696 Brake Fluid

[Dozer]

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.

[ducpainter]

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...

[the_Journeyman]

Don't sweat the dark fluid.  My rear fluid turns dark about 2 rides after it's flushed ~

JM

[Norm]

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.

[Slide Panda]

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.

[duclvr]

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.