Front brake hose to steel line

[degreaser]

I have a 2004 1500 classic with a single front brake caliper. The bike has stock brake hoses on it now. The front brake works good but I feel things could be better. So in my thoughts to have better braking power, I bought a Spiegler stainless steel front only brake line which I have not installed yet. I guess I bought the Spiegler line before thinking this through. I mean, when I told my brother-in-law about my new steel line, he said I didn't need it and that my stock hoses were fine. My question is, would you guys recommend I install the steel line or should I keep my front stock hose as is.

[Silent Sam]

..Well I have two disc's on the front of my 02 Nomad...But that steel brake line sounds like it would look good..even if it's not "needed"...and you already have it !

[cactusjack]

Is it a stainless steel brake line or is it a braided stainless steel hose?

[degreaser]

It's a black coated stainless steel braided brake line

[Yellow Jacket]

Since your bike is a 2004, the stock rubber brake line is probably nearing the end of it's life. Since you have the steel line already, go ahead and use it.

[recumbentbob]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

Since your bike is a 2004, the stock rubber brake line is probably nearing the end of it's life. Since you have the steel line already, go ahead and use it.

+1 use it.

[jjg3]

You can look around on different boards and see, generally, what other riders think. Not knowing me from Adam, it's my opinion, and most other riders, that stainless braided is noticeably better than non-stainless stock lines every time. Usually the case is that over time you can pull the brake lever in to touching or near touching the throttle and bleeding doesn't make it better. You can tie the brake lever back overnight and the first few stops of the day will be rock solid, then the lever will get progressively more 'mushy'. I think this is a factor of the stock line expanding under pressure where a SS line won't, not even a little bit. So you get that rock solid, 2-finger braking which is why folks go to stainless. I had a Bonneville America that had suck front brakes from new that was only resolved with SS braided lines, it's a 'known issue' in that community. Your brakes may feel fine, but I would hazard they will feel better with stainless (or even new stock lines, but you have the SS). My 09 Nomad brakes are fine but I have a set of SS braided lines (I got because they were on sale) waiting to go on some weekend when I get motivated. I don't know that I'd put much stock in someone's opinion who doesn't know the basic virtue of SS braided brake lines. It's pretty common knowledge.

It's not a high-end task to change the brake line, but you do have to have some basic technical competence (not to knock you, just sayin). I'd put it at a good task for a novice do-it-yourselfer. But much more critical than making it go, is making it stop. You don't have to be comfortable with doing it if it's first time, but you have to be damn sure it's right before you go test riding.

[ringadingh]

I'd use the SS braided line if you have it, you will notice a much more positive brake feel in the lever. Whenever I will replace my oem lines I'll be sure to use the braided ones.

[reaper]

You got it, use it.

[VulcanE]

Two or three years ago, I swapped out all my lines for the braided SS lines, and while I didn't notice any difference in the clutch, there was a drastic difference in braking. The first time I tried to come to a stop, I locked both wheels up. I used my normal pressure. There is that much of a difference in the 2 lines.