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[motor1]

Came back from a nice ride, on Sunday, only to notice something on my left glove box lid and inner fairing. Attempted to clean it only to realize it was brake fluid, found leak at clutch lever and pivot pin. Now the fun begins show dealer, order parts, replace clutch cylinder ( they are no longer rebuildable) then wait six to eight weeks for painted parts, then HOPE! Dealer puts it back together properly (routing of harness and such). Yes, it's all under warrantee, but it still just sucks!

[GregKhougaz]

Yes it sucks but at least it turned out okay in the end.  I recall reading a similar post some time ago.  So if it is any consolation, you are not alone.

[motor1]

          True, I am told misery enjoys company!

[North Georgia Hawg]

I HATE DOT 4 brake fluid! I wish they had never gone back to it. My old '95 Evo used DOT 5.1, which was silicone-based and did not attack paint. I guess there was a technical reason why they went back to DOT 4... but I still HATE that nasty stuff.

I just installed chrome calipers on my wife's new Tri Glide last night, and the DOT 4 fluid dripped everywhere when I disconnected the old calipers and connected the new ones. Had to be very careful not to let it get on the paint... covered everything with thick shop towels just in case...

Glad your leakage is all covered under warranty!

[Twolanerider]

I HATE DOT 4 brake fluid! I wish they had never gone back to it. My old '95 Evo used DOT 5.1, which was silicone-based and did not attack paint. I guess there was a technical reason why they went back to DOT 4... but I still HATE that nasty stuff.

I just installed chrome calipers on my wife's new Tri Glide last night, and the DOT 4 fluid dripped everywhere when I disconnected the old calipers and connected the new ones. Had to be very careful not to let it get on the paint... covered everything with thick shop towels just in case...

Glad your leakage is all covered under warranty!

5.1 is a polyglycol based fluid.  DOT5 is silicone.

HD had to go away from DOT5 because it can't be used in a vehicle with ABS.  The ABS pump will agitate the fluid causing it to entrain air within the fluid.

[North Georgia Hawg]

5.1 is a polyglycol based fluid.  DOT5 is silicone.

HD had to go away from DOT5 because it can't be used in a vehicle with ABS.  The ABS pump will agitate the fluid causing it to entrain air within the fluid.

I learn something new everyday on here. I suspected there was some bona fide reason for them going back to DOT 4. I still hate it, though. I wonder why DOT 4 doesn't agitate like DOT 5. I'll read up on that...

Thanks, TL!

[Twolanerider]

I learn something new everyday on here. I suspected there was some bona fide reason for them going back to DOT 4. I still hate it, though. I wonder why DOT 4 doesn't agitate like DOT 5. I'll read up on that...

Thanks, TL!

This is one of those "different strokes for different folks" questions.  While no one likes the potential for old standard brake fluid damaging painted surfaces I hate working with DOT 5 fluid.  It's propensity for entraining air in the fluid when the stuff is shook up even a little bit (like just handling the bottle sometimes) makes the stuff such a potential nuisance.  Then when that does happen it can take what seems like forever to finally get it all bled out. 

[North Georgia Hawg]

This is one of those "different strokes for different folks" questions.  While no one likes the potential for old standard brake fluid damaging painted surfaces I hate working with DOT 5 fluid.  It's propensity for entraining air in the fluid when the stuff is shook up even a little bit (like just handling the bottle sometimes) makes the stuff such a potential nuisance.  Then when that does happen it can take what seems like forever to finally get it all bled out. 

Interesting... I don't remember having that problem with DOT 5 in the Olden Tymes... but that was long before ABS. The DOT 4 is admittedly easier to work with... I just wish they could make it so it doesn't attack paint and is not so "hydrophilic". I have to buy a new bottle every time I need to add any or replace calipers... but I'm done with the calipers on both bikes now, so I should be good for awhile. No leaks that I can see! 

[motor1]

So I was thinking I could change to DOT 5 when the new clutch master cylinder arrives, added a hydraulic clutch to my 2001 (years ago) it worked well. If it leaks at least it won't ruin the paint.