Piss poor brakes on my ABS Dakar

[Jona]

I rode another Dakar today a year older than my 06 which was a non ABS version. I was shocked at how much more responsive the brakes were, especially the front! I have always thought the brakes weren't the best but now I feel I may have a problem!?
My discs and pads look fine but should I be looking at another issue? brake cylinder maybe
Brake fluid replacement required? (not sure when it was last changed)

I've never messed with brakes apart from changing pads in the past on the car so it's a new lesson for me

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Dansin]

Brake fluid deteriorates over time as it absorbs water. IIRC Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years. You can use a cheapo brake bleeding kit on a non ABS bike but not sure if it's the same process with ABS.

 

[komatias]

I had simillar problems on my 04gs with ABS. Brakes were squigee and the rear was binding.

Just bled the brakes using the normal see through pipe, see through glass bottle and the spanner.HAving my brother there to help was a bonus. Much documented online. It also helps to replace the hoses with PTFE ones that are pretty much maintenance free.

In actual fact I bled the brakes a lot. Used 250ml of dot4 on both front and back and only then was I satisfied that the color of the fluid coming out was good.

 

[Jona]

Brake fluid deteriorates over time as it absorbs water. IIRC Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years. You can use a cheapo brake bleeding kit on a non ABS bike but not sure if it's the same process with ABS.

I had simillar problems on my 04gs with ABS. Brakes were squigee and the rear was binding.

Just bled the brakes using the normal see through pipe, see through glass bottle and the spanner.HAving my brother there to help was a bonus. Much documented online. It also helps to replace the hoses with PTFE ones that are pretty much maintenance free.

In actual fact I bled the brakes a lot. Used 250ml of dot4 on both front and back and only then was I satisfied that the color of the fluid coming out was good.

Cheers Fella's

Bitten the bullet and ordered Pads and new fluid ... hopefully this will sort this out.

 

[Jona]

Cheers Fella's

Bitten the bullet and ordered Pads and new fluid ... hopefully this will sort this out.

Did the trick, but apparently my Barkbuster hand guards were also causing issues

 

[john_aero]

well done lad, its nearly always a small issue never somthing big