Brake Fluid

[VLT]

03 monster 620 ie
Whats the group wisdom on using Valvoline Dot 3/4 syntec brake fluid.  I've been told I can just pour it in as I do a fluid change with out first draining out the existing fluid.
I also have a question about what to use in the clutch.  The filer cap said Dot 5 on it is that correct?

[ducatiz]

03 monster 620 ie
Whats the group wisdom on using Valvoline Dot 3/4 syntec brake fluid.  I've been told I can just pour it in as I do a fluid change with out first draining out the existing fluid.
I also have a question about what to use in the clutch.  The filer cap said Dot 5 on it is that correct?

It is not DOT5 it is DOT5.1. Annoying right?

You can mix any dot 3, 4 or 5.1 glycol based fluid.

Valvoline is ok but Castrol LMA is much better if you're using an off the shelf brand.  Same price point as the Valvoline but much better for bikes.

[Slide Panda]

03 monster 620 ie
I've been told I can just pour it in as I do a fluid change with out first draining out

Yes, bleed out some fluid - but do not drain the reservoir to the point you draw any air into the system. Top up the res, and bleed more if you're trying to fluid out all old fluid. If you're just bleeding for air bubbles, then just observe the fluid coming out (though clear tubing) and wait until it air bubbles clear.

ATE makes high grade DOT4 fluid in normal 'gold' and blue colors - a quick easy trick to know you've flushed all old fluid is to alternate gold and blue.

[ducpainter]

+1 on the Castrol LMA.

Been using it for several years now.

[ducatiz]

Yes, bleed out some fluid - but do not drain the reservoir to the point you draw any air into the system. Top up the res, and bleed more if you're trying to fluid out all old fluid. If you're just bleeding for air bubbles, then just observe the fluid coming out (though clear tubing) and wait until it air bubbles clear.

ATE makes high grade DOT4 fluid in normal 'gold' and blue colors - a quick easy trick to know you've flushed all old fluid is to alternate gold and blue.

The ATE Blue has been recalled because US DOT requires brake fluid to be clear(ish)

http://hooniverse.com/2013/08/16/braking-news-ate-super-blue-deemed-illegal-for-us-distribution/

[Slide Panda]

Well that's just dumb...

So much for that idea. Thanks DOT

[ducatiz]

Well that's just dumb...

So much for that idea. Thanks DOT

well, it does help when you have a leak...

[DarkMonster620]

Personally I use Repsol DOT4 and Bosch DOT4 . . . sparingly when none of the before mentioned are available, I'll go the supermarket and against my will purchase Castrol LMA, always for customers bikes

[oldndumb]

The ATE Blue has been recalled because US DOT requires brake fluid to be clear(ish)

http://hooniverse.com/2013/08/16/braking-news-ate-super-blue-deemed-illegal-for-us-distribution/

Read about that the other day and had to laugh at how long it took the DOT to catch on to the color difference. Makes me wonder if some disgruntled person submitted a complaint for whatever reason?

I'm expecting they will continue to market the blue in the future, but in cans labeled for offroad/competition use only.

[SpikeC]

 Does anyone have any experience with an electric brake fluid tester? I just saw one on Amazon.com.