You are also supposed to change brake lines every 4 years too. I think it's just to avoid a lawsuit. But those rubber lines suck anyway, braided lines the brake feel is way better.

 

Correct!

 

I know of no one that changes it. I myself have only seen my fluid get black. I will admit that in my vehicle I have sucked the reservoir down with a turkey baster and put in new and again later until it stays pretty much clear. People think im **** for even doing that.
I have changed my clutch fluid only to have it turn grey again by the end of the day.

 

It's kind of a big deal if that ABS unit seizes and leaves you with a hard lever that won't depress. Now imagine losing your front breaks during a panic stop. Instead of your ABS firing, you have a lever you can't pull. Unlike your car or truck, when the ABS unit fails on your bike, your bike won't simply revert to an open system without ABS. Using a mighty vac, or traditional bleeding methods won't remove the fluid in the ABS unit which could be contaminated and possibly corroding the ABS unit.

The dealer I visit charges $100 front and rear to hook your bike to the digitech and properly change your brake fluid. Even if it's aggravating, it's worth it.

Call a spade a spade, this should be a recall.

 

Okee Dokee ...so here we go ... As stated, brake fluid is hygroscopic and by now you should know what that means ... water in the system is ... #1 corrosive ... #2 is heavier than the brake fluid ...#3 will not withstand the higher temperatures that the brake system encounters during repeated cycles ... in other words it can/will evaporate over a period of time ... which in essence induces air in the system resulting in a soft, low spongy pedal/lever. Over the years I've made more than a few dollars repairing/rebuilding hydraulic system ( especially on the older Corvettes ) . Do yourself ( and your scooter a favor ) and give it a little love a fresh clean dose of brake fluid. Your brake lights will even shine brighter ( JK )

 

Maybe I don't understand brake systems, but I'll ask my question and post my thoughts at the risk of sounding ignorant.

Are hydraulic brake lines, seals and mechanical connections so porous that in two years brake fluid becomes contaminated to the point that it's unsafe? I'm a skeptic by nature, so I'm really having a hard time wrapping my brain around this, especially since I've owned four-wheeled vehicles for 5, 10 and more years and they have never had the brake fluid changed in any of them. In fact, I've never had a dealership or mechanic ever suggest it and from my research I found that Chevrolet (GM) says 150,000 miles or 10 years. Ford, Chrysler and Toyota don't even list brake fluid as a regular maintenance item.

I know there have been instances where H-D ABS systems have failed and that the NHTSA is looking into it. Of course, Harley claims the failures are a result of owners ignoring the brake fluid maintenance schedule, but I suspect the ABS modules are failing because of inferior components and not because of moisture contamination of the brake fluid. Now, they're sending notices to owners in an attempt to cover their butts. It's been almost a year and to my knowdge the NHTSA hasn't released their findings. What's taking so long? Are there back-room shenanigans going on and deals being made? Probably so because Harley doesn't want to recall 430,000 bikes.

 

I saw every two years in the manual, nothing about every 10K. Where did the 10K come from? If it's really every 10K, which seems like overkill, then I should have had mine done 9 times in the last three years.

 

I wouldn't loose any sleep over it, I surely am not.

 

The problem is the amount. How much fluid does a car used compared to a bikes brake system. Its such a small amount any moisture can cause problems.

 

It's like milk. Once the expiration date is reached, the milk goes sour, no?