Fluid contamination in the brake system should be monitored very closely. The number one enemy is moisture. Studies have shown that, after two years, water is usually present at 3 percent. A vaporization phenomenon ensues, caused by the heat coming from the brakes. This affects pressure in the hoses and pipes while diminishing braking power, so much so that a loss of control may occur.

Once manufacturers realized exactly what was going on, they quickly established a periodic fluid maintenance schedule. They recommend a bleeding once every two years and, for sportier or higher-mileage bikes, once every year.

2006 Honda Gold Wing

Any fluid that isn't changed according to the recommended schedule will oxidize and residues will build up inside the reservoirs and master cylinders of the brake system. Leaks or a loss of braking effectiveness might occur later on. In fact, you could even wind up with a non-responsive brake lever or pedal -- it's that serious.

Changing a brake fluid requires a specific procedure that may vary from one motorcycle to the next. Each system is unique. For instance, linked brakes were quite simple at first, but they had the particularity to evenly distribute the braking force between the front and rear wheel. One such case is the Honda Gold Wing 1000, which had two discs up front and one in the back; the fluid line of the right front disc was linked to the rear-wheel disc and stepped into play as soon as you depressed the brake pedal. Meanwhile, the front brake lever only controlled the left front disc.


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Honda