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[UK Dave]

A very strange thing happened last week.

I was coming back, with my significant other on board, from a trip to Scotland and noticed something strange during the 400 mile trip south from Edinburgh.

I usually use 80% front brake and began to notice gradually that the 20% rear brake was giving me less and less retardation.

I wasn't too concerned and I guess I compensated by using perhaps 90% or even 95% front.

The day after we got home I was cleaning the bike and then I noticed there was virtually no resistance to the rear pedal at all.

There was a lot of movement (until level with the footboard) but almost no pressure.

I looked for a leak but could see nothing amiss.

I took the top off the reservoir - and it was empty

[SE-Dave]

UK Dave,
            Sounds like a leak for sure. The only thing I wanted to add is to double check the type of Break Fluid you replaced it with. I did the breaks on my 04 w couple of weeks ago and topped off the fluids with DOT 5 with "silicone". As recomended.....  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Dave

[hd-dude]

Dave;
How worn are your rear pads? As the pads wear the piston will come out of the caliper further which will take fluid from your master cylinder. If they are not to worn I would do a complete check of the brake system.

Fill the reservoir and bleed the brake out completely. After you do this fill the reservoir again. Close it all up and spray brake cleaner on the master cylinder, along the brake line, the brake line "T" below the oil fill spout, and brake caliper to clean off any fluids. After you have done this apply pressure to the pedal for 15 minutes or so (you can use a strap or bungee cord). Check all along the brake system for any leaks. If there are any this is the best way to get them to show.

Good luck!

[hd-dude]

UK Dave,
            Sounds like a leak for sure. The only thing I wanted to add is to double check the type of Break Fluid you replaced it with. I did the breaks on my 04 w couple of weeks ago and topped off the fluids with DOT 5 with "silicone". As recomended.....

[UK Dave]

Thanks Guys, I already discovered about the change "back" to DOT 4 - I had DOT 5 in my previous bikes...[smiley=nixweiss.gif]

The bike was serviced (10,000 mile) only 3,000 miles ago so I would hope the rear pad wear was not the reason and certainly the outer pad looks to have plenty meat on it but I'll check the inner too.

Actually, mentioning the service makes me think - perhaps when the mech had the rear end apart (new tyre) he opened the pads out too far and might have lost some fluid that way - then perhaps it was not topped off afterwards.

[Screamin]

Thanks Guys, I already discovered about the change "back" to DOT 4 - I had DOT 5 in my previous bikes...[smiley=nixweiss.gif]

The bike was serviced (10,000 mile) only 3,000 miles ago so I would hope the rear pad wear was not the reason and certainly the outer pad looks to have plenty meat on it but I'll check the inner too.

Actually, mentioning the service makes me think - perhaps when the mech had the rear end apart (new tyre) he opened the pads out too far and might have lost some fluid that way - then perhaps it was not topped off afterwards.

[UK Dave]

Let's see, drink ale, bungee brake pad, drill tour pak, drink ale, check brake fluid, attach spoiler, check brake fluid, drink ale, plug in spoiler, replace fuse, check brake fluid, drink ale, watch Ohio State kick Texas' ass. Not a bad day.

Har - I'm glad you are keeping an eye on my activities

[Gettinold]

A very strange thing happened last week.

I was coming back, with my significant other on board, from a trip to Scotland and noticed something strange during the 400 mile trip south from Edinburgh.

I usually use 80% front brake and began to notice gradually that the 20% rear brake was giving me less and less retardation.

I wasn't too concerned and I guess I compensated by using perhaps 90% or even 95% front.

The day after we got home I was cleaning the bike and then I noticed there was virtually no resistance to the rear pedal at all.

There was a lot of movement (until level with the footboard) but almost no pressure.

I looked for a leak but could see nothing amiss.

I took the top off the reservoir - and it was empty

[MJZ]

Har - I'm glad you are keeping an eye on my activities

[UK Dave]

UK
IF YOU HAVE 13K MILES AND NEVER HAVE HAD REAR BRAKES.... YOU NEED TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK FOR YOUR SELF. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH HD DUDE THAT YOU JUST USED UP WHAT FLUID YOU HAD IN THE SYSTEM DUE TO PAD WEAR. CHECK YOUR PADS BRO, IF YOU GOT 13 K OUT OF THEM, YOU DID WELL. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

OK Thanks - I'm on it today

Cheers

Dave

[Fired00d]

UK
IF YOU HAVE 13K MILES AND NEVER HAVE HAD REAR BRAKES.... YOU NEED TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK FOR YOUR SELF. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH HD DUDE THAT YOU JUST USED UP WHAT FLUID YOU HAD IN THE SYSTEM DUE TO PAD WEAR. CHECK YOUR PADS BRO, IF YOU GOT 13 K OUT OF THEM, YOU DID WELL. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

It must have really made a difference that about half of the miles on my bike (15.5K) have been highway miles (trip to Sturgis & Laconia) as I got 15K out of rear tire, and still haven't changed brake pads yet. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Bike just had the state safety inspection along with 15k service in July and it passed the requirements for brakes, however I got a new rear tire at that time. I can tell the brakes are getting on the used side, and probably will replace them this winter though.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[UK Dave]

Well folks, it's good news/bad news time.

Good news - I found the problem  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] and the brake pads are fine - like I said before I only use about 20% rear brake anyway so they should last a  good while yet.

Bad news - looks like the master cylinder is leaking - the fluid is oozing out of the rubber gaiter.  [smiley=oops.gif]

More good news tho' - still under warranty   [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

So I'm off to the Dealer this afternoon - nice day for a ride anyway - and who knows he may have my floorboards (which are being exchanged under warranty too)

C'ya - Vrooom...

Dave

[Twolanerider]

Well folks, it's good news/bad news time.

Good news - I found the problem

[ccr]

Ummm.... Dave.......

[Twolanerider]

Twolanerider - You are Bad Man, Very Bad Man.