To bleed or not to bleed?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
That depends upon how old the fluid is. I get what you're saying but if it's an ABS bike I'd change it every 24 months on the dot. So if you have more than 24 months on that fluid I'd bleed the brakes whether that cover goes on or not.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
Can't emphasize this too much: Put a piece of plastic over the gas tank and any painted surfaces in close proximity to that cap. That brake fluid has a way of jumping out of the reservoir onto painted surfaces. Like the other guy said too, turn the forks to the left.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 660
Likes: 27
From: Southern Illinois
This is a good opportunity for you to inspect the fluid. The first time I opened mine up there was a bunch of crud in the bottom of the reservoir. If you decide to flush it suck the old stuff/crud out with a turkey baster, then proceed to flush as normal.
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 72
From: North East
Bleeding ABS Brakes
First bike I have owned with ABS brakes. I'll be removing the stock clutch & front brake master cylinders and replacing them with chrome ones sometime in the next couple of weeks. The instructions and repair manual indicate the ABS brakes can only be successfully bled using the Digital Technician II. The only way to bleed ABS brakes is to take the bike to the dealer and have them do it?? Anyone have an alternative method that works?
Any input is appreciated.
Any input is appreciated.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 405
From: Cedar BC
I do this at least once a year with most of my vehicles,suck out the reservoir with a turkey baster and refill with fresh fluid,as others have posted cover up before removing that cover!