Galfer Superbike Lines

HondaGalToo · 10-12-2007, 08:35 AM

Has anyone used the Galfer superbike lines? How are they compared to the traditional banjo bolt fittings? Pros and cons?

Shenders1 · 10-12-2007, 09:01 AM

I had them on my K4 GSXR 750 - I loved 'em. They eliminate the banjo fitting at the caliper, which (as long as you have a seperate bleeder) makes life easier and eliminates a potential leak path.

smoothrideronli · 10-12-2007, 09:34 AM

I have them and I love them. I dont know if the extra feel I have is from the combo of the braided lines and the fitting or just the lines alone but the extra feel they give is great!

Purpdust · 10-12-2007, 09:58 AM

I have them and have had no problems. They were easy to bleed as well, but I have never really had a problem with that.

phobe · 10-12-2007, 10:08 AM

I put them on my 600. Much cleaner setup, easy to install... Aim the lines outward from the caliper so they won't rub your fender. Supposedly banjo bolts can trap little bits of air so the sbk lines eliminate that.

bda116 · 10-12-2007, 10:13 AM

Loved them on my 600. Cake to install and bleed. Fewer parts to screw up the system.

ccwilli3 · 10-12-2007, 12:21 PM

good thread,

I had been hesitant to get them but after reading the comments here, I think I'll opt for them on my RR too.

bda116 · 10-12-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccwilli3

good thread,

I had been hesitant to get them but after reading the comments here, I think I'll opt for them on my RR too.

What, that backwoods "Pete" couldn't put lines on when he did the Ohlins and Bub-Rub exhaust whistle?

What's he good for anyway? I mean besides the oral sex.

phobe · 10-12-2007, 12:34 PM

WOOO-WOOOO

HondaGalToo · 10-12-2007, 01:56 PM

Yeah, good feedback. I'd heard some negative things on bda's favorite board...WERA. Something about a special type of tool needed to torque them? I must confess that I haven't torqued brake lines in the past, as the wrench usually won't fit in the tight spaces, at least not all of them. I just snug them up well without going overboard. Can I do the same on the superbike lines? Looks like an open end wrench will fit in there?

phobe · 10-12-2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Yeah, good feedback. I'd heard some negative things on bda's favorite board...WERA. Something about a special type of tool needed to torque them? I must confess that I haven't torqued brake lines in the past, as the wrench usually won't fit in the tight spaces, at least not all of them. I just snug them up well without going overboard. Can I do the same on the superbike lines? Looks like an open end wrench will fit in there?

I had no trouble torquing them with an open wrench.

I don't know what those dipshits have a problem with?

evl_twn · 10-12-2007, 02:03 PM

I have them on my 04 CBR1000, no problems at all, and no special tools required. I would buy them again over other lines

ONEvcs · 10-12-2007, 02:06 PM

One of those dip shits being me, the problem was what Abtech mentioned in a past thread. Torquing 12 lbs with a 120 lbs torque wrench is not recommended.

The only tool you need is a torque wrench with the proper scale.
Oh, and the two banjo bolts I broke were for regular Galfer SS brake lines, not the SBK model.

phobe · 10-12-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ONEvcs

One of those dip shits being me, the problem was what Abtech mentioned in a past thread. Torquing 12 lbs with a 120 lbs torque wrench is not recommended.

The only tool you need is a torque wrench with the proper scale.
Oh, and the two banjo bolts I broke were for regular Galfer SS brake lines, not the SBK model.

I use a needle-type wrench, which is probably more precise for lower torque specs like that.

phobe · 10-12-2007, 02:09 PM

http://www.motorcycleaddicts.org/att...e-fittings.jpg

HondaGalToo · 10-12-2007, 02:40 PM

Thanks for the great info, guys! I think I'll give them a shot. Do they come only with gold fittings? If so, I just want to make sure I get gold fittings on the rear line, too, so I match!

ccwilli3 · 10-12-2007, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bda116

What, that backwoods "Pete" couldn't put lines on when he did the Ohlins and Bub-Rub exhaust whistle?

What's he good for anyway? I mean besides the oral sex.

hell no, it did have a 12 o'clock bar though. Well worth it's weight in lead.

phobe · 10-12-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Thanks for the great info, guys! I think I'll give them a shot. Do they come only with gold fittings? If so, I just want to make sure I get gold fittings on the rear line, too, so I match!

Squid.

HondaGalToo · 10-12-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

Squid.

Hey, a woman's gotta accessorize, dontcha know. I like stuff to be functional and pretty.

