Brake fluid is an important component of a motorcycle's braking system, as it helps to transfer the brake lever or pedal's pressure to the brakes themselves, allowing the motorcycle to slow down or stop. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated or degraded, which can affect its performance and the safety of the braking system. Therefore, it is important to replace the brake fluid on a regular basis to ensure that it is in good condition.
So, how often should you replace your motorcycle's brake fluid? The frequency at which you should replace the brake fluid will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of brake fluid you are using, the type of motorcycle you have, and the conditions in which you ride.
One factor to consider is the type of brake fluid you are using. Some types of brake fluid, such as silicone-based fluids, are more resistant to degradation and contamination than others. These types of fluids may have a longer service life than conventional brake fluids, and may not need to be replaced as frequently.
Another factor to consider is the type of motorcycle you have. Some motorcycles may have more stringent brake fluid replacement intervals than others, due to the type of braking system they have or the conditions in which they are typically ridden. For example, a sport-bike that is ridden aggressively on a regular basis may need its brake fluid replaced more frequently than a cruiser that is ridden leisurely on the weekends.
In general, most manufacturers recommend replacing the brake fluid on a motorcycle every two years or every 15000 kms, whichever comes first. This is a good guideline to follow, but it is always a good idea to consult your motorcycle's owner's manual or a mechanic to get specific recommendations for your particular motorcycle.
There are a few signs that your motorcycle's brake fluid may need to be replaced before the recommended interval. These signs include:
Discoloration or contamination: Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated or discolored due to exposure to moisture or other contaminants. If the fluid looks dirty or has a brownish or yellowish color, it may be time to replace it. If the fluid is black, replace it immediately.
A “spongy” brake lever or pedal is also an indication that the brake fluid is contaminated. Air can work its way inside the braking system. As gas and fluids don’t compress in the same fashion, the result will be a feel that is spongy when squeezing the brake lever or pedal. This is going to decrease braking performance and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Consider the braking system as being a closed loop system, meaning when you are doing your pre trip inspections on your motorcycles, and you notice that the fluid level is lower than usual in your reservoir….Only two factors may cause this:
Firstly you might have worn out brake pads; as the pads wear, the piston in the brake calipers will be pushed further out towards the rotors causing the brake fluid level to drop as more fluid is required to push the piston towards the rotor.
Secondly, you may have a leak in your braking system; inspect all the fittings, the ones at the fluid reservoirs and on the calipers, generally it’s the washers at the banjo fittings that tend to spring a leak. More often than not, the fix is pretty straight forward, replace the washers and bleed the system out of air and you should be good to go.
There is one more case that is possibly, though very rare, the actual brake line sprung a leak, this will need to be replaced immediately before considering riding the motorcycle.
In short, maintenance will help keep your braking performance at its optimal level and give you piece of mind that when you apply the brakes you are getting the desired response. Don’t neglect brake inspections and regular fluid flushes.
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