brake & clutch parts for S w/ C handlebars

[Eville Rich]

I'm finally turning my attention back to my '87 K75S.  I'm planning to do a C handlebar swap and need to replace the clutch cable and brake lines.  I've got the heated grips and control pad to swap over already, too.  I think my brake lines may be original, but don't know for sure. Regardless, they need replacing. I've looked over the OEM parts catalogs and can't quite tell what model has the appropriate parts to avoid an overly long clutch cable or brake lines.  In a simple world, I'd look up "K75C" and just get the parts. I'm just not quite sure it's that simple as I see various handlebar sizes around the 1987 model year.

Can anyone point me in a direction here?  Searching hasn't quite revealed the information I'm searching for for an '87 bike.

Thanks much,
Eville Rich
'87 K75S

[Laitch]

There are three types of classic 2V handlebars—high, like on the RT, LT and T; medium, like on the C; and low, like on the S and RS. There are two types of cables and brackets—the early model originals and the improved.

I'll point you in this direction.

[Eville Rich]

I'm continuing my digging on past articles and searches.  I'm going to replace all my brake lines with stainless. Likely from Speigler.  I think the only one that needs to change from the standard "S" kit is the MC brake line.  I'm seeing different info on the lengths. My setup uses the tube through the center that splits into each caliper under the triple.
1) Standard S = 142mm  (~5.5 inches)
2) I see two for "C" bikes:
  a) 165mm (~6.5 inches)
  b) 249mm (~9.8 inches)

When I compare my "C" handlebars to the taller "RT" handlebars, I'm wondering if the 165mm correlates to the medium height "C" handlebars, whereas the 249mm correlates to the taller RT handlebars.  This sort of makes sense given the relative width and height of the various handlebars.  But I I'm not at all confident that the extra 1" of the 165mm brake line will really cover the distance from the MC to the center tube.  249mm seems way too long. Wondering if anyone can confirm these lengths and the right option.  I can always ask Speilger for a custom MC brake line.

I have nothing more to go on than eyeballing, my feelings, and lingering anxiety.  I may just mount up the "C" handlebars and see how things look, measuring with a string, the current "S" MC brake line or something similar.

Thanks,
Eville Rich
1987 K75S

[caveman]

In my case I ended up adding barbacks to my c bars and needing the longest brake line. That made the bike good for me your mileage may differ.

[Laitch]

  I may just mount up the "C" handlebars and see how things look, measuring with a string, the current "S" MC brake line or something similar.

Measuring—rather than eyeballing—is always the way to go; it's just more effort. The 165mm was for the C-bar; the 249mm was for the K75C's conversion to the K75T's touring handle bar. That is the same length as the K100RT's hose to the center pipe fitting.

[D.Bachtel]

In my case I ended up adding barbacks to my c bars and needing the longest brake line. That made the bike good for me your mileage may differ.

I concur, for my 1987 C with risers that is exactly what was needed.

[beemuker]

Some are happy with these brake lines, somewhat less expensive than Speigler. I was thinking of getting a kit for my R1100
https://www.carpimoto.it/en-US/Brakes/Brake-Line-Kits/

[Eville Rich]

Well, I've got the Spiegler brake lines now.  Went with a little longer than stock "C" master cyclinder line (that goes to the center pipe).  Also got some new grips.  One I'm done wrenching on another bike (fork oil dump and fill, new tires) I'll be turning my attention back to the K75S.  Hopefully by the weekend.  I'm optimistic that the stock "S" clutch line will fit, but we'll see.  I also need to clean up the throttle gear mechanism and add some fresh grease.

Eville Rich
'87 K75S