BMW Braided Fuel Hose

[Jefenator]

Hi, all! Been lurking awhile, thought I'd get some opinions on this.

Is it just me or does that braided BMW fuel line suck? I've experienced literally dozens of leaks on my R100/7, replaced all the lines twice. I keep a handful of hose clamps in the tool tray now, wouldn't go round the block w/o them. The latest leak kept weeping fuel even after I slapped on the clamp!

I have found that the 5/16" ID fuel hose at NAPA or ACE seems to work much better so I'm switching to that. (Except, of course, for that cross-section that goes through the air box.)

Anyone else experience this? Any sources for good fuel hose?

TIA

[datchew]

the similar sized urethane you can buy anywhere works pretty good.

BING usa used to have a really thin walled urethane fuel line that was PERFECT! It slipped on and off easily but didn't leak or fall off, it was thin enough that it went through the cross-feed area with ease...


but they changed their recipe. I bought some about 2 months ago and it aint' the same stuff.

It's black urethane, probably 1/4" but it's not marked. I have some clear blue 1/4" urethane for shop work that appears to be exactly the same size.

[England-Kev]

I use a yellow racing fuel line on my R80, I got from the guys at Debben Racing, here in the UK. It doesn't leak, very supple, and doesn't need clips.

[boxermoose]

The braided stuff is great - for oilheads with clamps...


Sucks on airheads - my connections all leaked as well

The Bing clear is neat - but I spentfar to much time looking at it instead of the road

I think the plain black stuff I'm using now came from Bobs BMW

[mark1305]

The yellow stuff England Kev uses looks like Tygon Fuel hose.(My favorite) Tygon comes in different materials(and colors) for different fluids. The yellow fuel hose is suitable for low pressure systems (carbed bikes). I've used it on two Ducatis and the two BMWs and really like it. It's clear, which is great for checking fuel flow at a glance when turning on the petcock or switching to reserve on the fly.

Stays pliable and soft. I quit using hose clamps becasue it is soft, and clamp it with small zip ties now. And actually I've never had to zip tie it - I do it just for safety's sake. Since I run a dirt bike style bullet filter immediately below the petcock on all bikes now, this hose eliminate the need for quick disconnects - it stays soft enough to just pop off the filter when pulling the tank.

I get it from a local small engine/mower repair shop that caters to commercial lawn maintenence types (big business here in FL).

I'm pretty sure you can also buy it in reasonable amounts from places like McMaster Carr.

[Renegade6]

BMW makes a different fuel line for the newer bikes that isn't braided. I've had mine on a couple of years and no issues yet. Although, I didn't have any issues with the braided line either.

[benway]

I havent had any issues with the braided line I've bought from Bob's and hammersley.

the cloth does fade and get frayed at the ends a bit, and the rubber cracks at the joints after a few years, but it hasnt leaked.

some people like to leave an extra inch or so in length when fitting new line, so they can clip the frayed/cracked ends off after a couple of years-- and dont need to replace it all.

about 3 feet in length does a /6.

[Jefenator]

Thanks for all the responses, guys! I like the sound of that Tygon stuff. The NAPA is OK (is WAY thicker than BMW braid) but it does seem to crack up after a year or two.

I'm ready to go with something rock solid so I can forget about this chronic fuel leak problem and focus on the BMW's numerous other issues!

[Zebedee]

Originally Posted by Jefenator

I like the sound of that Tygon stuff.

... me too

Does anybody know if it'll fit throught the cross feed area

Cheers

John

[zenben]

Urethane is the cat's pajamas, but it doesn't last as long as the original shite.
The poly is so much better that you wont care.

[datchew]

I think if you schedule replacement every 2 years, you won't have to worry.

The urethane types are not as easy to spot impending failure.
They just suddenly start ripping.
The regular rubber and braided at least show you that they're cracking and crumbling.

[P B G]

I've been using a braided line from Stoddard seems to be holding up better than the bmw stuff, atleast not leaking. Think its important to seal the cuts with something hot to keep the braid from becoming loose and then not having the grip to not leak.

[SOLO LOBO]

"Your results may vary"

I had stock BMW line on my last few bikes, each for 4+ years and never had any issues with splitting/cracking......

[datchew]

Originally Posted by SOLO LOBO

"Your results may vary"

I had stock BMW line on my last few bikes, each for 4+ years and never had any issues with splitting/cracking......

I've used the braided german stuff too on e28's e30's and my vw bug and never have had the cracking leaking problem unless the line was over 4 years old.

I only like the urethane on airheads because it's cheaper (usually), it looks nice, and it goes through the cross-feed much much easier than the braided stuff.

[SOLO LOBO]

Originally Posted by datchew

and it goes through the cross-feed much much easier than the braided stuff.

You sound like a guy who doesn't pull the lower airbox 1/2 off of a bike before trying to cram fuel line through the provided space.....