Can no longer stand the ape hanger bars on my FXSTS and will be changing them out for a lower bar possibly drag bars on short risers but am unsure of how to plumb the brake line. Currently it has a banjo fitting on the master with a short hard line to a short hose to another hard line down the fork to another short hose with a banjo fitting on the brake caliper. Looking for ideas on the best/cheapest way, TIA.

 

Some things can change
What year bike are you working on Please

WP

 

1989

 

Get braided hoses.

Better feel in the brakes.

Not that expensive.
Might as well change the rear brake hose at the same time while you're at it.

 

I was thinking braided hoses but unsure of the fitment to the banjo fittings. Do I need new banjos or can the originals be modified? Where would I find new ones?

 

Your stock MC in the parts manual shows that it's Banjo fittings.. I would think some one replaced the MC.. A picture would be helpful..

 

I used Spiegler for my custom brake lines for my 97 Ducati Monster 900 and they're still working and I'm still alive. Easy to work with. I believe I used twine with my then new handlebars (for a scooter) to measure what I needed. Delivery was prompt for when I ordered as they were custom made and I had a variety of braided lines (colors, etc.) and fittings to choose from. They're in OH.

https://spieglerusa.com/brakes.html

 

You need new banjos, and personally I would get new banjo bolts too.

Get the braided hoses that have a outer plastic cover. The metall can make scuff marks on the paint but the plastic cover prevents this.

Spiegler is a good brand, but there are others that are good too.

 

Sorry misread your original post.. carry on..

 

Thanks for all the help. I found banjo fittings & bolts that mate up to AN-3 fittings at JP Cycle, and have hose building mandrels from my aircraft mech days so will build steel braid hoses for the front and rear.