dual lines or single with a horseshoe ???

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:24 pm

Just opening a discussion on brake line configurations. What do you think regarding running dual lines from the master vs. a single line with a horseshoe line over to the other side?

What ya thunkin' ???

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:33 pm

Some of my (sometimes out there) questions:

Even though the pressure signal happens almost simultaneous throughout the system, at a very precise level of time measurement, I would think one caliper would begin to move before the other ???. What effect if any might that have on handling at the limits (FWIW, I don't see those events unless it's an oh shit momment)

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:41 pm

a slight force acting off to one side of a rotating mass ???

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:47 pm

With properly bled stainless lines, mere mortals like ourselves probably couldn't tell
the difference between the 2. There aren't any losses associated with the splitter.

If you were pumping a lot of fluid through the system, there would be losses
associated with every bend and every fitting, and there would be losses just
from the length of the lines. However, with a brake system like on our bikes,
the amount of fluid actually moving through the system is very small.

You could make the argument that the splitter system is more effective,
because you've got about 25% less flexible line subject to expansion.

Dual lines from the master look cool and racy and cost a bit less, but the
performance improvement very small.

Just my opinion, others may differ.

Toonces

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 1:24 pm

Unless there is a severe restriction or proportioning valve or the like in your line, the pressure seeks to remain equalized in a hydraulic system. You can't have 10psi on one side of a plain split and 0 on the other, or even 0.5 on one and 0 on the other. The pressure will remain equal and balanced.

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 1:32 pm

toonces wrote:

With properly bled stainless lines, mere mortals like ourselves probably couldn't tell
the difference between the 2. There aren't any losses associated with the splitter.

If you were pumping a lot of fluid through the system, there would be losses
associated with every bend and every fitting, and there would be losses just
from the length of the lines. However, with a brake system like on our bikes,
the amount of fluid actually moving through the system is very small.

You could make the argument that the splitter system is more effective,
because you've got about 25% less flexible line subject to expansion.

Dual lines from the master look cool and racy and cost a bit less, but the
performance improvement very small.

Just my opinion, others may differ.

Toonces

+1

Couldn't have said it better.

The other option used on some bikes has one line from the master to one caliper and a shorter line that connects from the first caliper over the fender to the second caliper.

See here: https://www.facebook.com/Randakks/photos/a.10155197458375276.1073741873.10150135042030276/10155290302735276/?type=3&theater

Either method will work well.

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 6:43 pm

X-tras, "the other option" is what I am calling the "horseshoe" line.

Good comment, but just do you mean meir mortals ???😷

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 6:55 pm

I used the split lines on my 900 and then switched to two lines when I bought new and I didnt notice a difference other than I thought two lines looked better.

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 7:28 pm

Being a hydraulics engineer, you would not be able to tell the difference between the two. These systems are relatively small and with minute amounts of fluid flow through them, as well as the lines being relatively large for the amount of fluid flow. The "loss" in the system is not even worth measuring because it's so minute. So, go with what looks best to you and don't be concerned about weighted rotational imbalance in an ohhhh shit situation....keep the bike up right and your ass on the saddle....

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 3:34 am

It has been said here in the past that the stock splitter tends to trap air and make bleeding more difficult. My 1100 and CBX have the two line set-up, the two lines are almost the same length. These antiquated brake systems leave a lot to be desired and I couldn't tell the difference when I switched over.

Chico

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 4:03 am

chico wrote:

It has been said here in the past that the stock splitter tends to trap air and make bleeding more difficult. My 1100 and CBX have the two line set-up, the two lines are almost the same length. These antiquated brake systems leave a lot to be desired and I couldn't tell the difference when I switched over.

Chico

Antiquated Chico???? They are futuristic, state of the art, compared to the drum set up on my old 74 CB350!!!! But like I said, nobody is going to be able to tell any performance difference in not using the splitter....

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 4:45 am

Yes Wayne, antiquated, obsolete, outmoded, old fashioned and out of date. You can find worse but also many better.

Cheers, Chico. Dead Horse

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 5:54 am

I put the dual front set up on mine. Bled easy, stops great. Nice firm lever. I got them from Venhill. The modular part of the Venhill lines is nice.

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 4:58 pm

Got a Suzuki GSXR with the shorter horseshoe shaped connector. We had NO BRAKES with the connector because a bunch of crud collected there. It was almost impossible to bleed.

The Honda has a connector that taps air and is almost impossible to bleed.

Two lines master cylinder to caliper.

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:18 pm

There is a banjo fitting for the three line crossover that has a bleeder on it.....
I am running the three line on the CBX with this fitting.....
It works well and bleeds very easy.....

I think the three line has a cleaner look than the two line IMHO.
But the two line is cheaper Wink

Jebby