Brake fluid change

[krasmu]

Hello everyone.
I ended up having minor knee surgery in late September, which put my riding on hold for a few weeks. I decided it was a good time to do some of the maintenance items I've been putting off. The old girl got new Pirelli MT-66 front and rear. Dennis Kirk had a sale and got the pair for under $200. Installed brake pads and brake fluid front and rear as well as rebuilt front master cylinder. Of course while she was down she also got an oil and filter and new final drive fluid. She is ready for next season already now.
I wanted to mention what I found with the brake fluid. My bike is a 1990 and I can only guess it was the factory brake fluid with 47k miles on it. The front brake starting acting like it was vapor locking on me so I had to double clutch the brake lever to stop each time. What I found once inside was that the fluid had turned to complete sludge. An orange sludge. Took some doing to clean it all out as best I could. Was really wishing at this point that I had grabbed some of those new brake lines from California, but I made do with what I had. In any event, I got clean fluid flowing through and new parts in the master cylinder. So a heads up out there for anyone who has an older bike who may not have inspected or changed the brake fluid. Pull the cover and do a visual inspection. You might be glad you did.

[cushman eagle]

Krasmu
I have been in the habit of changing the clutch and brake fluids every 2-3 years,and am still surprised how dirty it looks every time

[Dave]

If I recall correctly, Kawasaki specifies changing brake fluid every two years or 24k miles.

[SgtSlag]

Agreed on the brake fluid. DO NOT overlook the fork oil, either! Most overlooked item on a sad majority of bikes! I don't bother disassembling them, I just pull the top caps, pull the bottom drain plugs, then refill. Dexron ATF is 8 viscosity, cheap as can be, and if you get the Dexron VI version, it is full synthetic -- lasts twice as long. Any fluid, anywhere, needs to routinely be replaced. Some folks just do not understand, don't care, or choose to lie to themselves saying, "It will be OK, as long as I don't touch it..."


I don't git' it... Cheers!

[krasmu]

Yes, I agree and now that I've seen the brake fluid condition, the forks and clutch on the the agenda this winter.

[cushman eagle]

I should have added,I also change fork oil every 2-3 years.

[HMB Don]

Just a heads up, I've got those brake lines in stock plus brake pads

[GrandpaDenny]

Don, which brake pads do you carry? Galfer, right? How much are they? Do you sell them per caliper or as a complete set for the bike?

[ekap1200]

Just a heads up, I've got those brake lines in stock plus brake pads

And they fit perfectly, preform well and look great. Thanks Don, I'm good for another 100,000 .

[HMB Don]

Per set, $25.00 each. So $75.00 for 3 sets.

[krasmu]

Don, I'll be installing a set of those lines next brake job.

[cushman eagle]

Krasmu,I was extremely impressed with the improved feel of the brakes after installing those lines, more than worth the money!