1150GS front brake

[carlhowe]

The following has happened three times now, all within the last 4k. Front brake works fine then in a very short space of time the lever starts coming back to the bar and sod all front brake. On checking the fluid reservoir has been nearly empty. Filling it and clamping lever back to bar to let air rise/out seems to work.

I know it is my fault for not checking the brake fluid before every ride - but who does? (most car drivers probabaly do not check theirs between services).

There are no obvious signs of a leak and brakes are fine the rest of the time. So where is all my brakefluid going? I know the level changes as the pads wear - but three fill ups is daft.

Last time this happened was yesterday - I had ridden over to Sheffield from Cheshire and on leaving Sheffield had no front brake. Made the return run over the Cat and Fiddle interesting but rather slow!

Carl :

 

[Neil W]

I,ve seen three bikes at a mates dealership which had pinprick holes in a brake line, invisible when trying the brakes static and did not appear as a leak but showed up on a brake roller as a fine mist spray.
As the fluid wasn't going onto bodywork etc it wasn't visibile. Worth a check.
The holes on two were caused by the line rubbing (goodridge type) and the other was at a crimped joint on an original rubber line.

 

[Gas'd Off]

Is it ABS version? If so could be a leak back under the tank somewhere? Suggest you inspect all joints/pipes closely with a torch. Look for areas where other stuff rubs on brake lines. I've heard stories on 1200's where another cable has worn through a line

 

[carlhowe]

Yes, it is an ABS version.

I will check for leaks as suggested - but I would have thought that would have made the lever spongy?

cheers

Carl