Get better brakes: How-to guide to fitting new lines

Published: 13 July 2023 Updated: 13 July 2023

If you’re serious about performance, you’ll be serious about braking too. In our latest how-to article, Bruce guides us through how to change old brake lines, and replace them with braided items.

Check what you’ve got

Many bikes are fitted with rubber brake hoses. Over time, the rubber degrades and can swell when the fluid is pressurised, causing a loss of feel and performance. Fitting braided lines is a good upgrade for old, rubber lines as it will dramatically improve stopping power.

Before you remove the old lines, offer up the new parts to check the length and fittings are correct…

2. Drain the system

By Bruce Dunn

Workshop Expert, Datalogger, Speed Tester - Bruce has been professionally testing bikes for over 25 years. He's a fully qualified motorcycle technician who also has a knack for going incredibly fast on racetracks and runways. As-well-as looking after the 'Workshop How To' section for MCN, Bruce keeps his own collection of bikes fettled, including the Yamaha TZ250 - the bike he used to take the the 2022 BMCRC Blue Haze GP championship with a round to spare!