Why did they start puttin' the front brake on the left?

[xr132]

The early Rs, and 200X, and lots of others had the disc on the right side and the line came straight up to the reservoir. Then the 3rd gen R, 2nd gen 200X, 350X, Tecate, even Tiger(and many if not all other trikes) changed to the left and the line is pretty near twice as long and looks junky IMO. Why did the change?

[Red Rider]

In my opinion, the line needs to flex less, as the front suspension goes through it's travel, with a left-side-mounted front brake caliper. And where it does bend/flex, it's much less abrupt.

[xr132]

Ya, thanks, that's about the only thing that made sense to me.

[jonathandexter]

The R's also switched the rear chain from right to left as they went to a liquid cooled engine. Its a mechanical choice to keep the bike stabil while riding / braking. I.E. Reduding pull and yah.

As I am told. Not a fact ok?