Clutch fluid changing color

hihhs · July 09, 2009, 09:02:37 PM

OK. This may be a very stupid question;
I've got an M1100 with 700 miles on it. Had the first service at about 640 miles. Put on termi slip-ons, a 14t sprocket and got the mechanic to lose the charcoal canister.

Today while riding, I noticed that the clutch fluid in the reservoir looks kinda purple. Front brake fluid still looks yellow, and rear brake reservoir looks yellow with a hint of blueish purple...

WTF?

vwboomer · July 09, 2009, 09:12:59 PM

Mine always turns grayish/black. I figure this is the reservoir rubber deteriorating but dunno. No effect on functionality though.

Howie · July 09, 2009, 09:43:10 PM

The DOT approved brake fluids are light amber colored. This is for identification purposes. Other colors are available, such as ATE Super Blue, which is identical to ATE Typ 200 except for color. This could be your problem, if so, not a problem at all.

hihhs · July 09, 2009, 09:49:01 PM

Quote from: howie on July 09, 2009, 09:43:10 PM
The DOT approved brake fluids are light amber colored. This is for identification purposes. Other colors are available, such as ATE Super Blue, which is identical to ATE Typ 200 except for color. This could be your problem, if so, not a problem at all.

Interesting and thanks for the reply but no one has added fluid...the color just changed

hihhs · July 09, 2009, 09:51:06 PM

Quote from: vwboomer on July 09, 2009, 09:12:59 PM
Mine always turns grayish/black. I figure this is the reservoir rubber deteriorating but dunno. No effect on functionality though.

I thought of that but damn, would it deteriorate so quickly??? The reservoirs have never even been opened since the dealer filled them.

And thanks for the reply!

He Man · July 09, 2009, 10:59:18 PM

mine usually goes black within 500 miles after i bleed it....

i bleed it about every 3-4 months regardless of miles.

Porsche Monkey · July 10, 2009, 05:13:56 AM

Clutch fluid which is the same as brake fluid turns darker with time. It is due to contaminants, anything from rubber to moisture. Brake fluid also goes through many heat cycles as in each time you ride the bike. This causes the fluid to break down. This is why its recommended to flush those fluids every year. What color is the fluid in your rear brake reservoir? Bet its turning too. Your not hurting anything yet but just follow the service intervals and you will be fine.

hihhs · July 10, 2009, 07:30:27 AM

Thanks very much to all of you for the replies. I was sweatin' this.

Bones · July 10, 2009, 07:38:37 AM

it ain't that new "Mood Fluid" is it?

I think purple means you're in love....

(hey its Friday and I rode in to work, I'm in a good mood)

Porsche Monkey · July 10, 2009, 07:40:25 AM

hihhs · July 10, 2009, 07:48:26 AM

Quote from: Bones on July 10, 2009, 07:38:37 AM
it ain't that new "Mood Fluid" is it?

I think purple means you're in love....

(hey its Friday and I rode in to work, I'm in a good mood)

Even my SO thought that was funny and its only like 5AM here!!!
Riding to work makes for a good day!!

hihhs · July 10, 2009, 08:27:30 AM

I think I just found the perfect fix;

erkishhorde · July 10, 2009, 02:07:31 PM

Quote from: hihhs on July 10, 2009, 08:27:30 AM
I think I just found the perfect fix;

Yes, ignorance is bliss.

He Man · July 10, 2009, 03:02:32 PM

my brake fluid, i replace every 3,000 miles. its been a year since i flushed mine out, it is still clear. both my monsters ahve been like that

corndog67 · July 12, 2009, 11:56:34 AM

My front brake is still nice and clear/yellow, but the clutch and the rear are both dark. I suppose I could change them. But maybe not.

News:

Clutch fluid changing color

corndog67