Spongy brakes

[Coronet]

Hello Everyone!
Had a question about the feel of my brakes. I have a 93 FJ with R1 front rotors and calipers. I bought the bike about 2 years ago. It is my 2nd FJ. The front brake conversion was done by the previous owner. The front brakes work well but seem a little spongy. The rear brake is very spongy. I have flushed and bled the front and rear systems multiple times and have seen little or no improvement.The ABS system is working fine. Do I need to replace the hoses? This seems like it would be very costly what with all the hose and fittings needed with the ABS system.
What about removing the ABS system. Is there a way to make the computer think it is still there.
Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Mark

[waricle]

Would some braided brake lines help Mark?

[the fan]

There are a lot of places that can trap air in that system. Try using a Mity vac bleeder to help purge it. Several members have removed the ABS hardware and ran lines straight from the master cylinders to the calipers.

[Coronet]

 I was thinking I might need to change to SS brake lines and I'm also debating getting rid of the ABS at the same time. Any thoughs on this? Has anyone taken the ABS off and then wished they had left it in on? Does it cause any issues with the bike other than causing the ABS dash light to come on?
 
Thanks
Mark

[Coronet]

 Going to look into getting a Mity-Vac bleeder, been several projects where it would have saved me a lot of time and frustration.      
Mark

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Mark,
+1 for the MityVac, a very handy tool.
+1 for changing your (oem?) brakelines to SS.
If your ABS is working fine I would leave it alone.
Yamaha, along with most other mfgrs, recommend changing the oem rubber lines after 8 years, so if you have the oem lines on your FJ you're loooong over due for new lines.

Where to get a set of FJ ABS SS lines for your bike? You will not find them specifically listed for your FJ so what you will have to do is measure each line, determine what type of 10mm banjo fitting you need on each end and go here:  http://www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/customline.cfm

Spiegler lines are expensive, but IMHO they are the best. Spiegler lines have a neat feature which allows you to "clock" the banjo fitting so you should have no hint of line twist when you install them.

New SS lines, fresh fluid with a MityVac bleed, and you should be good to go.....Hope this helps.   Pat

[Coronet]

 Guess I need to replace the brake lines as they are orignal. Damm, my wallet is already hurting!
Thanks
Mark

[PaulG]

Have you inspected the master cylinders for front/rear brakes?  Maybe they just need a rebuild kit.  It might be worth going that route first if your tight on funds.