Brakes

[Rudy Koch]

I'm new here to the Kawasaki Voyager world. I just got a 2002 Kawasaki Voyager 1200 with 41000km on it. The bike is totally mint. I have a question to all you other owners, are the front brakes usually very soft and spongy i guess that the word i would use. And would a new set of brake pads all around help this issue?

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Welcome Rudy, the sponginess of the brakes could be air in the brake lines needing bleed out or the brake lines them self need replaced as they can weaken over time and like an old garden hose swell under pressure reducing your braking power. I have a 2001 and have pretty much decided to replace my lines with braided Stainless Steel lines but since I just lost my job I may end up replacing with OEM to save some money.
Replacing the pads isn't that hard or expensive but if the pads are making contact with the rotor and the rotor isn't scored (pad material still in service thickness range) then I would bleed the brakes.
Also check the brake fluid, if it has any color to it other than clear replace it and bleed new through the lines. Brake fluid by nature will draw moisture out of the air and starts to discolor, eventually turning the color of root-beer or cola. Typically about every 2 years (maybe 3) you should change the fluids in the brakes and clutch. Very easy job to do and one liter/pint can will usually take care of it.

[kjsett]

Here is where I humbly tell others a sad story to save them from grief.
"DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO KEEP THE BRAKE FLUID OFF OF THE DASH OR ANY OTHER PARTS OF THE BIKE"!!!!!!
I got in a hurry and replaced the brake pads on the front of the bike. No problem with the 1st rotor, but the second wouldn't push back in to make room for the new pad (i am sure you have all figured what i did wrong). Yes, i didn't open the reservoir up to allow the fluid to flow back up into it (thus pressurizing it). Well, I opened it up, put a rag over it and something directly under it. Then, with my back kinda of to it, I pushed the cylinder in, and the fountain that came out was impressive. What I hadn't notice was a gust of wind had blown the rag off.
So first lesson, try not to be in a hurry working on your bike (i keep learning that one).
Be very, very, very careful with Brake Fluid around your bike (be sure to make sure any spillage won't get on the bike "anywhere".

I quickly cleaned up as best I could, then even washed the bike. Too late. In no time the black dash on the right side was turning white. I used Vinyl cleaner to work it and it did look better.
Buuuuuuttttttt, only a few days later i opened the door to the pressure fittings (haven't replace the front with progressives yet) and it came off in my hand. The plastic was cracked around the glove box compartment (what else do you call it) and deteriorated. I contacted Carl Leo and he talked me into a used one for quite a bit less then new and sent it to where I would be half way through my trip. I put it on yesterday, and it was in very good condition and went on fine (what else would you expect from Carl).
I went through the changing of all three reservoirs months ago, and then only one drop made a white spot. You would think I would have learned. I have now. So I hope my misfortune will save others grief.
Enjoy,
Ken
PS. Starting back toward home Friday and temps in California Thursday will be up to 107F (and that is the Northern part.

[Mr Jensee]

My ZRX1100 was the first bike I owned with both brake and clutch that had reservoirs. I was warned early that brake fluid, paint and plastic dont play well together. I use old worn bath towels now to cover any bike parts that have any possibility of brake fluid landing on any of it. I might want to recommend a product I have used that I picked up years ago to shine up black engine and plastic parts of the ZRX. It is called S-100 Engine Brightener. It really brings back the black on plastics stained by brake fluid and grayed by UV rays.