Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 600 thru 1200 - AIR/OIL COOLED TECHNICAL => Topic started by: Sven on April 03, 2006, 10:18:33 AM

Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Sven on April 03, 2006, 10:18:33 AM
I am about to need to replace my brake/clutch fluid.  I saw an archived thread about "blinker fluid", but that will have to wait until I can afford to buy the higher-end "turn indicator fluid".

Since the brake/clutch use the US DOT 4 generic brake fluid, is there any reason not to buy whatever's cheapest at AutoZone?
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: PitterB4 on April 03, 2006, 11:11:37 AM
I'm not sure about the brake fluid but when you get around to it you DEFINITELY don't want to go el-cheapo on the blinker fluid.  You'll lose a few HPs and may even void the warranty!   :shock:   Genuine Suzuki is the only way to go there.  And for God's sake don't forget, if you've gone to aftermarket, flushmount blinkers, to get the special flushmount fluid!
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Red01 on April 03, 2006, 12:34:18 PM
None that I can think of.

But when you get your blinker fluid - don't forget to get the high compression blinker & tail light gaskets!
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Sven on April 03, 2006, 02:36:25 PM
I don't think the blinker fluid will need to be changed any time soon; nobody in this area ever uses a blinker for any purpose.  It's more fun to just leave 'em guessing what you might do at any time...
Title: Brake Fluid Redux
Post by: Sven on April 03, 2006, 09:52:27 PM
OK, I've been through all the books, and I can't see anything which tells me how much fluid I would need for either the brake or the clutch.  I'm guessing a pint will be more than enough since it looks like there's just the two reservoirs plus whatever is inside the hydraulic cables...about 6 oz each?
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Red01 on April 04, 2006, 11:21:36 AM
Sounds close... maybe a little more on the front since there's two calipers.
A 16oz bottle ought to do.
Title: Re: Brake Fluid Redux
Post by: txbanditrydr on April 04, 2006, 03:35:29 PM
Quote from: "Sven"
... than enough since it looks like there's just the two reservoirs plus whatever is inside the hydraulic cables...about 6 oz each?

Make that three reservoirs...... :stickpoke:  :stickpoke:
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Red01 on April 04, 2006, 04:54:46 PM
There's a back brake?  :shock:

 :stickpoke:  :motorsmile:
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Sven on April 04, 2006, 05:26:58 PM
I was only gonna change the brake fluid on the driver's side, not on the passenger side.   :monkeymoon:
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: scooter69 on April 04, 2006, 06:31:15 PM
A little off topic but don't forget that if you get a flat....just turn the tire over.

It's only flat on the bottom! :beers:
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Sven on April 04, 2006, 09:31:07 PM
I thought tires were like underwear:

You just turn them inside out and keep going.

(Or was that:  They both have skidmarks?)
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: 99er on April 07, 2006, 06:11:27 AM
Sven,
Seriously, it doesn't matter what fluid you use if you change it as a matter of practice and don't race. So, boiling point and water tolerance aren't at issue. Buy any old fluid.
Now, that said, Valvoline 5.1 is DOT 4 compatible and a partial synthetic (if I remember right). It's also really cheap and available everywhere. I've used it in my bikes and in my Fords (God help me) for years and it's what I use when I work on others' machines. Treat yourself.
Marc/Atlanta
'insomniac
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Sven on April 07, 2006, 10:32:02 AM
Marc, I haven't picked up anything yet, so I'll look for the Valvoline 5.1.  Thanks!
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Fordtech on April 13, 2006, 01:41:46 PM
Comedy central here..anyway, I change brake and clutch fluid twice year,with DOT4, as it is readily availabele from the dealer I work at. The Focus uses it, so do I. Makes a difference changing fluid....better brake feel etc.[/img]
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Sven on April 13, 2006, 03:58:30 PM
Quote from: "Fordtech"
Comedy central here..anyway, I change brake and clutch fluid twice year,with DOT4, as it is readily availabele from the dealer I work at. The Focus uses it, so do I. Makes a difference changing fluid....better brake feel etc.[/img]


Interesting thoughts.  I would imagine there's an overall equation involving time, heat, and use (miles) that creates a "sweet spot" for timing the fluid changes.

However, the process is a pain in the @$$ and I don't want to do it any more than is reasonable.  I don't know how one person is supposed to pump the right hand brake handle and bleed the left hand caliper, so I was lucky to have a helper.

As for the comdey...Um, I'm gonna take advice based on a Focus?!  What, the Adobe is no longer in production?  (You know, the little car made of clay.)
Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: Seanybiker on May 30, 2006, 12:15:54 AM
I just read first post and this is a no shit sherlock answer but make sure you dont get brake fluid on any part of the bike with colour unless you like rawwwwwww.  :monkeymoon:  :monkeymoon: