THE MEMORIES LAST FOREVER.
THE BRAKE FLUID, NOT SO MUCH.
Have your brake fluid changed every two years.
CHANGE YOUR BRAKE FLUID
No matter your riding style, you still need to have your brake fluid changed every 2 years.
Many motorcycles use DOT 4 brake fluid. As the fluid ages, its chemical properties deteriorate and it absorbs water. This changes the physical properties of the DOT 4 brake fluid, which can lead to brake performance issues including soft or spongy brakes. Left unchanged long enough, the brake fluid could eventually deteriorate so much that there could be a loss of either front or rear braking.
HEAT HAPPENS
Brakes can develop a significant amount of heat, particularly when used repeatedly. Consequently, another consideration for brake fluid is its boiling point, which can be affected by the amount of water content absorbed by the fluid. DOT 4 brake fluid can absorb water. Because water boils at 212°F, less than half the temperature of brake fluid, any water in the brake fluid dramatically reduces its boiling point.
However, boiling converts any water in the fluid to gas. And because gas is more compressible than liquid, when brake fluids boil, the brake lever or pedal can start to feel “soft,” requiring the rider to pump the brakes to create sufficient pressure to slow the motorcycle. This chemical deterioration and absorption of water changes the physical properties of the DOT 4 brake fluid, which can lead to brake performance issues, including loss of either front or rear braking.
CHANGE IT
Besides changing the fluid every two years, there’s a few other instances that brake fluid (any type, not just DOT 4) should be replaced:
- After the brake line, master cylinder or caliper has been disassembled
- Whenever the brake lever or pedal seems “spongy”
- Anytime the brake system has been operated in a spongy state caused by boiling fluid, even if operation has returned to normal
THE SCOOP ON SERVICE
Factory trained Service Technicians have the tools and knowledge to replace your brake fluid as recommended. If they ever find your motorcycle’s brake fluid has 3.7% or higher water content by volume, they’ll recommend changing it, even if it’s been less than two years since your last brake fluid change.
As brake fluid can be corrosive to paint, Service Technicians take great care to protect all of your motorcycle’s finishes in case of a splash or spill.
HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR BATTERY LATELY?
The care and maintenance of your battery is very important. Here’s a few tips to ensure your motorcycle comes to life, each and every start.
- Maintain your battery above 12.5 volts.
- Make the battery charging harness a must have with every vehicle. The charge harness with light emitting diode (LED) indicator notifies you if your battery needs tending. This is a great investment towards maintaining your battery
- Make sure a Harley-Davidson approved battery tender or charger is used if you won’t be riding your bike for three weeks or more. Please consult your local Authorized Harley-Davidson® for the right battery tender and installation for your needs. Please keep in mind on 2014 or later Touring models the battery tender leads are inoperable if the main fuse is pulled
- Check your owner’s manual for transport mode if your motorcycle is going to be transported by trailer for any long distance
- Maintenance for your new vehicle is simple – ask your Service Department or Technician for care instructions
DON’T OVERLOOK REGULAR BRAKE SERVICE
No matter your riding style, you still need to have your brake fluid changed every 2 years. Get your brake fluid checked today.
HEAT HAPPENS
Brakes can develop a significant amount of heat, particularly when used repeatedly. Consequently, another consideration for brake fluid is its boiling point, which can be affected by the amount of water content absorbed by the fluid. DOT 4 brake fluid can absorb water. Because water boils at 212°F, less than half the temperature of brake fluid, any water in the brake fluid dramatically reduces its boiling point.
However, boiling converts any water in the fluid to gas. And because gas is more compressible than liquid, when brake fluids boil, the brake lever or pedal can start to feel “soft,” requiring the rider to pump the brakes to create sufficient pressure to slow the motorcycle. This chemical deterioration and absorption of water changes the physical properties of the DOT 4 brake fluid, which can lead to brake performance issues, including loss of either front or rear braking.
CHANGE IT
Besides changing the fluid every two years, there’s a few other instances that brake fluid (any type, not just DOT 4) should be replaced:
- After the brake line, master cylinder or caliper has been disassembled
- Whenever the brake lever or pedal seems “spongy”
- Anytime the brake system has been operated in a spongy state caused by boiling fluid, even if operation has returned to normal
THE SCOOP ON SERVICE
Trained Service Technicians have the tools and knowledge to replace your brake fluid as recommended. If they ever find your motorcycle’s brake fluid has 3.7% or higher water content by volume, they should recommend changing it, even if it’s been less than two years since your last brake fluid change.
As brake fluid can be corrosive to paint, Service Technicians should take great care to protect all of your motorcycle’s finishes in case of a splash or spill.
HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR BATTERY LATELY?
The care and maintenance of your battery is very important. Here’s a few tips to ensure your motorcycle comes to life, each and every start.
- Maintain your battery above 12.5 volts.
- Make the battery charging harness a must have with every vehicle. The charge harness with light emitting diode (LED) indicator notifies you if your battery needs tending. This is a great investment towards maintaining your battery
- Make sure an approved battery tender or charger is used if you won’t be riding your bike for three weeks or more. Please consult your local Authorized dealer for the right battery tender and installation for your needs
- Check your owner’s manual for transport mode if your motorcycle is going to be transported by trailer for any long distance
- Maintenance for your new vehicle is simple – ask your Service Department or Technician for care instructions
DON’T OVERLOOK REGULAR BRAKE SERVICE
No matter your riding style, you still need to have your brake fluid changed every 2 years. Get your brake fluid checked today.
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