HondaGalToo · 10-12-2007, 05:16 PM

I see one of our sponsors, calsportbike, sells these, so that's where I'll get them. Says this on his site, though: Todd Says: Some people ask us why these must be installed by a mechanic. The simple answer is that when you fit these lines to your calipers, if you have the angle too vertical you run the risk of crimping these lines which could result in a nasty crash.

"Too vertical"? Don't they just go on one way? I've installed regular lines before, are these really that dangerous to install yourself? Not sure what he means by too vertical.

phobe · 10-12-2007, 05:33 PM

Probably referring to how you're supposed to angle the lines outward a bit from the caliper so they bow outwards rather than running straight up along the fork tube. I could see how that might cause a bit of crimping when the suspension compresses. Mine came with instructions which specified this.

bda116 · 10-12-2007, 05:35 PM

I got mine from Todd.
He's saying that to cover his ass, really. The instructions with the lines make it clear. As phoube said above, you just want them angled outward from your fender slightly to avoid both fender scratches and the potential tiny risk of crimping.
Keeping them angled out will help the compression deflection of the lines bow outward as the should, and really would do 99.9% of the time anyway.

Looks like phoube hit enter first while I was still typing away.

seamus · 10-12-2007, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

...Something about a special type of tool needed to torque them...

I use a special technique for torquing bolts like these. I set my torque wrench for the proper torque and tighten a bolt somewhere else until I hear the clicks. Then I use my open ended wrench and approximate the amount of force I just used on the torque wrench.

Works every time. So far.

edit: Almost forgot. I love my superbike lines too. Much easier than dealing with the banjo bolts.

phobe · 10-12-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamus

I use a special technique for torquing bolts like these. I set my torque wrench for the proper torque and tighten a bolt somewhere else until I hear the clicks. Then I use my open ended wrench and approximate the amount of force I just used on the torque wrench.

Works every time. So far.

edit: Almost forgot. I love my superbike lines too. Much easier than dealing with the banjo bolts.

That's funny because that's exactly what I did.

Stick the torque wrench on a frame bolt and program my muscle memory to 12 lb-ft... I think I come pretty close.

Edit: Remember to hold the torque wrench along the shaft at the length of the open wrench you're using.

HondaGalToo · 10-12-2007, 08:07 PM

Thanks. I seem to recall even the regular banjo bolt lines I've purchased in the past stating installation had to be performed by a certified mechanic. I'm sure I can handle it.

The torque stories are great! I seem to recall reading somewhere that the Ducati factory has women assembling the frames and parts, because they don't over-torque bolts!

slickwill · 10-12-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

That's funny because that's exactly what I did.

Stick the torque wrench on a frame bolt and program my muscle memory to 12 lb-ft... I think I come pretty close.

Edit: Remember to hold the torque wrench along the shaft at the length of the open wrench you're using

Same method here also for torqueing bolts like that. Just installed my first set of SS lines a few weeks ago. After reading this thread I wish I would have gone with the SBK lines rather than the standard Galfers. Oh well, now I know for next time. I'm extremely happy with the way they turned out though.

HGT, I paid the extra $10 for the gold fittings also. It went against my better judgement at the time but they look great.

HondaGalToo · 10-13-2007, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

HGT, I paid the extra $10 for the gold fittings also. It went against my better judgement at the time but they look great.

Glad I'm not the only one!

Actually, the superbike lines only come with gold fittings, so I have to order the rear line with gold as well.

Got a few minor winter projects...that's one of 'em.

10-12-2007, 08:35 AM	#1
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,730	Galfer Superbike Lines Has anyone used the Galfer superbike lines? How are they compared to the traditional banjo bolt fittings? Pros and cons? __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

10-12-2007, 09:01 AM	#2
Shenders1 2 Cylinders, 4 Valves, No Waiting Join Date: 01-14-2007 Location: South Lyon, MI Age: 43 Bike(s): Ducati HM Posts: 968	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines I had them on my K4 GSXR 750 - I loved 'em. They eliminate the banjo fitting at the caliper, which (as long as you have a seperate bleeder) makes life easier and eliminates a potential leak path.

