imported post
As there have been a lot of questions recently about brake fluids I thought I would add my tuppence worth. Brake fluid is a long chain alcohol. the alcohol group gives it its "hydrophilic-water loving" property which allows it to absorb the small amounts of moisture which get into the system. This prevents "settleing out" of moisture leading to corrossion and, if there were water in the brake calipers vaporization whilst breaking leading to failure. No mater how well "sealed" the system is, small amounts of moisture and contaminents get into the system over time.
the "hydrolypic" "fat-loving" part of the molecule gives it the oily properties and stability with the normal heat from braking.
Over time a couple of things happen. moisture and contaminents get into the system . Also, the heat from NORMAL braking (okay normal for a wing is combined driver/passenger wieght of 500+ lbs and then all those du-dads and trailers we all have) causes the fluid to break down. Extreme braking, or dragging brakes can cause the fluid to scorch and burn hastening this process. Haven't you noticed that the original CLEAR fluid yellows and darkens over time.
The most over-looked fluid on your bike is the brake fluid. I change mine on about an annual basis (depending on my riding).
As there have been a lot of questions recently about brake fluids I thought I would add my tuppence worth. Brake fluid is a long chain alcohol. the alcohol group gives it its "hydrophilic-water loving" property which allows it to absorb the small amounts of moisture which get into the system. This prevents "settleing out" of moisture leading to corrossion and, if there were water in the brake calipers vaporization whilst breaking leading to failure. No mater how well "sealed" the system is, small amounts of moisture and contaminents get into the system over time.
the "hydrolypic" "fat-loving" part of the molecule gives it the oily properties and stability with the normal heat from braking.
Over time a couple of things happen. moisture and contaminents get into the system . Also, the heat from NORMAL braking (okay normal for a wing is combined driver/passenger wieght of 500+ lbs and then all those du-dads and trailers we all have) causes the fluid to break down. Extreme braking, or dragging brakes can cause the fluid to scorch and burn hastening this process. Haven't you noticed that the original CLEAR fluid yellows and darkens over time.
The most over-looked fluid on your bike is the brake fluid. I change mine on about an annual basis (depending on my riding).