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[nytryder]

I'm wondering if there will be a problem doing a brake fluid change on bikes with the new linked brake systems on the CVO's. No need to do the service now but  just wondering for future reference. I have a Mighty Mite (?) vacum tool and common sense to me tells me there should be no issues as long as the master cylinders are kept full during the transfer. I have been led to believe this a dealer only service. I prefer to do as little with the dealer as possible. Any one have info on this? As always Thanks in advance.

[grc]

I haven't seen any special instructions related to the linked system, but as always I think it best to acquire the service manual for the bike in question to get the definitive answer.  It's a good investment, especially if you prefer to avoid dealership service departments.

The dealership requirement has been in place for awhile due to the ABS system.  If you want to purge the entire system, you need a way to operate the ABS pump and valves.  If you are OK with just changing the majority of the fluid instead of 100%, you can skip that requirement as long as you don't introduce air into the system.  Or you could buy a scan tool that's compatible with a Harley so you could run the full procedure and activate the pump and valves.  Probably not worth the investment.

Jerry

[TN]

Nytryder, I like the use of common sense, which isn't too common anymore.  I do mine once a year just as you describe, I actually suck most fluid out from the master cylinder first and fill to brim with fresh fluid before I hook the mity-vac up to the brake calipers. I go thru a generous amount of fluid to make sure. I have ABS but not linked. I do excerise the ABS occasionally while riding just because.

I'd really like to be able to use some software or digital tech to cycle the valves in the ABS module but I can't justify the cost at this time for a single user.


Ride On

TN

I have to add that when I do this service I include cleaning the calipers and pistons good to insure they're working smoothly, I highly recommend this, you'll see why if done.

[Twolanerider]

I had the old Daytona TwinTec scan tool for a long time. Used it often just to monitor or check bikes. My own or some of the other buddies around here.

Recently had a bike on the lift with a bad ABS pump. Daytona upgraded my old scan tool to the newer ABS version for 60 bucks. The thing worked slick.

It was worth 60 bucks to have the ABS function for the rare occasion that might be needed. Might not have been worth 400 bucks or so they wanted for the tool outright but as an upgrade it was cheap.

If someone ever sees the older version of their tool on eBay or someplace else cheap it could be worth picking it up and going to upgrade route. Not that I'm a tool whore or anything.

[nytryder]

Thanks guys for the helpful answers. I actually purchase an HD parts and service manuals when the deal is made on all my HD's. I will confess I didn't even bother looking for this info. I figured it would instruct me to hook up the latest xyz machine and stand back. Just wondering if someone had been down this road yet instead of going to the dealership. In most cases I will get a more reliable and understandable answers from this forum than from the service dept. Their job is to separate me from as much $$$ as possible as many times as possible. Educating me is not in their best interest. From what I can gather it seems most of the abs module failures are from older bikes that have not been serviced on a regular basis. I also do service work for friends and if there is a way to save a buck for them why not? I will check out the Daytona Twin Tech for sure. Again Thank You All for the info.

[TN]

Daytona TwinTec scan is on my list.



TN

[Twolanerider]

Daytona TwinTec scan is on my list.



TN

Be a little careful if you're shopping new.  It's two entirely different tools before or after CAN bus bikes.  I know their $60 upgrade was an option from the old TwinScan II to the TwinScan II ABS.  I didn't have reason to ask about upgrades to the CAN bus version of the tool so have no idea what might apply there.

Either of the ABS versions of the tool are pricey new and outright.  As a scan and monitoring tools it's a handy thing to have.  There are also tuning aid additions you can add to the tool as well.

Mine was actually a Christmas present several years ago so I'm in it cheap even including the upgrade.  If you mess with the stuff often for your own and others or if you're just a tool whore who hates to go to the dealership it's got to be a real consideration though.