Nipple issue

[StephenC]

I thought the title might get your attention!

I very recently bought a third hand 1100S.  Whilst tidying up a few bits of bling I found this:


It is the bleed nipple of the front brake master and the top has been sheared off.  If I am able to source one from my Dealer - or failing that from a part's supplier - does anybody know if it is a simple job to replace?  It looks like I just unscrew the dud and replace with a fresh one.  Would I need to bleed the brakes afterwards?  I'm waiting on some new reservoirs, so will need to do a full bleed soon anyway.

Any advice or tips gratefully accepted.

[koko64]

Yes. Replacing that nipple lets air in big time. I would do more than just bleed it,
I would replace the brake fluid on a used bike unless it had just been done by someone I trusted. If you're not sure, get someone to do it.

[StephenC]

Thanks, I thought it might not be so easy.  I have to wait until I get the part in.  Hopefully, by then, my new Rizoma reservoirs will have arrived and I will do a full change of brake and clutch fluid.  The current reservoirs are too opaque and it is hard to see what state the fluid is in.

I have done a fluid change before, once.  I'm probably not efficient but I got the job done and didn't die the first time I hit a Stop sign!

[koko64]

In theory holding the lever down with the bleed nipple undone of course prevents air getting in, as thats how you bleed it, but bleed it anyway as there was damage to the nipple.  You dont know the integrity of the system, so service the brakes, check pads, lines and fittings and replace and bleed fluid. Just a safety thing as it may have had a hit.
People talk about changing their brake fluid every two years and some more regularly than that.

[StephenC]

The new nipple has come in, as have my posh fluid tanks.  I am therefore planning a front brake and clutch fluid change, with new reservoirs for both and a new nipple on the brake.  Any things I should be aware of?  I have done one brake fluid change before so have some experience , but will be visiting YouTube (I recall a good SportsBikeTrackGear video HowTo) before I go ahead.  I have a little bleed kit with clear tubing and a little collection bottle and have the correct brake fluid (the clutch is the same stuff).  Tips always welcome!

[brad black]

do it fast and it might be ok.  if it goes all spongy then it's not ok.

it's just a bleeder.  get it from a dealer to suit the application.

[StephenC]

All went smoothly enough.  When I unscrewed the broken nipple there was more of a spurt than I was anticipating (instructions said to zip-tie brake lever in) but nothing got onto painted surfaces and it was easily mopped up.  Most of the air went up into the new reservoir I added, but a bleed of the new nipple then the callipers sorted out the rest.

The finished job:

[koko64]

The bars, resi, etc. Classy components!

[StephenC]

I can't take credit for the bars or risers, they were done prior to my adoption of the bike.  I never had a problem with the original bars and risers and would have said these were a waste of money.  Now I've seen them I think they look great and are a bit of the bike you, as the rider, are looking at a lot.

I've got a few more mods to do (and a pile of stuff on order) but have wondered about sourcing some black clutch and brake masters, as the silver now looks out of place.  I think it might be an ambitious mod for me, both in terms of cost and the expertise needed to fit them.  Next would then have to be something less plastic than the switchgear!