Brake fluid, etc

Why do you have to change your fluids annually on a motorcycle when a car does not require the same?

Bikes have much less fluid, and its confined to a much smaller area. You don't really need to change it every year. IMHO I change mine every 2 to 3 years, and have never had a problem. But I ride alot...sitting is hard on fluid.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Moisture causes corrosion. My BMW recommends 2 year flush.

I flush my cars, too, at about the same frequency, and the brakes on the boat trailer.

If you don't flush, you'll get corrosion, but I bet that it would take a LONG time to cause a serious issue.

jhealey said:

Why do you have to change your fluids annually on a motorcycle when a car does not require the same?

Click to expand...

The last "car" caliper I bought was $45, for a Nissan Frontier pickup actually. The current price for a front caliper on my R1150R is $666 MSRP. That's why I change it.

Side note:As the Brembo factory is in Mexico it's no doubt that the high labor costs there lead to the $$$$$$$$$price tag!

Actually - my BMW cars (and my R1200R) both call for a flush at a 2 year interval starting with the date of manufacture of the vehicle. The Porsche I recently picked up appears to use the same 2 year interval.

Given the cost of an ABS modulator on a modern BMW - it's very cheap insurance. And it gives you a chance to bond with the bike..

My Silverado does not call out changing the brake fluid, but my Mazda does. I flush them both every few years.

But, my BMW shop mechanic has been keeping track of which bikes get flushed and which ones do not, and he says he can not see a difference in brake seal failures. It seems like good practice, but it is hard to tell if it makes a difference.

Scott

One of the reasons for changing brake fluid is that since it attracts moisture, the boiling point of the fluid is severely compromised the longer it is in the bike.

Now if you live in Kansas or you never really use your brakes hard over a several minute period of time, no problem.

But, if you ever REALLY use your brakes hard (track days, pushing near the limit in the twisties, going down long set of switch backs) you run the risk of brake loss from fluid boil (as opposed to pad fade from pad overheating).

Had that happen several years ago with a bike that I had bought and had not yet changed fluid in. SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME!!!!(or at least MOST of it). Changed fluid , no more problem.