10-12-2007, 09:34 AM	#3
smoothrideronli www.calendartreats.com Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: New York Age: 34 Bike(s): 2004 1000RR, 2008 1000RR Posts: 1,369	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines I have them and I love them. I dont know if the extra feel I have is from the combo of the braided lines and the fitting or just the lines alone but the extra feel they give is great! __________________

10-12-2007, 09:58 AM	#4
Purpdust Join Date: 12-19-2006 Location: AB-Canada/Rome Italy Age: 33 Bike(s): gsxr 750 Posts: 1,445	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines I have them and have had no problems. They were easy to bleed as well, but I have never really had a problem with that. __________________ GSXR 750 - Track CRF450X - Dirt CRF100F - Soon to be a Mini Motard

10-12-2007, 10:08 AM	#5
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines I put them on my 600. Much cleaner setup, easy to install... Aim the lines outward from the caliper so they won't rub your fender. Supposedly banjo bolts can trap little bits of air so the sbk lines eliminate that.

10-12-2007, 10:13 AM	#6
bda116 Done. Join Date: 12-17-2006 Bike(s): . Posts: 2,113	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines Loved them on my 600. Cake to install and bleed. Fewer parts to screw up the system. __________________ "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar M. Ahmad, founding chairman of CAIR.

10-12-2007, 12:21 PM	#7
ccwilli3 having a laugh... Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 30 Bike(s): pps mod'd ohlins on a cbr Posts: 1,008	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines good thread, I had been hesitant to get them but after reading the comments here, I think I'll opt for them on my RR too. __________________ Cleaver, a film by christopher moltisanti and carmine lupertazzi

10-12-2007, 12:34 PM	#9
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines WOOO-WOOOO

10-12-2007, 01:56 PM	#10
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,730	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines Yeah, good feedback. I'd heard some negative things on bda's favorite board...WERA. Something about a special type of tool needed to torque them? I must confess that I haven't torqued brake lines in the past, as the wrench usually won't fit in the tight spaces, at least not all of them. I just snug them up well without going overboard. Can I do the same on the superbike lines? Looks like an open end wrench will fit in there? __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

10-12-2007, 02:03 PM	#12
evl_twn CAN CRUSHER Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Central Illinois Age: 40 Bike(s): worm gear Posts: 1,646	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines I have them on my 04 CBR1000, no problems at all, and no special tools required. I would buy them again over other lines

10-12-2007, 02:06 PM	#13
ONEvcs Bull Fighter Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Ft. Worth Age: 40 Bike(s): '05CBR1000RR. Posts: 2,460 Images: 99	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines One of those dip shits being me, the problem was what Abtech mentioned in a past thread. Torquing 12 lbs with a 120 lbs torque wrench is not recommended. The only tool you need is a torque wrench with the proper scale. Oh, and the two banjo bolts I broke were for regular Galfer SS brake lines, not the SBK model.

10-12-2007, 02:09 PM	#15
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines http://www.motorcycleaddicts.org/att...e-fittings.jpg

10-12-2007, 02:40 PM	#16
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,730	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines Thanks for the great info, guys! I think I'll give them a shot. Do they come only with gold fittings? If so, I just want to make sure I get gold fittings on the rear line, too, so I match! __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

10-12-2007, 05:16 PM	#20
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,730	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines I see one of our sponsors, calsportbike, sells these, so that's where I'll get them. Says this on his site, though: Todd Says: Some people ask us why these must be installed by a mechanic. The simple answer is that when you fit these lines to your calipers, if you have the angle too vertical you run the risk of crimping these lines which could result in a nasty crash. "Too vertical"? Don't they just go on one way? I've installed regular lines before, are these really that dangerous to install yourself? Not sure what he means by too vertical. __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

10-12-2007, 05:33 PM	#21
phobe circa 1960 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,629	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines Probably referring to how you're supposed to angle the lines outward a bit from the caliper so they bow outwards rather than running straight up along the fork tube. I could see how that might cause a bit of crimping when the suspension compresses. Mine came with instructions which specified this.

10-12-2007, 05:35 PM	#22
bda116 Done. Join Date: 12-17-2006 Bike(s): . Posts: 2,113	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines I got mine from Todd. He's saying that to cover his ass, really. The instructions with the lines make it clear. As phoube said above, you just want them angled outward from your fender slightly to avoid both fender scratches and the potential tiny risk of crimping. Keeping them angled out will help the compression deflection of the lines bow outward as the should, and really would do 99.9% of the time anyway. Looks like phoube hit enter first while I was still typing away. __________________ "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar M. Ahmad, founding chairman of CAIR.

10-12-2007, 08:07 PM	#25
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,730	Re: Galfer Superbike Lines Thanks. I seem to recall even the regular banjo bolt lines I've purchased in the past stating installation had to be performed by a certified mechanic. I'm sure I can handle it. The torque stories are great! I seem to recall reading somewhere that the Ducati factory has women assembling the frames and parts, because they don't over-torque bolts! __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.