Afternoon, I have a 2017 Street Glide S, I change my oils myself but i always take the bike in for the 5 and 10,000 Mile service. At 9,500 miles i had the 10,000 done, they told me the Brake Fluid needed to be replaced since i was going on a trip i had it done. In 2 weeks going on another long trip took it in for a 5000 at around 6000 since the 10. They called me and told me the fluid was at 3%.
My Question, is it normal to have to change your brake fluid so soon? If so is there something better in brake fluid other than Harley fluid? I used a High Temp. in my corvette cost a little more but last longer.
Thanks Bob

 

Not normal at all!!

I would show receipt for first brake fluid change and advise them that it clearly was NOT done or done correctly... and since you already paid, they should re-flush to ensure your safety and proper operation of your ABS system.

If done correctly, fluid should last 2 years (per user manual) and some of us do it yearly just for peace of mind.

 

It is recommended every 2 yrs.

 

Forget miles. How many months was it between the first brake fluid change to them saying it needed to be changed again?

 

When I got a firm grip on the fact that a dealership service department is a profit center the pieces began to drop into place for me.

Some worse than others just like I'm sure there are lots of satisfied customers. But me? I'm tainted and jaded by my experience with them.

 

Pick up one of these and test it yourself. Moisture content is the killer of the fluid as well the number of heat cycles you may or may not subject the fluid to. If the moisture content is high regardless of time elapsed, go ahead and change it out. Living in Florida the humidity may be a the main factor for you.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ster/pfm0/w181

 

Thanks for all the input,
Brake fluid was changed last July, i live in central Fl. 3000 of the 6000+ miles were on a trip to Arkansas running hard for 8 days.

 

I agree....buy a moisture tester (they are very inexpensive ...$10 - $15). With ABS systems in both cars and motorcycles it becomes more important now, than in the past, to check the moisture content in the brake fluid. Moisture, in the brake fluid, can cause costly damage to the ABS system. Checking and changing the fluid is much less $$$ than replacing parts....or worse, having the ABS system fail when needed.

 

It's possible to have an issue and the moisture in your brake fluid increases faster than the norm....

Generally speaking, 3% is considered the maximum allowable water concentration on brake fluid that is considered acceptable... You are OK at 3%, 4% and up it should be changed..

Again, according to the condition of your brake system, and the conditions in which you ride your bike..... It may take 3 months, or 18 months, to add that last percentage...

Get a meter, check it yourself, and know what's going on... With a meter, it will also allow you to check it immediately after it is replaced the next time... just to keep your mechanic honest...

Good luck with your maintenance..

 

Thanks all, i will pick up a meter tomorrow.