high altitude brake question
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 242
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From: park county colorado
high altitude brake question
Brought my Heritage out to my house in Colorado. First time that ive had this bike out here. Im at 9600 feet and came from sea level. My brake levers have way more travel out here. Front and rear. Back at sea level I had instant response maybe 1/2 inch travel before brakes would start to apply. Out here i have to squeeze Id say close to 2 inches before brakes engage. Any thoughts here greatly appreciated. Charlie
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
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From: Japan
Your brake reservoirs probably have altitude sickness, since the content is pretty much sealed off and unable to equalize on the way up. Crack 'em open then retighten the covers. That oughta do the trick.
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From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
I also have a Heritage and keep it at 9400 in Colorado in the summer and fall and I don't have the same brake issue. No difference if I am at sea level or going or going over Monarch, Wolf Creek or Red Mountain passes. Something is amiss with your bike. The altitude shouldn't be a problem. SJ Ron
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
If its the altitude thats causing that,, Wonder what all the cars and trucks do when passing through Ur state...
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Nevada
I live at 4500' and regularly ride above 8000'. If you have any air in the brake lines you will have an issue at altitude. Bleed your lines and you'll be fine.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 242
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From: park county colorado
Ok after doing some research and before I run out and waste money on silicone dot5 this is what I found. Dot 5 silicone brake fluid will react different at high altitude than at sea level. It will give a spongy feel to the brakes. Which is exactly what I described(more travel in the lever and pedal). Every arcticle I read said that it is generally above 9000 feet. So theres nothing wrong with my bike I just happen to notice the diff. AS far cars and trucks passing thru Colorado I dont believe they use silicone brake fluid. Heres a quote from an arcticle published by BMW engineers on brake fluid. ( Silicone fluids also exhibit a 3 times greater propensity to dissolve air and other gasses which can lead to a "spongy pedal" and reduced braking at high altitudes. )
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