Frequently Asked Import Motorcycle Questions

Commonly Asked Import Motorcycle Questions

What is the difference between Street Legal™ brakelines and Cycleflex™ brakelines?

Brakelines must be thoroughly tested by the U.S. government to qualify for Street Legal status. The brakelines must survive a battery of tests, including ozone testing, pull testing, pressure testing, and a variety of other tests. In order to pass the Department of Transportation standard MVSS-106 requirements, brake lines are also subjected to what is called a "whip test", where the brakeline is literally whipped back and forth for a specified period of time. When subjected to this abnormal abuse, our Cycleflex lines may begin to fray where the braided stainless steel jacket meets the crimp-on fitting. In order to pass this test, Russell engineers have incorporated a TeflonÆ sleeve along with the crimp-on fitting that distributes the loads of this test over a broader section of hose, there-by preventing the stainless steel braid from fraying. Other than this TeflonÆ sleeve and DOT markings on the hose itself, however, both styles of brakelines pass all of the other government tests, and the pressure ratings, burst strengths and flow capacities are identical between the two styles of brakelines.

What is a "two line racer special" brakeline kit and how is it installed?

For many sportbikes with dual front discs, Russell makes what we call a "two line racer special". In these applications, the brakeline kit consists of two brakelines, a double length banjo bolt and the necessary sealing washers. Both lines connect to the master cylinder using the double length banjo bolt and three crush washers, with the longer line going directly to the left brake caliper and the shorter line going to the right caliper. This arrangement eliminates the junction block used in the original three line setup, providing easier brake bleeding, fewer possible locations for leaks, and slightly better braking performance. Some recent sportbikes come from the factory with a two line setup, where one line goes from the master cylinder to the right caliper, with a second line looping over the fender from the right caliper to the left caliper. In this case, the Russell kit duplicates the factory routing.

What is a Speed BleederÆ, and how does it work?

Russell's patented new Speed Bleeder is the one-man bleeder valve with a stainless steel check ball and spring. This one-way check valve allows for easier and quicker brake bleeding. After installing the Speed Bleeder in place of the original bleeder valve, simply crack the Speed Bleeder open 1/4 to 1/2 turn and continuously pump the brakes. When you pump the lever, the check ball is pushed off its seat, allowing the old fluid out. Between pumps, the spring automatically closes the check ball, preventing the old fluid or air from re-entering the brake system. When new fluid starts coming out the Speed Bleeder, all the old fluid is bled from the system and you close the Speed Bleeder down. There is a patented thread compound on the Speed Bleeder that prevents air from leaking past the threads, and also keeps the Speed Bleeder from seizing in the caliper after a long period of time. Sold in pairs, Speed Bleeders are available in four metric sizes to fit most import motorcycles, both for Japanese and European applications.

What is the difference between DOT3, DOT4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1 brake fluids?

DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 brake fluids are glycol based compounds that are compatible with one another. DOT 5 brake fluid is silicone based and should never be mixed with DOT 3, DOT 4 or DOT5.1. DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 fluids may damage painted surfaces and DOT 3 and DOT 4 have lower boiling temperatures than DOT 5 (DOT 5.1 has the same boiling point as DOT 5). Furthermore, DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 fluids are "hygroscopic", which means they absorb moisture from the air. This causes the fluid to turn dark, indicating that it is time for the brake fluid to be replaced. DOT 5 fluid will not damage paint, has a boiling temperature in excess of 500ƒ F, and is not hygroscopic.

How do I get Russell stainless steel braided brake lines for my bike if there is no catalog listing?

For bikes that are not listed in our Import Catalog, we offer our "Universal Brakeline Series". The universal hoses come in different lengths, anywhere from 9" to 66" long, with female AN 3 fittings crimped on both ends. These female AN 3 ends then accept our universal adapters, which will connect the hose to the caliper and the master cylinder. Simply measure the length of the hose(s) that you require and determine what style banjo or hose end adapter you will need, thread the adapter into the universal hose and you're all set! Our universal hoses are available in either Street LegalÆ or Custom Series styles, and are offered either with or without our exclusive extruded clear coating. As you can see, Russell provides the versatility to satisfy all of your stainless steel braided brakeline needs.

What advantages do Russell stainless steel braided brakelines offer over OEM rubber lines?

OEM brakelines are made of rubber with a nylon reinforcing braid. Due to the elasticity of rubber, these lines will expand under the extremely high pressures developed by modern braking systems. The older the line is, the worse this condition will be. This line expansion reduces the pressure that is applied to the brake rotor, resulting in a spongy feel at the brake lever and reduced braking performance. Russell brakelines are made of a TeflonÆ inner liner with a stainless steel braided jacket that eliminates line expansion. This results in a much firmer lever feel and increased braking performance. Plus, the "high-tech" look of a braided line enhances the appearance of any bike. And when you consider that the cost of Russell brakelines are in many cases less than the price of the OEM lines, you have a value that can't be beat!