Wednesday, September 3, 2014

VStrom DL650 - new pads and stainless steel brake lines

At my last safety inspection, I was told that the rear brake pads were getting a little thin and that I should consider replacing them soon.  The motor cycle is a 2006 and I had not changed the brake fluid or replaced the brake lines as of yet so this seemed like a good opportunity.

Here is the rear brake line - comes with the banjo bolts and copper washers and an installation DVD.


Here are the front brake lines.  I went for the 2 full line version instead of OEM.  A full line goes from the master cylinder to each front brake cylinder.  There is a double banjo for the master cylinder. No particular reason behind choosing the full 2 line kit - just want I found first.  I did buy the optional twin banjo with bleeder but have not installed it. 

Here are the new brake pads.  I went with upgraded front pads and OEM equivalent rear pads.  I did have some reasoning behind these which was driven by some advice on a VStrom related site.  Since the rear provides comparatively little brake power compared to the front brakes - I didn't want to promote locking up the rear so a normal set of pads was a logical choice.  I do feel that a bit more brake power at the front would be useful so I went with a minor upgrade but didn't want to get something which would wear through the rotors excessively fast.

Here is the left front line (and pads) installed.  Not much to look at but I feel a bit safer now that the old lines are gone.

Here is the rear line installed.

Here are the lines at the master cylinder.

This was my first motorcycle brake line replacement ever and first brake maintenance needed on this motorcycle.  I did take about 3 hours to replace all 6 pads and 3 brake lines + fluid.  Some of that was spent scrounging for tools and such.  I ended up using a couple hex wrenches (4 & 5mm I think), 3 or 4 socket sizes (broke a 14mm socket - not a quality item), flat blade screw driver, phillips screw driver, 1/4 clear tubing + tiny hose clamp (for bleeding brakes), a torque wrench - I have 2 but one really didn't seem to cut out when needed and I think I am fortunate nothing appears stripped out. 

Be careful routing the hoses. I did reuse some of the rubber grommet like things from the original hoses and existing hardware where possible.  I did use the piece supplied with the kit that attaches to the triple tree.  I faced that clamp piece towards the throttle - I didn't like the outcome when I tried going the other direction with it. 

3 comments:

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  2. Any pics or instructions about the connection to the master in the rear? I'm about to do this and can't find pics or info. Thanks.

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  3. I ran out of daylight to take (good) pics tonight. I think I just ran the line in same place as the OEM line. I think it is a bit of a tight work area though. If I can, I will try to take a couple pics tomorrow. I can't guarantee I'll get time since I am working and packing up our house for a move.

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