Hi, I have a Fat Boy 114, and I've always enjoyed doing maintenance at home. It just turned 4 years old, and I was surprised to find out that the ABS bleed process needs to be done every two years on the bike. I've looked for tools, but they are either expensive or, in the case of affordable solutions like ITM, they are not available in Europe because shipping costs too much.

The Chinese company FXTul has released a version that allows you to perform the ABS bleed without needing an internet connection, VIN binding, or anything like that. It looks very promising. I bought it and I'm waiting to try it out… I’ll let you know how it goes with my bike. Honestly though, I’m a bit nervous about using it since it scares me a little.

The update just came out and the company has responded to me via WhatsApp without any issues.

I don’t get anything out of this — no commission or anything — I’m just a user looking for a possible low-cost solution for ABS maintenance


They've released a video of the process:

 

If you want to save time, money, and stop throwing away good brake fluid.

 

Thank i have one test pen... My motorbike turned 4 years old and I did a test with that little pencil thing, and the fluid looked fine. Even so, the bike’s manual scares us into thinking we must replace the fluid every two years and do the process with the Technician II at a dealership — which charges me €200.

It’s the same eternal debate as always: some say it’s not necessary, others say it is, and others claim that triggering the ABS on the street is the same as doing it with a diagnostic tool, etc.

I went to a workshop in Spain to change the brake fluid, and after replacing it, they didn’t use any tool (even though they have the Zodiac). They told me it was NOT necessary. That if there are no faults, line changes, air in the system, etc., they never use the tool for bleeding. That the fluid trapped inside the ABS module is minimal, and triggering the ABS would make any moisture mix with the new fluid and that’s it.

But this is how it always is — everyone gives you a different answer on this topic.
I did some research because I’d like to have a tool for bleeding, and I found this new one that seems promising. Time will tell.

 

A simple pump for brake bleeding is all you need. They sell tow kinds one is a hand pump the other works with an air compressor. I have the one that uses a air compressor. I idea is to pull the fluid throw without air bubbles

 

I have a air compressor pump, in the past i used it on my previous M50 Boulevard bike, but....
However, I was surprised to find that the Harley manual indicates that after changing the brake fluid, a technician must be used to bleed the ABS module... What??? At the dealer..

 

The brake fluid used likes water. Under normal conditions, it takes ~3-4 years for the system to absorb enough moisture from the atmosphere to start to cause issues, typically >3% water intrusion. If you live in a high humidity environment, or are exposed to rain/temp swings/ power washers, intrusion happens faster (thus a 2 year interval). Once water exceeds 3%, and since water is heavier than brake fluid, it tends to separate and likes to sit in the lowest local spot (like the bottom of the pistons of the ABS hydro unit, or caliper) causing corrosion, which can cause the hydro pistons to seize, causing brake failure. Excess water in the caliper can boil if the brakes get hot enough. Again, no bueno. Activating the ABS module stirs/blends the water & brake fluid, so it can be easily flushed out. That's why they have you flush, bleed, activate, and bleed again. Process is to purge, to the extent possible, any water residue, ensuring proper operation of the system. If you do not activate the module, any water sitting in the hydro unit/caliper stays there. ABS module activation can be done one of two ways- emergency stops @ a fast enough speed for an ABS event to occur, or activation by software. Software is easier/safer.

 

So which did you buy, the M4 or M6?

I’ll be curious how it works for you. The description of the M4 is rather cryptic when it comes to cycling the ABS for bleeding. The M6 doesn’t seem to activate any of the ABS functions.

 

You can do it with Harley M4 version. And i think M6 too because support all brands. But i not sure.

 

There are only 4 reviews for the M4. I looked at the reviews for the M4-HD and one said the ABS funtion isn't working yet. They also said updates are free, so hopefully they will have that update ready soon. Note that all reviews are 5 Star, even though at least some functionality didn't work. Check out the reviews for yourself.

Hopefully the OP will have better results

Paul

 

Yes, the last firmware released is 30th june. And today i saw the new video with this new feature.
I asked them with whatsapp, and share me the url video.
They dont update web yet, with detailing information...

Im updating my M4 to this version. But im scared to test it jjajaj