Shortening Braided Brake Lines

My Commando had ape-hanger bars on it when I got it but now I'm running low bars and I've got
a fairly large loop of excess brake line that I'd like to trim. It's nice stainless braided stuff so I'd like to re-use it.
The process looks fairly easy but I'm not sure if I can re-use the inner brass sleeve under the fitting or if I'll need
to find a new one. I was going to tape up the line and cut with a Dremel and a cutting disc for a clean cut.
The hacksaw method looks a little barbaric but then I love my Dremel.
Has anyone done this before?

Mark

Nevermind. I think I found my answer:
https://www.oldbritts.com/brake_line.html

Mark

mschmitz57 said:

I'm not sure if I can re-use the inner brass sleeve under the fitting or if I'll need
to find a new one.

Click to expand...

Yes, you really do need to use a new brass sleeve (olive) every time as it is crushed slightly during tightening.

http://www.rmcp.nl/goodridge.htm

Don't do it mac. You will contravene a the regulations. All brake hoses have a DOT number or whatever you call it in your country. Annual testing should reject any hose which is not up to standard. BTW it your life.

"Annual testing"
please elaborate.

kerinorton said:

You will contravene a the regulations. All brake hoses have a DOT number or whatever you call it in your country. Annual testing should reject any hose which is not up to standard.

Click to expand...

I think this might apply to "annual testing" in places such as Australia (and also NZ, perhaps}?) but not other countries. It would not automatically result in an MOT failure in the UK for instance.

If the job is done properly then there's no reason why it shouldn't be perfectly safe.

this must be a new requirement in Australia that I havent heard of, that would be a business on its own testing the 10's of 1000's of brake hoses on bikes and cars annually.

madass140 said:

this must be a new requirement in Australia that I havent heard of, that would be a business on its own testing the 10's of 1000's of brake hoses on bikes and cars annually.

Click to expand...

I don't think they have to be hydraulically tested each year, but from a discussion on another forum I gather that Australian brake lines are only supposed to be made up and fitted by a 'qualified person'. Re-usable end fittings on brake lines are not allowed apparently, only swaged fittings.

L.A.B. said:

Re-usable end fittings on brake lines are not allowed apparently, only swaged fittings.

Click to expand...

I can recall seeing somewhere that being Dot complaint for brake lines involved having that inch (approx) of swaged fitting at the brake lines ends,
so that portion of the line cannot flex, and break the fitting there.
You can buy all the bits, each being 'DOT Compliant'

BTW, I also recall going to a Registration Inspection facilty, for a 'new' registration = not previously registered.
A young lass with a large clipboard came out, and I thought here comes trouble.

However, when she started at the top and read out "seat", I pointed to the seat.
And the blinkers, brakes, mufflers, headlamp, tyres, dip switch, etc.
At no point did I turn the ignition on, or start the bike.
All very satisfactory, all boxes ticked and good.
I still don't know if that was for real, but suspect it was...

What are they actually testing for ??

Brake line no longer seems to be attached to the brake caliper.
So can't be hydraulic integrity... ?

Sheer strength ??
Shear strength ??
Ability to use it as a tow-rope in an emergency !!?

Hanging bike by front rim only tests oil and fluid leaks in vertical wheelie with forks extended, which in many modern cases, such as this Suzuki V-twin will leave oil pump pick up uncovered till engine seizes. So if can't trust your own work send your hose to Ludwig or buy a custom length and fittings assembled form after market vendors in a color that matches or contrasts with our sense of style. I straightened out a rear 850 steel brake line for Peel's front so almost a foot shorter hose run to order soon.

I've rebuilt bikes + engines from boxes of parts and now I have to let some kid in China make my brake lines?
So what's next? We'll have to have our tubes+tires replaced by a DOT certified mechanic, oh and brake pads and shoes too.

"We have met the enemy, and he is us" - Pogo

Here's the previous time we discussed this:

final-proddy-build-t11284-75.html

In the US we don't care about the brake lines. Thanks.