Warning: Brake hydraulic fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces, so use extreme caution when handling and pouring it and cover surrounding surfaces with rag. Do not use fluid that has been standing open for some time, as it is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) which can cause a dangerous loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you start
- The front master cylinder reservoir Is integral with the master cylinder on the righthand handlebar. The rear master cylinder reservoir is located under the side panel on the right-hand side.
- Make sure you have the correct hydraulic fluid. DOT 4 is recommended.
- Wrap a rag around the reservoir being worked on to ensure that any spillage does not come into contact with painted surfaces.
- Support the motorcycle upright on its centre-stand if fitted, or on an auxiliary stand, so that the reservoir being worked on is level -you may have to turn the handlebars to achieve this when working on the front reservoir.
Bike care
The fluid in the front and rear brake master cylinder reservoirs will drop slightly as the brake pads wear down (refer to Chapter 1, Section 3 to check the amount of wear in the pads if required).
If either fluid reservoir requires repeated topping-up there could be an hydraulic leak somewhere in the system, which must be investigated immediately.
Check for signs of fluid leakage from the hydraulic hoses and components - if found, rectify immediately (see Chapter 7).
Check the operation of both brakes before taking the machine on the road; if there is evidence of air in the system (spongy feel to lever or pedal), it must be bled (see Chapter 7).