Installing aftermarket Russell braided brake lines on your Kawasaki Vulcan VN750 is an excellent brake upgrade. Stainless steel braided brake lines resist corrosion and improve visual aesthetics while improving braking performance. Stock rubber brake lines bulge slightly when brake pressure is applied, reducing the amount of force transmitted to the actual brake assembly. Braided steel lines reduce this bulging, increasing braking pressure and improving brake feel and performance. Installing Russell brake lines isn't difficult and requires only a few common tools.
Instructions
Removal of Old Brake Lines
- 1
Unbolt the lower end of the stock brake lines from the front brake calipers. The lines are held on by a bolt passing through a ring fitting ("banjo fitting") at the end of each brake line. Save the bolt and discard the copper washers that seal the fitting. Place the loose lower ends of the brake lines into a bucket to drain.
2Follow the front brake lines upward from the brake calipers to the splitter block located halfway up your bike's front forks. This block is located just behind the "Kawasaki" emblem, in between the forks.
3Unbolt the brake line banjo fittings from the brake splitter block. Again, retain the bolts and discard the sealing washers.
4Unbolt the front brake line retaining brackets located between the splitter block and the front brake calipers. This will allow you to fully remove both front brake lines.
5Follow the remaining upper brake line upward from the splitter block to the master cylinder on the right handlebar. Unbolt the line from the master cylinder, keeping the bolt and discarding the sealing washers.
Installing New Brake Lines
- 6
Your Russell brake line kit should include three brake lines with installed fittings, and 12 sealing washers (two per connection). Ensure you have these parts. If not, new sealing washers can be obtained from any motorcycle parts store.
7Bolt the upper brake line in place between the master cylinder and the splitting block. Be sure to route the line through the forks the same way the old one ran. Be sure to install the sealing washers; the brake system will leak without them. Tighten the fitting bolts firmly, but be careful not to apply excessive force.
8Install the two lower brake lines between the splitter block and each front brake caliper. Again, ensure that all new sealing washers are in place and the connections are tight.
9Reinstall the brackets that hold the lower brake lines in place along the sides of the forks.
10Bleed the brakes according to the instructions found in your brake bleed kit.
