The reservoir on my 1200 Gs specifies DOT 4 brake fluid only. Having read about the specs of DOT 5 fluid, eg non paintwork stripping, and supposedly long life, I am tempted to ask for it to be installed when the bike has its 12000mile/annual inspection service in a month or so. Does anyone have any experience of the stuff, and advice re its useage?
DOT 5 BRAKE FLUID
- Thread starter Gipsy
- Start date
Got DOT 7 in mine now 
JOP
Guest
Not really an expert on the subject, but this is what I picked up.
DOT5 is a silicon based brake fluid. DOT4 is some sort of alcohol base.
They are not mixable. All regular brake fluid must be thoroughly removed from the system prior to filling DOT5.
DOT5 does not absorb water, so there is supposedly no need to change it once it is filled. Any condensation will be found at the highest point (e.g. the reservoir) where it can be siphooned out. This means no more rusty caliper insides.
DOT5 is more compressible (yes, ALL fluids are somewhat compressible) than DOT4, so the feel and handling will be suffering somewhat.
There was also some difference regarding durability to heat from the brake system. I don't remember if DOT5 was better or worse... I think worse.
Ergo: DOT5 is often used on enthusiast vehicles (oldtimers etc), but not on performance machines. If you should have it in your bike or not may depend on your ride style?
/JOP
DOT5 is a silicon based brake fluid. DOT4 is some sort of alcohol base.
They are not mixable. All regular brake fluid must be thoroughly removed from the system prior to filling DOT5.
DOT5 does not absorb water, so there is supposedly no need to change it once it is filled. Any condensation will be found at the highest point (e.g. the reservoir) where it can be siphooned out. This means no more rusty caliper insides.
DOT5 is more compressible (yes, ALL fluids are somewhat compressible) than DOT4, so the feel and handling will be suffering somewhat.
There was also some difference regarding durability to heat from the brake system. I don't remember if DOT5 was better or worse... I think worse.
Ergo: DOT5 is often used on enthusiast vehicles (oldtimers etc), but not on performance machines. If you should have it in your bike or not may depend on your ride style?
/JOP
Fanum
Toubab
Gipsy...you may find this thread informative
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65133&highlight=brake+fluid
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65133&highlight=brake+fluid
alimey4u2
Registered user
DOT 5 should not be used with ABS period. It is a silicone base & not hygroscopic, however it doesn't tolerate other types of fluids well, therefore requires a complete purge (some say break down & cleaning) of the original fluid.
Shows some compressibility over other DOTS, I have used it now for 10 years in my other bike without problems. Cheating really as I have gone with braided hoses & 13" bacon slicer Performance Machine floating discs & PM calipers.
Shows some compressibility over other DOTS, I have used it now for 10 years in my other bike without problems. Cheating really as I have gone with braided hoses & 13" bacon slicer Performance Machine floating discs & PM calipers.
Thanks everyone. Once again I'm amazed at the depth of knowledge, and helpful nature of site members. I shall stick with DOT 4.
Wizard said:Don't do that either. DOT 5.1. Go look it up, I couldn't be arsed
Same here - also Dot 5.1. fully synthetic available as well
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