DOT 5

[Sylvester]

Is DOT 5 an option for the 2ndG RSV? It is time to flush the brakes.

[1BigDog]

Is DOT 5 an option for the 2ndG RSV? It is time to flush the brakes.

 

I dont believe it is, especially if its purple. It will gum up the works. I just use DOT4.

[kbert777]

Quick answer is no, not without serious modifications.

 

DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 are interchangeable, all are basically Glycol based, just different boiling points and some different stabilizers.

 

DOT 5 is silicone based, not interchangeable with any other fluid out of the above Glycol family.

If you want to convert to DOT 5 you have to flush the whole system and basically replace any rubber part that has been exposed to Glycol based fluid.

Only advantages of DOT 5 are that it is not hygroscopic and does not hurt painted surfaces.

Disadvantage is a slightly mushy brake feel.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Klaus

[ToRide1]

Use DOT. 3 or 4. Do not use DOT. 5 it is for racing applications and needs to changed out often.

[Sylvester]

Thank you all! After removing and cleaning up the calipers on my "new" 81 GW 1100, I realized the need for periodic maintenance on these brake systems. The GW were basically frozen from deteriorated seals allowing moisture into the system. I don't want my 02 RSMV to fall into this problem. I have had it serviced by my dealer over the years.

[ToRide1]

Thank you all! After removing and cleaning up the calipers on my "new" 81 GW 1100, I realized the need for periodic maintenance on these brake systems. The GW were basically frozen from deteriorated seals allowing moisture into the system. I don't want my 02 RSMV to fall into this problem. I have had it serviced by my dealer over the years.

 

Glycol absorbs water and the brake system reservoir has a little vent hole in it on the side of the cap, and I agree it should be changed out every three or four years and it will help keep the calipers working smoothly.

[1BigDog]

I usually flush them with every pad change, at least the rear ones. The front I do at least twice between pad changes or if the fluid starts to look darker in color. Same for the clutch fluid. That MityVac comes in handy.

[Tartan Terror]

I posted on this before but no one will still believe me. In my RSV I have had DOT 5 in both the clutch and the brakes. I also had it in my Honda for years before that . I can did up the post with all the data a posted before but short answer is yes you can use it provided you completely flush the system. All the others are petrolium based but DOT 5 is silicone based and used in all racing applications due to the resistance to heat it has. All others will draw water out of the air and will mix with it but DOT 5 will not and it will seperate the water. Every once in a while you must bleed out a little as the water will settle at the bottom at the calipers. DOT 5 is used im most show car and bike applications also as it will not hurt the paint if you get a little on it.

 

once again I researched completely and have been doing it for many years. Dont mix but if you flush and use DOT 5 it will be fine.

[Tartan Terror]

Here is the original thread. Check this out.

[ToRide1]

Here is the original thread. Check this out.

 

Don't know what happened to the link but thats Ok I took the time tonight and get updated on this and wow the last time I looked for info on brake fluid there was just a few websites and nothing more than a refresher corse of what I knew going back to the mid 1970's and that DOT 3. was the best over all for general use because of its additive's and DOT 4 was good for heavy towing applications in light truck also box truck and road tractor where higher temps are more likely to happen and should be changed out every tire change or sooner. The DOT 5 many years ago was used by the military because it would not corroded the system from the inside out, but it was found to be incompadable with the seals and it had to be handled so not to get air bubbles when poring it as it would take days for the air to settle out and air is compressible not good to have in a brake system, DOT 5 found its way into off road applications like stock car racing where high temps happen all the time but the stuff had to be changed out often.

Now things have changed some over the years and additive's that work well with synthetic's have been developed and refined work well with the seals. I'm still a little confused:confused07: over a lot of stuff that out there and doing the research:detective: I see Castrol has come out with a synthectic brake fluid that looks safe to use in cars & in our bikes.

[Squidley]

Here's what I use

[KiteSquid]

do not use DOT 5, unless you want to do more maintenance on your brakes and are closed circuit racing...

 

 

If your are close circuit racing a Royal Star I would LOVE to see some photos and video!!!!!

 

 

Click HERE for a good read on brake fluid.

 

 

I will be buying a bottle of the Valvoline Syntch 5.1 (aka 4+) brake fluid at my next change.

[Tartan Terror]

Here is the link I meant to put in last night.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2580&highlight=Brake+fluid

 

 

I will also say once again I have had it in the RSV for 3 years so far and no issues. I had it in the Shadow for 4 before I sold it and I had it in the Honda 750F before I sold that. As long as you dont mix and use it exclusively you are fine. I dont just say this on paper. I have been doing it for years.

 

Read all the info in this other thread and make your own decision