Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

Should I Replace My Rubber Brake Hoses to Braided Steel Lines?

The OEM rubber brakes hoses typically need to be replaced every four years.
You can choose to replace them with braided steel lines.
Steel lines are more durable.

As we mentioned previously in other articles about brakes, brake hoses are considered consumables, that is, they need to be replaced some time down the road. The question then is to whether replace them with OEM rubber hoses or braided steel lines?

Before we go further, let us explain that most top-of-the-line motorcycle models are already equipped with braided steel hoses, especially sportbikes. As for those in other segments, there are manufacturers who include them as OEM from the factory, while those of the lower categories may not.

So, let’s assume that your bike is fitted with rubber hoses. Rubber brake hoses need to be replaced every four to six years, depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations.

OEM rubber hoses deteriorate over time

Cutaway of a rubber hose (left) vs a braided steel line. See how much simpler is the steel line’s construction – Photo credit crowz.narmir.com

Over time, the rubber becomes soft and will expand when subjected to the high stresses of the brake system. Consequently, you lose braking power. In other words, some of the brake fluid’s pressure’s lost in pushing brake hose outwards, instead of being concentrated on the caliper(s) pistons.

The lever will feel spongy and you lose feel of how much you can taper off the pressure on the lever. This is especially irritating when you need to trail brake into corners – the brake seems to just let go. When that happens, the forks will rebound abruptly therefore shifting the bike’s weight to the back. This will cause the bike to run wide or even overshoot the corner.

What’s the difference between rubber hoses and steel braided lines?

In a steel braided line, a steel casing surrounds the core hose inside, made of either nylon or Teflon. A PVC protective layer covers the steel line. It’s best to choose the PTFE Teflon core as it can resist much higher temperatures generated during braking.

The steel casing keeps the inner hose from expanding when the brake is applied. As a result, you have a better feel of how much braking you can apply, rather than relying on just the feel of the bike’s speed alone. This is especially helpful when you need to trail brake or letting off some pressure to enable you to steer the bike.

What you shouldn’t expect after switching to steel braided lines

Don’t expect your bike to brake like Marquez’s bike for Turn 9 at the Sepang International Circuit. Braided lines give you better feel and return some of your brake’s power, but you won’t get eye-popping braking all of a sudden.

What to look out for

If you end up getting a steel line with a smaller inner diameter compared to your OEM hoses, do expect that the brake lever will require slightly more travel. This is due to the increase of pressure in the line due to the smaller orifice, as stated in Bernoulli’s Principle. As such, the brake master pump’s cylinder needs to travel a little further.

But more critically, do look for quality steel lines rather than some el cheapo ones. Never compromise on quality when it comes to brakes. Besides, good braided steel lines could last for a long time.

Jonathan Rea Admits No Chance At MotoGP, To Focus Professional Motocross After WSBK

Jonathan Rea revealed plans to move to professional motocross once he leaves the WorldSBK Championship.

Rea admitted the doors to MotoGP have closed despite winning the WSBK six years in a row.

“To leave Superbike… it would need to be something that sets me on fire, as I’m comfortable in the Superbike environment.

“To consider something else – like MotoGP – I would need something concrete, like a factory bike, and this has never materialised. I don’t think the opportunity will come now that I am 33. SBK is my world and I’m happy. Then after the races I enjoy my little ones,” said Rea.

Rea did have a go at MotoGP in 2012 when he replaced the injured Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda. The rider finished 8th at Misano and 7th at Aragon before returning to SBK duties.

The British rider joins Kawasaki in 2015 as Tom Sykes new teammate and won his WSBK title after recording 14 wins.

Rea retained the title in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, becoming the first rider to win six successive SBK champions.

According to Rea, despite retiring from WSBK one day, he would like to keep himself match fit via motocross.

“I would like to enjoy Anaheim Supercross. Also, I have a desire to do a national motocross championship race after retiring, probably something in Northern Ireland, like a championship race in Ulster.

