One of the easiest performance upgrades you can make to a modern motocross is improving the way it stops. We’ve just fitted a Goodridge Dash 3 braided brake line to our Yamaha YZ450F long-termer, and first impressions have been excellent. Installation was straightforward, with the kit including new washers and all the hardware needed to bolt it straight on. Even our apprentice had no trouble fitting it, which says plenty about how well the kit is put together.
The biggest advantage of a braided brake line is consistency. Unlike a standard rubber brake hose that can expand slightly under heavy braking pressure, the Goodridge line uses a PTFE inner hose wrapped in stainless steel braid with a protective outer coating. That means there’s virtually no line expansion when you’re really grabbing a handful of front brake. Instead of losing pressure through hose flex, more braking force is transferred directly to the caliper, resulting in a noticeably firmer lever and stronger, more consistent braking feel.
Out on the track, that’s exactly what we noticed. The front brake feels firmer with a much more positive bite, giving greater confidence when charging into corners or dropping down steep descents. It’s one of those upgrades you don’t necessarily realise you need until you try it. Plenty of riders think their stock brakes feel fine, but unless you’ve experienced the difference a quality braided line makes, you simply don’t know what you’re missing. Considering most modern motocross bikes already run large front discs, upgrading the brake line is also one of the most affordable ways to improve braking performance without spending big money on calipers or master cylinders.
So far, we’re impressed. The build quality is excellent, the fitment was hassle-free and the improvement in brake feel is immediately noticeable. We’ll continue testing it as the hours build on the YZ450F.
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