brake fluid-what and why?

ceo012384 · 04-01-2009, 12:41 AM

Motul RBF600 is the prime track shit... a little pricey though.

was92v · 04-10-2009, 06:53 AM

Dot 4 for me.

tommymac · 04-10-2009, 07:18 AM

been using DOT 4 even on the track bike and had no issues. its tough finding the DOT 4 in the auto stores and the dealers charge an arm and a leg for it so I usualy just order a bottle when purchasing other things.

tom

Rsv1000R · 04-10-2009, 03:00 PM

Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.

tommymac · 04-13-2009, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rsv1000R

Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.

I will have to double check but am 99% sure the futura used dot 4 for the brakes and the clutch.

Tom

NONE_too_SOFT · 04-13-2009, 06:34 AM

Use whats called for w/ the specific brake system you have. if you've got aftermarket parts on your brakes i'd consult them, rather than what the OEM calls for.

I've heard that using High Temp DOT 5 will reduce Spongy feel during intense/frequent braking. have yet to test it, but i've got some in the mail.

Rsv1000R · 04-14-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NONE_too_SOFT

Use whats called for w/ the specific brake system you have. if you've got aftermarket parts on your brakes i'd consult them, rather than what the OEM calls for.

I've heard that using High Temp DOT 5 will reduce Spongy feel during intense/frequent braking. have yet to test it, but i've got some in the mail.

If you're getting US Dot 5, be careful about mixing it with even a trace of Dot 4, as it turns to goop. There a whole procedure for switching it over you need to follow.

Dot 5 doesn't absorb moisture, which reduces the boiling point of Dot 4 brake fluids, But your brake system will still collect condensation, and then you get water settling to the lowest point it can get to, and if it gets into the calipers, you still boil it, and it corrodes everything it touches.

Apparently, there have been a lot of expensive cars that had dot 5 put in during restorations, and had the brake systems ruined from condensation.

04-01-2009, 12:41 AM	#1
ceo012384 Pompous Prick Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MA Moto: 06 R6 (race), 04 CRF Tard (race) Posts: 3,040	Motul RBF600 is the prime track shit... a little pricey though. __________________ LRRS/CCS #123 Boston Moto Dunlop Woodcraft 35 Motorsports Sidi Pit Bull K&N Filters

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04-10-2009, 06:53 AM	#2
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	Dot 4 for me.

04-10-2009, 07:18 AM	#3
tommymac Moto GP Star Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 11,022	been using DOT 4 even on the track bike and had no issues. its tough finding the DOT 4 in the auto stores and the dealers charge an arm and a leg for it so I usualy just order a bottle when purchasing other things. tom

04-10-2009, 03:00 PM	#4
Rsv1000R WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,059	Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.

04-13-2009, 06:34 AM	#6
NONE_too_SOFT Chopstix / \ Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Akron OH Moto: 03 CBR RR Posts: 5,350	Use whats called for w/ the specific brake system you have. if you've got aftermarket parts on your brakes i'd consult them, rather than what the OEM calls for. I've heard that using High Temp DOT 5 will reduce Spongy feel during intense/frequent braking. have yet to test it, but i've got some in the mail.