HD DOT 4 Brake Fluids

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 13, 2018 | 09:05 AM

RayHD11

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 99

Likes: 18

From: Iowa

HD DOT 4 Brake Fluids

Anyone know what is the difference between the HD Platinum DOT 4 brake fluid and the standard HD DOT 4 brake fluid besides one is in a silver label and the other is orange? The Platinum has a little higher boiling point but that's all I can see by reading the labels.

Feb 13, 2018 | 09:33 AM

touchdown

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 5,484

Likes: 2,529

From: Lititz Pa

nothing but the price

Feb 13, 2018 | 10:50 AM

RayHD11

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 99

Likes: 18

From: Iowa

Price is the same...

Feb 13, 2018 | 11:05 AM

Cygnusx51

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 5,691

Likes: 1,651

From: Olean, NY

Probably not much different at all except the packaging to make people think that it will cure the ABS issue. Seems to have settled the NHTSA.

Feb 13, 2018 | 11:20 AM

Dynamick

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 9,829

Likes: 8,737

From: Edmonton, Alberta

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cygnusx51

Probably not much different at all except the packaging to make people think that it will cure the ABS issue. Seems to have settled the NHTSA.

In fact it is related to the ABS recall. Harley claims the new Platinum fluid is less likely to gel up after extended use than the old fluid.

Scroll down to Page 9 in the attached pdf to get the lowdown:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...8V076-4574.PDF

Feb 13, 2018 | 11:33 AM

Yamaharley

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 2,530

Likes: 546

From: Wayne County, PA

I heard the platinum brake fluid makes the bike fly. It also magically fixes poorly designed abs units.

Feb 13, 2018 | 11:43 AM

RayHD11

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 99

Likes: 18

From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynamick

That makes sense, the recall is basically due to lack of maintenance by owners not following maintenance time schedules... The new formula has less deposits over time which can lead to brake failure.

"The new DOT 4 brake fluid that will be used for the remedy flush [H-D
Platinum Label DOT 4 Brake Fluid] has a different chemical formulation
which has been shown in our testing to be less susceptible to the
formation of gel and, ultimately, deposit formation inside the braking
system. Owners will also be reminded of the 2-year maintenance cycle
specified in the Owner’s Manual."

Trending Topics

Interview - A Straight-Talking Harley-Davidson Dealer

119

6k
Cam chest noise

42

1.2k
Well Monday will tell

23

326
Base gasket leak and other ramblings

29

700
New Softail Recall on Brakes

53

3.1k

Feb 13, 2018 | 02:53 PM

Cygnusx51

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 5,691

Likes: 1,651

From: Olean, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynamick

In fact it is related to the ABS recall. Harley claims the new Platinum fluid is less likely to gel up after extended use than the old fluid.

I’ve read that and that’s why I made that comment. Who did that testing? NHTSA or was it information that was submitted by HD? Like I said, I doubt there’s any difference and it’s just to get people a fluid change and a reminder of the 2 year interval. After this, it leaves HD in the clear should an issue arise because they can just fall back on the excuse that people aren’t following the recommended service intervals.