Steel Braided Brake Lines on Motorcycles
Steel braided brake lines are critical components in a motorcycle’s braking system designed to enhance safety and performance. They are categorized based on their composition, function, and purpose within the braking system.
Categories:
1. Composition: Steel braided brake lines are made from a combination of layers, typically an inner tube (often made of Teflon or similar material), a steel braiding layer for reinforcement, and an outer protective layer.
2. Function: These lines serve to transmit brake fluid pressure from the brake master cylinder to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders, ensuring effective braking performance.
3. Purpose: Steel braided brake lines are used to replace traditional rubber hoses in a motorcycle’s braking system. They offer improved durability, better resistance to expansion under pressure, enhanced responsiveness, and increased reliability during braking.
Why they are used:
• Enhanced Durability: Steel braided lines are more resistant to wear and tear compared to rubber hoses, increasing their lifespan.
• Reduced Expansion: They minimize the expansion of the line under high pressure, maintaining consistent brake pressure for better responsiveness.
• Improved Performance: They provide a firmer brake feel, enhancing control and precision during braking.
• Resistance to Abrasion: Their design makes them less susceptible to damage from debris or external elements, contributing to their longevity.
Difference from Standard Hoses:
The primary difference lies in their construction materials. Steel braided brake lines incorporate multiple layers of reinforced steel, providing added strength and reducing expansion compared to the rubber hoses used in standard brake lines. This results in improved braking performance and durability under various conditions.
Historical Adoption:
Steel braided brake lines were first used in high-performance racing vehicles in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Their ability to withstand high-pressure braking systems and provide consistent performance made them popular in racing. Over time, their benefits became recognized in mainstream motorcycle manufacturing, leading to their widespread adoption as an aftermarket upgrade for better braking efficiency.
These lines have since become a standard feature in many modern motorcycles, providing riders with increased safety and control over their braking systems.