I am of the opinion that brake line upgrades are mandatory for these old KZ’s; especially on the front. Mind you, I’ve only done that upgrade on one of my two 750’s so far, but I intend to get the other done as soon as budget allows.
Speaking of budget, I thought I’d post my parts/shopping list for the upgrades as I do them.
For my first 750, I decided to try building the stainless lines myself from components, instead of buying pre-built sets. I found a site that had a good reputation and price (mgcycle.com, a Moto-Guzzi specialist shop), and contacted them with some questions. The proprietor was a bit surprised when I told him I do not have a ‘Guzzi, but he was kind and helpful nonetheless.
Together (over a few emails), the salesperson and I came up with this list, made up of “Earl’s Brake Line Components”:
- 8 Copper crush washers, $0.75 each = $6
- 2 #600503 30 degree adjustable banjo fitting – 2 x $16.50 = $33
- 1 #600803 30 degree non-adjustable banjo fitting – $12.25
- 1 #600703 straight non-adjustable banjo fitting – $10.50
- 3ft #6000031 clear plastic covered braided stainless steel brake line – 3 x $7.75 per foot = 23.25
….for a grand total of $85.
Believe it or not, he ended up sending me enough excess line that I have enough to probably do the rear brake… someday. Be forewarned though, that the “Earl’s” brand is sold as individual components; meaning you cut the lines (here’s a tip, wrap it in masking tape when you go to cut with a sharp hacksaw), you assemble and crimp the ends (another tip: use some heat-shrink tubing for a professional look), and you get poked alot in the fingers by tiny little sharp stainless wires. Okay, it’s not that bad, considering the savings…
I have since found a couple other great vendors for stainless brake lines. For instance, z1Enterprises.com started selling pre-cut/crimped lines in various lengths (the kind that has a swivel that you screw together), so I used those on my KZ400 with great success, for even less money, believe it or not.
HEL Performance has special pre-built kits labeled/indicated as for the 750B models, and the Y models. Though they cost a bit more than doing it your self, it looks pretty convenient. I’d like to hear from you if you’ve used these!
Also, Spiegler sells separate kits for the front (S-KA0080, $109.95) and rear (S-KA0079, $56.95), labeled as designed for the ’76 B1 (surely designed to accommodate the hardline and the front-mounted caliper).
Remember, as always, I don’t endorse any of these vendors, I’m just passing along what I have seen out there… Anyway, I will update you all later when I get around to doing my other 750…
🙂