New longer clutch line and clutch slave service

Nightmare

Nightmare

Joined
Oct 10, 2025
Messages
90
Location
Calgary
Bike
2008 ST1300
I recently picked up a set of bar risers from @Grand Rouge (great guy to deal with!) and while installing them I was double checking that I had enough slack from the wires, brake and clutch lines when I discovered the previous owners re-routed the clutch line when (I assume) they installed the helibar risers (I am planning on stacking the risers). Even though the clutch line can technically work with some creative routing there is a horrible bend when the bars are turned sharply (full lock is really bad) and I believe this will create a failure point of the rubber clutch line where it meets the rigid steel line.

So... I would like to replace the entire section with a braided steel line and I am looking for feedback as to which company you have used for the braided lines (HEL, Galfer, etc) and if anyone knows the total length of the line (from master to slave cylinder) so I can order a new line a few inches longer.

Also, I am considering doing some preventative maintenance on the clutch slave since I'll need to drain and bleed the system anyways plus with how nasty the fluid looked when I fist got the bike (see the attached pictures, the "fluid" in the before was more like a gel than a liquid). What are your thoughts about getting a rebuild kit for the slave cylinder or would you recommend replacing the entire unit?
 

Attachments

  • Before.jpg
    Before.jpg
    179.7 KB · Views: 7
  • After.jpg
    After.jpg
    191.1 KB · Views: 7
The business that was Galfer USA is now
G Brakes.
Just call them, it’s easier than looking at their website.
I bought two clutch lines.
I don’t know the price because they came in a complete clutch and brake line kit.
https://www.gbrakes.com/
 
Thanks guys, I gave HEL a quick call since they are local to me (neat!) they can build the longer lines that I need but I suppose the REAL questions I had were:
-Anyone have feedback about replacing the clutch line with a stainless steel braided line? Like, any routing issues or other problems?
-Thoughts about the slave cylinder? I didn't notice any issues with the clutch the little bit I got to ride before winter, but that fluid was NASTY and based on our forum it seems to be an "weak point"

PS: The motorcycle is a 2008 ST1300 with ABS
 
Nightmare said:
I didn't notice any issues with the clutch the little bit I got to ride before winter, but that fluid was NASTY and based on our forum it seems to be an "weak point"
Click to expand...
The 'weak point' is lack of maintenance. Guys who do routine maintenance by the book (or even more frequently) have far fewer problems than those who don't. Let's not blame the bike for our misdeeds.
 
Fair enough, the previous owner definitely neglected changing the clutch fluid for many many years.
 
Replacement of the slave cylinder is my recommendation and then proper regular PM’s and you’ll never have problems with that system again.

Best of luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom