Brake and Clutch Fluid

Note: Brake fluid can ruin the bike’s paint, so cover the tank and any painted or plastic parts with a towel if you are adding or changing fluid!!!

Front Brake Fluid Reservoir

1. Turn the handlebar to the left so the reservoir on the right handlebar is level
2. Check the fluid level in the sight glass of the reservoir
3. Add only DOT 4 brake fluid if the level is at or below the LOWER level mark

Rear Brake Fluid Reservoir

1. Have a friend hold the bike upright
2. Check the fluid level through the sight hole, right side of the bike just in front of the sidecover. It is easier to see if you remove the plastic chrome reservoir cover
3. Add only DOT 4 brake fluid if the level is at or below the LOWER level mark

Note: If either the front or rear is low on fluid, be sure to check the brake pads for wear! As the pads wear, more fluid is taken into the system.

Clutch Fluid Reservoir

1. Same as Front Brake Fluid Reservoir above, but on the left handlebar

Brake and Clutch Fluid Replacement – Bleeding the Brakes

Note: Honda calls for a fluid change every 12K miles or every 2 years. