it off and top up the resevoir.
    Bleeding an abs brake system is a bitch!


    So why is bleeding an ABS brake system a bitch?
    None of my bikes have ABS but I have heard the stories of woe.
    I asked a good friend who is an excellent car mechanic if he bleeds ABS car brakes any differently to non ABS brakes and he said no.
    What is the story with bikes being so tricky?.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting Pedro123 on 11 Dec 2021 03:00 AM

    Like olchestnut mine (2016 custom sporty) is solid.
    If you are going to undo the nut and turn the pipe I would suggest putting a bit of pressure on the brake lever at the same time. If fluid does come out you can always wash it off and top up the resevoir.
    Bleeding an abs brake system is a bitch!


    Quoting Far Canal on 11 Dec 2021 08:19 AM

    So why is bleeding an ABS brake system a bitch?
    None of my bikes have ABS but I have heard the stories of woe.
    I asked a good friend who is an excellent car mechanic if he bleeds ABS car brakes any differently to non ABS brakes and he said no.
    What is the story with bikes being so tricky?.

    In order to do the job as per factory requirements you should really activate the ABS module/pump to allow any potential bubbles in the pump to be pushed thru. You can still bleed the brakes without activating the module but may potentially leave some bubbles inside the module.
    If your paying for a brake flush the module has to be activated to evacuate all the old fluid.
  • FBUser214
    FBUser214
    2 years ago
    Quoting Pedro123 on 11 Dec 2021 03:00 AM

    Like olchestnut mine (2016 custom sporty) is solid.
    If you are going to undo the nut and turn the pipe I would suggest putting a bit of pressure on the brake lever at the same time. If fluid does come out you can always wash it off and top up the resevoir.
    Bleeding an abs brake system is a bitch!


    Quoting Far Canal on 11 Dec 2021 08:19 AM

    So why is bleeding an ABS brake system a bitch?
    None of my bikes have ABS but I have heard the stories of woe.
    I asked a good friend who is an excellent car mechanic if he bleeds ABS car brakes any differently to non ABS brakes and he said no.
    What is the story with bikes being so tricky?.


    I don't have ABS on any of my bikes but have read a bit of discussion about ABS on Harleys on another site.
    The problems come about due to moisture in the system, not air. The system can be bled satisfactorily by vacuum bleeding when any minor work is done.
    When Harley first started using ABS there were factory recalls due to ABS components seizing up due to corrosion and HD decided the fluid was the problem and went to a different fluid but there were also questions about the factory assembly processes.
    I understand the FSM recommends a service interval where the entire system is flushed and the brake fluid renewed to avoid problems with moisture build up and the ABS components are cycled.
    Riding habits and riding style determine the activation of the ABS and the use of front brake and rear brake use also comes into play, so there are some bikes where the ABS, or parts of the ABS are little exercised.
    The factory service uses Digitech to cycle the ABS controller and valves with the full fluid replacement to ensure continued proper functioning.
    Some of the guys in the US use systems such as Twin Scan or Centurion, to carry out their own service.
    ABS also uses 'encoded' bearings which requires a different approach to wheel bearing maintenance and replacement.

  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    Quoting Pedro123 on 11 Dec 2021 03:00 AM

    Like olchestnut mine (2016 custom sporty) is solid.
    If you are going to undo the nut and turn the pipe I would suggest putting a bit of pressure on the brake lever at the same time. If fluid does come out you can always wash it off and top up the resevoir.
    Bleeding an abs brake system is a bitch!


    Quoting Far Canal on 11 Dec 2021 08:19 AM

    So why is bleeding an ABS brake system a bitch?
    None of my bikes have ABS but I have heard the stories of woe.
    I asked a good friend who is an excellent car mechanic if he bleeds ABS car brakes any differently to non ABS brakes and he said no.
    What is the story with bikes being so tricky?.

    Quoting FBUser214 on 11 Dec 2021 11:18 PM


    I don't have ABS on any of my bikes but have read a bit of discussion about ABS on Harleys on another site.
    The problems come about due to moisture in the system, not air. The system can be bled satisfactorily by vacuum bleeding when any minor work is done.
    When Harley first started using ABS there were factory recalls due to ABS components seizing up due to corrosion and HD decided the fluid was the problem and went to a different fluid but there were also questions about the factory assembly processes.
    I understand the FSM recommends a service interval where the entire system is flushed and the brake fluid renewed to avoid problems with moisture build up and the ABS components are cycled.
    Riding habits and riding style determine the activation of the ABS and the use of front brake and rear brake use also comes into play, so there are some bikes where the ABS, or parts of the ABS are little exercised.
    The factory service uses Digitech to cycle the ABS controller and valves with the full fluid replacement to ensure continued proper functioning.
    Some of the guys in the US use systems such as Twin Scan or Centurion, to carry out their own service.
    ABS also uses 'encoded' bearings which requires a different approach to wheel bearing maintenance and replacement.

    Geez!, that is almost enough to put you off getting a bike with ABS if you like to do your own servicing.
    I wonder if other makes of bikes have the same level of "hassle" with bleeding their ABS brakes?.
  • FBUser214
    FBUser214
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 11 Dec 2021 08:19 AM

    So why is bleeding an ABS brake system a bitch?
    None of my bikes have ABS but I have heard the stories of woe.
    I asked a good friend who is an excellent car mechanic if he bleeds ABS car brakes any differently to non ABS brakes and he said no.
    What is the story with bikes being so tricky?.

    Quoting FBUser214 on 11 Dec 2021 11:18 PM


    I don't have ABS on any of my bikes but have read a bit of discussion about ABS on Harleys on another site.
    The problems come about due to moisture in the system, not air. The system can be bled satisfactorily by vacuum bleeding when any minor work is done.
    When Harley first started using ABS there were factory recalls due to ABS components seizing up due to corrosion and HD decided the fluid was the problem and went to a different fluid but there were also questions about the factory assembly processes.
    I understand the FSM recommends a service interval where the entire system is flushed and the brake fluid renewed to avoid problems with moisture build up and the ABS components are cycled.
    Riding habits and riding style determine the activation of the ABS and the use of front brake and rear brake use also comes into play, so there are some bikes where the ABS, or parts of the ABS are little exercised.
    The factory service uses Digitech to cycle the ABS controller and valves with the full fluid replacement to ensure continued proper functioning.
    Some of the guys in the US use systems such as Twin Scan or Centurion, to carry out their own service.
    ABS also uses 'encoded' bearings which requires a different approach to wheel bearing maintenance and replacement.

    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 12:21 AM

    Geez!, that is almost enough to put you off getting a bike with ABS if you like to do your own servicing.
    I wonder if other makes of bikes have the same level of "hassle" with bleeding their ABS brakes?.


    I have also read where some guys do a full flush,fill and bleed and then go for a ride and activate the ABS a few times.
    Might be ok  ? Wouldn't satisfy a warranty claim. Might not satisfy an insurance claim either, if it came to light.
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    Have only ridden a couple of bikes with ABS and never had the ABS kick in. Perhaps this is because I am used to having bikes with no ABS and if you brake too hard there can be negative consequences.
    How many of you blokes who read this thread have ABS equipped bikes and as a matter of course just slam on the brakes and let the ABS do it's thing with reckless abandon knowing your wheels wont lock up?.
  • OlChesnut
    OlChesnut
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 01:44 AM

    Have only ridden a couple of bikes with ABS and never had the ABS kick in. Perhaps this is because I am used to having bikes with no ABS and if you brake too hard there can be negative consequences.
    How many of you blokes who read this thread have ABS equipped bikes and as a matter of course just slam on the brakes and let the ABS do it's thing with reckless abandon knowing your wheels wont lock up?.

    I've got two bikes they both have ABS.  I trigger the ABS regularly.  Especially riding through the hills.  I had many bikes in the past without ABS, and I remember many times braking hard and having the back end slide out sideways.  Very scary, I'm sure others have experience it.  But I've never had that happen with an ABS bike.  So on sealed roads which is 99.9% of my riding, I would never ride a non-ABS bike again.

    ABS is compulsory on all new bikes in Australia.  That's a good indication that it works.
  • John.R
    John.R
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 01:44 AM

    Have only ridden a couple of bikes with ABS and never had the ABS kick in. Perhaps this is because I am used to having bikes with no ABS and if you brake too hard there can be negative consequences.
    How many of you blokes who read this thread have ABS equipped bikes and as a matter of course just slam on the brakes and let the ABS do it's thing with reckless abandon knowing your wheels wont lock up?.

    I tested the ABS on my S1000RR like that. Did a couple of little tests, then a full lever-to-the-bar grab @ 220ish kmh. I was very impressed, I'm pretty competent and there was no way I could pull the bike up faster without ABS. 

    That thing also had lean angle ABS which was handy if you ever panic braked with the thing lent over. 
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 01:44 AM

    Have only ridden a couple of bikes with ABS and never had the ABS kick in. Perhaps this is because I am used to having bikes with no ABS and if you brake too hard there can be negative consequences.
    How many of you blokes who read this thread have ABS equipped bikes and as a matter of course just slam on the brakes and let the ABS do it's thing with reckless abandon knowing your wheels wont lock up?.

    My Hd and Bmw both have ABS. The calibration on the HD is more sensitive than the BMW. In "Enduro" setting with the BMW on the gravel you can grab the front Brembos as hard as you can at any speed and it just stops. It stops far better than i could with it switched off. Very impressive.
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 01:44 AM

    Have only ridden a couple of bikes with ABS and never had the ABS kick in. Perhaps this is because I am used to having bikes with no ABS and if you brake too hard there can be negative consequences.
    How many of you blokes who read this thread have ABS equipped bikes and as a matter of course just slam on the brakes and let the ABS do it's thing with reckless abandon knowing your wheels wont lock up?.

    Quoting OlChesnut on 12 Dec 2021 02:23 AMedited: 12 Dec 2021 02:27 AM

    I've got two bikes they both have ABS.  I trigger the ABS regularly.  Especially riding through the hills.  I had many bikes in the past without ABS, and I remember many times braking hard and having the back end slide out sideways.  Very scary, I'm sure others have experience it.  But I've never had that happen with an ABS bike.  So on sealed roads which is 99.9% of my riding, I would never ride a non-ABS bike again.


    ABS is compulsory on all new bikes in Australia.  That's a good indication that it works.

    Interesting then that the Moto GP bikes are not equipped with ABS.
    Could be just another step towards the riderless motorcycle, which seems to be the way cars are hell bent on going.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Don't forget that a moto gp bike runs carbon brakes in the dry....obviously i have never ridden a bike with them but believe they are the pinnacle in bike brakes
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 12 Dec 2021 09:23 AM

    Don't forget that a moto gp bike runs carbon brakes in the dry....obviously i have never ridden a bike with them but believe they are the pinnacle in bike brakes

    Maybe, but I'd bet my bottom dollar you could lock them up and end up skidding down the asphalt.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 12 Dec 2021 09:23 AM

    Don't forget that a moto gp bike runs carbon brakes in the dry....obviously i have never ridden a bike with them but believe they are the pinnacle in bike brakes

    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 09:38 AM

    Maybe, but I'd bet my bottom dollar you could lock them up and end up skidding down the asphalt.

    Absolutely! But we are talking about the top riders in the world here....they are called Alien's for a reason.
  • OlChesnut
    OlChesnut
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 01:44 AM

    Have only ridden a couple of bikes with ABS and never had the ABS kick in. Perhaps this is because I am used to having bikes with no ABS and if you brake too hard there can be negative consequences.
    How many of you blokes who read this thread have ABS equipped bikes and as a matter of course just slam on the brakes and let the ABS do it's thing with reckless abandon knowing your wheels wont lock up?.

    Quoting OlChesnut on 12 Dec 2021 02:23 AMedited: 12 Dec 2021 02:27 AM

    I've got two bikes they both have ABS.  I trigger the ABS regularly.  Especially riding through the hills.  I had many bikes in the past without ABS, and I remember many times braking hard and having the back end slide out sideways.  Very scary, I'm sure others have experience it.  But I've never had that happen with an ABS bike.  So on sealed roads which is 99.9% of my riding, I would never ride a non-ABS bike again.


    ABS is compulsory on all new bikes in Australia.  That's a good indication that it works.

    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 08:26 AMedited: 12 Dec 2021 08:28 AM

    Interesting then that the Moto GP bikes are not equipped with ABS.
    Could be just another step towards the riderless motorcycle, which seems to be the way cars are hell bent on going.

    In racing fractions of a second make the difference between winning and loosing.  ABS braking is slightly slower than non-ABS braking.  A good rider/driver needs that extra control in braking.
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    2 years ago
    Quoting OlChesnut on 12 Dec 2021 02:23 AMedited: 12 Dec 2021 02:27 AM

    I've got two bikes they both have ABS.  I trigger the ABS regularly.  Especially riding through the hills.  I had many bikes in the past without ABS, and I remember many times braking hard and having the back end slide out sideways.  Very scary, I'm sure others have experience it.  But I've never had that happen with an ABS bike.  So on sealed roads which is 99.9% of my riding, I would never ride a non-ABS bike again.


    ABS is compulsory on all new bikes in Australia.  That's a good indication that it works.

    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 08:26 AMedited: 12 Dec 2021 08:28 AM

    Interesting then that the Moto GP bikes are not equipped with ABS.
    Could be just another step towards the riderless motorcycle, which seems to be the way cars are hell bent on going.

    Quoting OlChesnut on 12 Dec 2021 10:28 AM

    In racing fractions of a second make the difference between winning and loosing.  ABS braking is slightly slower than non-ABS braking.  A good rider/driver needs that extra control in braking.

    In other words you might say ABS is for bad riders.
  • OlChesnut
    OlChesnut
    2 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 08:26 AMedited: 12 Dec 2021 08:28 AM

    Interesting then that the Moto GP bikes are not equipped with ABS.
    Could be just another step towards the riderless motorcycle, which seems to be the way cars are hell bent on going.

    Quoting OlChesnut on 12 Dec 2021 10:28 AM

    In racing fractions of a second make the difference between winning and loosing.  ABS braking is slightly slower than non-ABS braking.  A good rider/driver needs that extra control in braking.

    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Dec 2021 10:31 AM

    In other words you might say ABS is for bad riders.

    You say it's for bad riders. You don't speak for most.  Thankfully.
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