Winter Maintenance - Brakes

[Sheriff]

From Rider Magazine Email Newsletter -

Bad Brakes at 60 mph
Grabbing a handful of brakes at 60 mph, I nearly rear-ended the bike in front of me. Poor reflexes? Could be, but the biggest factor I later discovered was old brake fluid.

Preparing for the road trip, I replaced worn brake pads and made the mistake of forgetting what applies the pressure to make them work. Brake fluid collects moisture through condensation, heats up and wears out in slow, small changes so you don't realize it's spent until you need to hit the brakes hard. This hair-raising road test brought it to mind when seeing other riders in our group stopped as I was still moving forward.

Fresh fluid in the lines not only decreased my stopping distance, it gave me back incremental pressure applied slowly instead of an all-or-nothing feeling at the lever.

Bleeding your brake lines is an easy operation with the right tools, but high stakes in execution — in stopping safely and preserving your paint job. A brake bleeding kit is invaluable and can accommodate small to large budgets so have a look.

Whether it's flushed by a professional or by you, don't make the mistake I did. Keep your brake fluid effective.