Vf 500 brake parts

Bought a '86 Vf 500 back in December, and I've never been thrilled with the way the front brakes work. Takes quite some lever effort, pulls in close to the grip, and always feels a little soft. The bike stops OK, just don't know how reliable they'll be in an emergency.
So, I tired bleeding the brakes and completely replacing the fluid, it seemed to help, but nothing earth shattering. I decided to replace the front brake lines next, only Service Honda says they're no longer available. Arg!!!! The top one is still available, just not the two lowers.
Has anyone else run into this problem, and does anyone know where to get some brakelines for this bike.

 

Are you sure that it is the brake lines? Have you tried having the calipers rebuilt? In general, the front brakes on this bike aren't that bad. It might be cheaper tearing them down and giving everything a good cleaning first. I'd look to make sure the the pistons are not seized or hanging up.

 

No, I'm not sure the brake lines are the entire problem. But, when I bled the brakes I pulled both calipers off to clean and grease all the pins and I made sure that all the pistons were also free to move. If I squeze the brake lever while holding the brake lines I can feel them moving in my hand, so I just figured I'd start with the lines since they were the easiest parts to get at.
It is also possible I'm just being overly crutucal in comparing them to my 6 gen.

 

Like you, I have both bikes, and you can't compare the two. The 6th Gen brakes are light years ahead of the VF, but yet, the VF brakes aren't bad. I would just go through them and if everything appears to be operational, then they should be good. Also, with fiber brake lines, I believe it is normal that you would feel some expansion of the line under pressure.

 

Go with Stainless Steel. If you could get the OEM, the price is equivalent. After 25 years, the rubber brake lines expand when the brakes are used.

The stainless steel lines will give you better feedback, and only slightly improved braking compared to 25yr old OEM, but it's better than relying on Old brakelines to stop you.

The only person I know that has them in stock is:

DODGE RACING PRODUCTS
16503 Glenfurness Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078
U.S.A.
Tel: (704) 892-7961
Fax: (704) 892-7961
E-Mail: info@drp123.com

However, you may find some on E-bay and some manufacturers will do custom jobs that aren't that expensive.

Note: The best stainless steel setup is to get the double banjo at the MC that bypasses the "T" by the forks. Be sure to get some sort of protective sleeve because stainless steel lines are very abrasive.

 

Thanks Mason, I'll give them a call.

Once had someone servicing my truck lay the neutral safety switch wires across the braided steel fuel line. Took me the better part of the weekend to find that short!