Brake Fluid level

[wozzer]

Sorry, probably a straightforward question but being a new biker/GS'er I'm not sure how to go about topping up the brake fluid on my 1150GS. Is it as simple as removing the plastic on the resevoir on the bars and topping it up, or is there something more I need to do ?? I've read all sorts about bleeding the brakes etc, and I'm confused !

 

[littleredrooster]

You shouldn't need to top the fluid up unless you have a leak(!!). The fluid will drop as the pads wear, but not to a critical level. When new pads are fitted, the fluid returns to its correct level.
If you top the fluid up, when you come to fit new pads you then have the problem of the excess fluid in the reservoir to get rid of. Many people forget this and end up with brake fluid p1ssing all over their bodywork.

 

[Tarka]

As you thought.......carefully undo the reservoir cap and top up to the level mark.


As long as the fluid isn`t old or contaminated,it`s fine just to top it up.

 

[Tarka]

You shouldn't need to top the fluid up unless you have a leak(!!). The fluid will drop as the pads wear, but not to a critical level. When new pads are fitted, the fluid returns to its correct level.
If you top the fluid up, when you come to fit new pads you then have the problem of the excess fluid in the reservoir to get rid of. Many people forget this and end up with brake fluid p1ssing all over their bodywork.

This is all very true.................check your pads and hoses before you do anything.............

 

[wozzer]

Thanks, pads and hoses look OK, the level is just on/about minimum so I'll think I'll leave it , it's just been serviced before I bought it so it should be OK I suppose.

 

[Mouse]

It's different if you have servo brakes - in that case the fluid level in the reservoir doesn't change as the pads wear, so you should probably top it up to near the max mark.