“I ride my dirt bike quite regularly, so I’d love to do that,” he added. – GPOne

Moto Morini Presents X-Cape 650 At 2021 Beijing Motor Show

Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini has unveiled the X-Cape 650 at the 2021 Beijing Motor Show.

Design in Italy and build in China after a change of ownership to Zhongneng Vehicle Group in 2018, the X-Cape 650 are expected to be available as early as 2022.

This is not the first time the X-Cape 650 make its appearance as it was first unveiled at the 2019 EICMA before the company decided to keep it under wraps for a few more years.

Nonetheless, the X-Cape 650 retains most of the design features displayed in 2019, including a dual-lens LED headlight and 7″ TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

Despite manufactured in China, the X-Cape 650 offers some of the best features, including Marzocchi front forks and adjustable KYB rear shocks and Brembo callipers paired to a Bosch dual-channel ABS.

The motorcycle also comes with 19″ front and 17″ rear tires.

As for the engine, the X-Cape 650 is powered by a twin-cylinder 649cc water-cooled powerplant capable of producing 60hp @ 8,500rpm and 56Nm @ 7,000rpm.

According to reports, Moto Morini plans to introduce a few more models in the upcoming months.

MotoGP: Pramac Extends Johann Zarco, Jorge Martin Contract For 2022

Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin will remain with Pramac Racing for the 2022 MotoGP season after agreeing on a new deal with the Ducati satellite team.

Zarco currently sits second in the championship thanks to three podium finish after six rounds of MotoGP.

The Frenchman, alongside Martin (who are directly under contract with Ducati), will race onboard the Desmosedici GP 2022 next year.

Paolo Campinoti, Pramac Racing Team Principal, expressed his satisfaction over the new deal.

“We are very satisfied to be able to continue on this “project” with Johann and Jorge, two boys with whom we get along very well and with whom we are reaching excellent results.

“Both Ducati and ourselves firmly believe in their abilities; we couldn’t be happier,” he said.

Meanwhile, Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Sporting Director, revealed the decision behind it because the two riders were able to compete at a very high level with the GP21.

“Johann and Jorge this year have inserted themselves very well in the Pramac Racing team. For this reason, together with Paolo Campinoti and Francesco Guidotti, we have decided to proceed with them into 2022.

“We will put at the disposition of both, the official bikes for next season as well. We are certain that they will provide us with many satisfactions,” said Ciabatti.

Benelli Unveil First Electric Motorcycle At 2021 Beijing Motor Show

Qianjiang Motorcycle, the parent company of Benelli, has unveiled the QJ7000D electric motorcycle concept at the 2021 Beijing Motor Show.

According to reports, the electric motorcycle will go on sale under the Benelli brand for the international markets.

Despite Qianjiang efforts not to disclose the technical specifications, reports suggest the upcoming model will set a new benchmark for high performing electric motorcycle.

Based on the images, there is some exciting aspect of the motorcycle that is worth mentioning.

For starters, a compartment is located at the tank that can fit a full-face helmet and is noticeable from the side.

The bike also comes with USD front forks, a monoshock at the rear, a fully digital LCD display, and a full LED light setup.

At a glance, we like how it looks and the idea behind it; however, it is still unknown when will the QJ7000D goes into production.

Nevertheless, like other manufacturers, the future is definitely electric. – GaadiWaadi

Kawasaki Lands 2022 Z900 RS In Candy Tone Blue

The Kawasaki Z900 RS garnered a lot of attention when it was introduced back in 2018, with the motorcycle was heavily inspired by the original 1972 Z1.

Last year, Kawasaki updated the Z900 RS with the 1973 Z1 paint jobs, but for 2022, the new Z900 RS gets its unique colour scheme from the 1975 Z1.

The latest generation Z900 RS now sports a Candy Tone Blue base with the gold accent, a straight inspiration from the 1975 model.

Despite the new retro paint job, the updated Z900 RS continues to be powered by the inline-four, 948cc, DOHC, a liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 111hp @ 8500rpm and 98.6Nm @ 6,500rpm.