Ducati Monster Forum

The front brake line on my bike (and most Monsters, I think) has a 90° "T" union that splits the single line from the master cylinder into two that run to each of the front calipers.

I was thinking that it would (a) reduce the clutter behind the headlight, and (b) make brake line routing easier if a single line was run from the master cylinder to one of the calipers (fitted with a double banjo bolt) and then run a second line that connects the two calipers.

I believe that some of the Ducati SBKs did it this way, since my SBK front fender has a hole in it, nominally for securing the crossover brake line.

Is there a drawback to this brake line configuration?  Has anyone done it on their monster?

I've seen it on a variety of bikes, Duc and other.  The one drawback I can think off immediately is that it creates another high spot where air could collect and be a PITA to get out.  Other than that I can't think of any real downsides

Thanks, man.  FWIW, I just noticed that the 696 runs the brake lines in this configuration.

IMO, the benefit of the SBK setup is that there's slightly less line, so it's a bit lighter, and a *tiny* bit stiffer feel at the lever ( though I doubt many folks could feel it).

I'm not really keen on how it looks, but we're not talking about *my* bike.

As yuu noted, it may be slightly more difficult to get the air out.

One drawback that Tigre discovered is that if you're not careful reinstalling the front wheel, you can fold up the brake line that goes over the fender from one caliper to another.  It can get trapped underneath the fender, rub against the wheel, and then fail.  Then you have no brakes at over 100 mph.  Then you jump off your bike in front of a photographer and end up on the cover of the Speedymoto catalog.   Doh!  [laugh]

You've already figured out that the M1000SS has the set-up your talking about.  The SBK fender has the channel for the brake line filled in, but other than that, it's golden.  FYI--I'm running 749/999 calipers, but I *think* they have same banjo bolt fittings as the Goldlines.   The first pics is kind of a weird angle, but you can see the front brake/fender set-up.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2831408331_2df62400ae.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2666556738_b6c863db58.jpg?v=0)

Some info here http://www.venhill.co.uk/FAQ's (http://www.venhill.co.uk/FAQ's)

Thanks Spidey.  Your calipers are different from mine: my Brembos have the threaded hole for the banjo bolts almost parallel with the forks.  Nevertheless, I think a 60° banjo on the bottom (from the master) and a 90° banjo on the top (connecting to the left caliper) will work.  Whattya think?