Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Dozer on January 12, 2009, 06:24:48 AM

Title: 696 Brake Fluid
Post by: Dozer on January 12, 2009, 06:24:48 AM
Hey guys/gals, quick question for ya.

My 696 is about 7 months old with 2k miles on it.  The brake fluid is already pretty darn dark on it, so I started reading up on it.  From what I gather with the manual, the fluid is only checked until the 22.5k mile maintenance (or 36 months) at which time it is flushed.  However, reading online I hear people saying to flush brake fluid every year, sometimes twice a year.

So, what gives?  Is the replacement of the fluid a "when it is dark" kinda thing?  Also, is it normal for the fluid to be so dark on a bike so young?

Thanks for any info.
Title: Re: 696 Brake Fluid
Post by: ducpainter on January 12, 2009, 06:29:25 AM
I flush the fluid once a year on my bikes, usually in the spring.

Usually the fluid in the clutch master is darker.

It happens to all the bikes so I guess it is normal...
Title: Re: 696 Brake Fluid
Post by: the_Journeyman on January 12, 2009, 06:46:15 AM
Don't sweat the dark fluid.  My rear fluid turns dark about 2 rides after it's flushed ~

JM
Title: Re: 696 Brake Fluid
Post by: Norm on January 12, 2009, 07:03:15 AM
You change the fluid because it absorbs water and looses it's effectiveness. I also follow the once a year routine but some of the high temp racing fluids absorb water so fast that they get changed every w/e.
Title: Re: 696 Brake Fluid
Post by: Slide Panda on January 12, 2009, 07:39:38 AM
Where are you looking at the fluid?  If you're just trying to use the peep hole on coffin style masters, or even looking in the top w/ the lid off the fluid can appear deceptively dark.  You can only really get a good read on the colors when you've got the translucent plastic type reservoirs.
Title: Re: 696 Brake Fluid
Post by: duclvr on January 12, 2009, 03:15:29 PM
Quote from: yuu on January 12, 2009, 07:39:38 AM
Where are you looking at the fluid?  If you're just trying to use the peep hole on coffin style masters, or even looking in the top w/ the lid off the fluid can appear deceptively dark.  You can only really get a good read on the colors when you've got the translucent plastic type reservoirs.

Yeah those peep holes are pregnant dog.