Clutch Hose Replacement

[Yamahammer1200]

Time to replace the original clutch hose.  I installed Spiegler's on the front and rear brakes, so that's an option.
But I think there's a good reason why Yamaha OEM line goes from rubber to rigid steel as it passes around the cooling fins, then then back to rubber.  Heat.
The beautiful Translucent Smoke vinyl sheath would get cooked.
I have a local shop that can crimp new lines onto existing rigid fittings, has anyone tried this avenue?

[aviationfred]

I have been using a Spiegler clutch line for about 2 years and have not had any issues with the plastic/nylon sleeve melting from the engine heat. I highly recommend it.


Fred

[Urban_Legend]

I changed my clutch line to a braided line about 12 months ago. No issues yet.

Mark

[Pat Conlon]

In addition to heat, there is a concern with vibration abrasion on the line. There is little room down there, so a small steel tube fits nicely with plenty of clearance from the hot vibrating head fins.
Remember what Yamaha had to work with and use...rubber DOT hoses. From the mid eighties thru mid nineties the braided ss lines were not DOT (TUV in EU) approved yet, so rubber was their only option. Only when the line manufacturers started putting a vinyl sheath over the ss braid did the aftermarket lines finally get federal approval.
Of course they used steel tubing...

Good news and bad news.
Good news: the steel tubing will last forever. (if careful)
Bad news: not the case with the rubber hoses on each end.
Good news: Worst case: it's only the clutch line we're talking about, so if you do get a split in the rubber, other than nasty ass brake fluid spraying everywhere, you just learn (quickly) how to rev match while you shift, and pray for green lights. It's not like we are talking about your front brakes (see my signature line)

I have a one piece Spiegler line on my '84 for over 20 years now and it's doing just fine. For heat, I wrapped the line with foil faced HVAC tape where the line goes under the fairing. The small ss line has clearance so no worries about it rubbing on the engine.

For hydraulic lines I subscribe to the motto: the less fittings in the circuit, the better.
Remember: Murphy was an optimist.

[TexasDave]

My clutch line is only 32 years old and still going strong.  Dave

[Pat Conlon]

Until is doesn't

[TexasDave]

Preventative maintenance is a very good idea. Unfortunately being a cheap old s-- I also believe if it ain't broke don't fix it.  Dave

[Pat Conlon]

Dave, you do know what just happened, correct?

You've just jinxed it.....

[TexasDave]

You are right Pat. Being that I changed the stock clutch spring to coils which increased the pressure on the hose. It will probably fail a lot sooner now.  Dave

[rktmanfj]

I have been using a Spiegler clutch line for about 2 years and have not had any issues with the plastic/nylon sleeve melting from the engine heat. I highly recommend it.

Fred

Same here. 

[aviationfred]

Here are a few views of my Spiegler clutch line.
The first photo is looking up at the bottom side of the frame rail.

[ribbert]

There are no doubt plenty of members out there at the moment for whom replacing their original brake hoses with braided lines falls outside the budget.

They could be forgiven for thinking from the posts here that they are risking their lives every time they ride with original rubber hoses.

Pat loves to flog this point (his signature line) but it's time to add a little balance to the subject. (Pat, I would love to hear of any examples you have of bursting brake lines)

As an ex Licenced Tester (a comprehensive Roadworthiness Certificate that is required for registration or change of ownership) I have inspected literally thousands of brake hoses, many on cars in excess of half a million kms and 30+ years old. One car in particular I had maintained for over thirty years and close to 1,000,0000 km's, I know for a fact the brake lines were original and still in good condition.

Car brake lines are subjected to much harsher conditions, generally do much higher mileage and operate under much higher pressure than motorbikes.

I have seen entire stub axle assemblies suspended from them (when the mechanic forgot to undo them)  I have seen them as the only remaining connection to the wheel after an accident, I have seen the outer sheath, cracked and crazed, peeling off, distended, weeping, cut, stretched by small branches caught up in them etc, but I have never seen one fail from age or mileage.

Sure, braided lines give much better feel at the lever and I have them on my bikes for just that reason but don't have the fear of God put into you if you ride without them.

Braided clutch lines are a different matter. Low, consistent pressure and no advantage to reduced expansion makes them in my opinion, bling. No downside, just not necessary.

This is a section of an original FJ brake line. As you can see, it's a little bit more than just a rubber hose and the outer sheath is just that, a protective sheath. It was also surprisingly tough to cut through.



We are all entitled to express our opinions here. Pat feels strongly about the risks of old brake lines for whatever reason, fair enough. From first hand experience, I don't.

Noel

[Pat Conlon]

I have no personal experience on hose failure, back in the late 80's I converted my '84 over to Russel lines, not so much for safety but to improve the feel.

I recall two FJ line failures reported by their owners on the old Yahoo list, both involving the antidive lines, both rubber splits located where the rubber is swedged on to the banjo.

The internet is full of opinions on the recommended intervals of brake hose replacement. Google: 'brake hose replacement interval' and start reading.

Noel, look into your Yamaha GFSM and you tell me what is Yamaha's recommendation on hose replacement?
(hint#1: pick a number between 3 and 5)
(hint#2: much less than the age of our bikes)

We know rubber brake lines expand (swell) and contract over their service life. We know rubber hardens with age.
Would you consider 30 year old tires safe?

[giantkiller]

I used Spiegler lines on my clutch and kept the stock steal in between. Just liked how clean they look.