Caution! Direct contact of DOT 5 brake fluid with eyes may cause eye irritation, swelling, and redness. Avoid eye contact. In case of eye contact flush with large amounts of water and get medical attention. Swallowing large amounts of DOT 5 brake fluid may cause digestive discomfort. If swallowed, obtain medical attention. Use in well ventilated area. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Check brake fluid level and condition:
- At the first scheduled service interval.
- At every 8000 km (5000 mile) service interval thereafter.
- When storing or removing the motorcycle for the season.
Front brake hand lever and rear brake foot pedal must have a firm feel when brakes are applied. If not, bleed system as described.
Note. Hydraulic brake fluid bladder-type pressure equipment can be used to fill brake master cylinder through the bleeder valve. Remove master cylinder reservoir cover so that system cannot pressurize. Do not use pressure bleeding equipment when the hydraulic system is sealed with master cylinder reservoir cover and gasket in place.
1. Bleed front and rear brakes separately. Remove bleeder valve cap. Install end of a length of clear plastic tubing over caliper bleeder valve. Place opposite end in a clean container.
a. Front brake bleeder valve-see Figure 1-28.
Figure 1-28. Front brake bleeder valve
b. Rear brake bleeder valve-see Figure 1-29.
Figure 1-29. Rear brake bleeder valve
2. Stand motorcycle upright. Clean and remove covers to master cylinder reservoir.
3. Add DOT 5 SILICONE BRAKE FLUID to master cylinder reservoir.
- a. Front brake master cylinder reservoir: Fluid level should be at FILL LEVEL. See 2.17 Front brake master cylinder/reservoir.
- b. Rear brake master cylinder reservoir: Fluid level should be 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) below reservoir’s gasket surface. See 2.19 Rear brake master cylinder/reservoir.
Note. Do not fill above the rear brake reservoir above the top of the sight window at the rear of the reservoir.
4. Depress and hold brake lever/pedal to build up hydraulic pressure.
5. Open bleeder valve slowly about 1/2-turn counterclockwise; brake fluid will flow from bleeder valve and through tubing. When brake lever/pedal has moved its full range of travel, close bleeder valve (clockwise). Allow brake lever/pedal to return slowly to its released position.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until all air bubbles are purged.
7. Remove clear plastic tubing and tighten bleeder valve to 9.0-11.3 Nm (80-100 in-lbs.) Install bleeder valve cap.
8. Verify master cylinder fluid level as described in step 2.
Warning! After completing repairs or bleeding the system, always test motorcycle brakes at low speed. If brakes are not operating properly or braking efficiency is poor, testing at high speeds could result in death or serious injury.
9. Attach covers to master cylinder reservoirs. Tighten screws on covers to 0.7-0.9 Nm (6-8 in-lbs).