Z1OwnersClub GB

I am considering replacing the brake lines on my z1100r. I have the choice of the following, which I wonder if there is a best setup.

1 Just replace the lines as there are. Single to splitter and then 2 x single lines down to calipers. (As the bike is now, but I am not relying on the splitter to have the pressure switch).

2 Single line down to one caliper then double banjo bolt over to the other caliper. (I have this on my Rickman).

3 Two single lines from a double banjo from the master cylinder down to each caliper.

best to have 2 single lines from the master cylinder to each calliper

There is no real best set up from an operational point of view (that you would notice on the road) so it's down to personal preference.
I favour option number 2, single line to one caliper then over to the other, for no other reason than it uses the shortest line run (and the least fluid to shift) and i think it's a neater look.

I use option 3 with -2 hose and find that gives me the best feel with my 6 pots.
Option 2 gives least compressible volume of fluid and is probably the best if you have crap brakes.

Option 2 for me Mike, which I think is standard on most Suzuki sports bike's, but I do 'stand to be corrected'.

I'm sure I've seen Option 2 banned in some racing regs. Don't know why though.

Some racing regs state that you have to have two seperate lines from your master cylinder to each caliper, or words pritty much to that effect. The reason, or so I've been led to believe is in case one line should become damaged you've still got the other line intact.
However, if you get a leak in the system regardless of where it is & regardless of how many pipes/joints you have or don't have, etc there are in the circuit you will loose your brakes, end of !
Can't really understand why they insist on this for racing
If, however, each line had a hydraulic fuse fitted then a leak in one caliper line would not affect the other, so you would at least have one front brake working. Unless the leak was at the master cylinder.

Yeah I agree and that's why I couldn't think of an obvious reasons for banning the 'over the mudguard' type brake lines.

Perhaps they've seen incidents where the mudguard has been ripped off (which one does see sometimes in close racing) and taken out the joining brake line.

Guyz, As you know I'm the Z1OC Inhouse engineering soloutions guy....

So here is my option on this dilema....

TWO master cylinders.

One on the right for the right caliper, and one on the left for the left caliper.
Thus we have a fail safe "split" system.

You will now all be asking..."what about the clutch lever"...Simple.....Fit a modified semi automatic gearbox or transmission to give it the correct name. Thus the clutch lever and cable can now get bined.

The rear brake will obviously remain unaffected.


Glad to be of help.


Jimmock. BscEng, MIRTE, MIMI, Techeng, etc etc etc

If i remember correctly the old Guzzi Lemans had the rear brake operating the rear disc and one front