I have seen fluid leak damage to calipers and master cylinders on a wide range of year models. The worst was a 2002 LT using the "I never change brake fluid in cars, so, no bikes either" argument. The front line had a leak that migrated down to the caliper and corroded everything in its path also the wrong side of the pistons and seals . Loose banjo fittings, failing rubber,and spillage can destroy paint and aluminum...but most know that.
Another 1150RT had so much crud in front master cylinder from same theory,and two of the screws were broken from hamfisting and not cleaning up a spill at some point in its life. That one needed a $450ish new master cylinder/lever housing. Routine maintenance woulda-shoulda kept that from happening.
Yes, the fluid gets dirty quick, low volume and how one uses brakes may speed that up. I have noticed like Kevin, the F series seem to darken quickly.
I flushed my Cummins Dodge twice in its 140K life so far...a lot of fluid and it was black coffee both times.
I recall a response from a member that stated in engineer speak, that does not matter the color as the fluid still is doing its intended purpose...well, that may be, however, I'm sticking with my routine and the service schedules.
I go with the first year being an in service date as the time it sits in a warehouse or showroom doesn't actuate the brakes, starting degredation. Even the whizzy brakes shouldn't scare folks from a maintenance plan. Most bikes,excluding the whizzys, can be bled in less than a half hour...no brainer here.
Another 1150RT had so much crud in front master cylinder from same theory,and two of the screws were broken from hamfisting and not cleaning up a spill at some point in its life. That one needed a $450ish new master cylinder/lever housing. Routine maintenance woulda-shoulda kept that from happening.
Yes, the fluid gets dirty quick, low volume and how one uses brakes may speed that up. I have noticed like Kevin, the F series seem to darken quickly.
I flushed my Cummins Dodge twice in its 140K life so far...a lot of fluid and it was black coffee both times.
I recall a response from a member that stated in engineer speak, that does not matter the color as the fluid still is doing its intended purpose...well, that may be, however, I'm sticking with my routine and the service schedules.
I go with the first year being an in service date as the time it sits in a warehouse or showroom doesn't actuate the brakes, starting degredation. Even the whizzy brakes shouldn't scare folks from a maintenance plan. Most bikes,excluding the whizzys, can be bled in less than a half hour...no brainer here.