Brake Lines

24MX Throttle Cables, Brake Lines, and Kits: Control at your Fingertips

The clutch and throttle controls beneath your fingertips are one of a motorcycle’s most important components. While this is true for all types of motorcycles, it is doubly so for dirt bikes. Whether blasting around an MX course or exploring the great outdoors, dirt bikes perform in a harsh environment. Dirt, sand, and dust get into every nook and cranny. Yet when they find their way into the clutch and throttle cables, performance suffers. Left alone, the build-up of grit reduces the gap between the wire cable and the protective sleeve. This friction may result in a stiffer clutch action and a throttle cable that doesn’t snap the carb shut when released. Neither of which is good news for a riding style that requires an instant response to rider input. As for hydraulic brake lines, although it’s difficult for grit to enter a sealed brake system, it can attack the fittings at each end of the line. Replacing undamaged brake lines, though is a worth while performance upgrade.

Performance perspective

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake lines do a great job. They are though, built to a budget and over time the rubber will expand, distort, and may crack from heat and UV light. When rubber brake lines approach their shelf life, brakes can feel spongy, worse still stopping power will take a hit.

Aftermarket brake lines often feature Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE. This plastic-type tubing is hydrophobic so repels moisture. It is also pressure-resistant so won’t expand. This latter property is welcome news for brake performance as all the pressure exerted at the lever gets transferred to the caliper.

Some aftermarket brake lines also feature braided stainless-steel sleeves. This type of outer covering is an added layer of protection against dirt biking’s harsh environment. Hydraulic brake lines aren’t the only item made from PTFE. Clutch and throttle cables also use this product for its low friction properties. This lining allows for a smoother cable action and doesn’t require lubricating.

Features to look for in control cables and brake lines

For brake lines, PTFE tubing is a must-have for increased brake performance. If you’re looking to increase clutch and throttle cable performance, check out stainless steel cables running through PTFE liners. This cable type has the added advantage of never needing lubrication. As wire cable stretches over time, all throttle and clutch cables should have an inline adjuster. If they incorporate swivel couplings, so much the better. For maximum security and performance, look for brake lines that feature stainless steel braided outer covers. This type of outer cover protects the brake line from abrasion and prevents the inner tubing from expanding under pressure. Choosing replacement brake hoses with stainless steel banjos and bolts will keep brake lines looking good and corrosion-free.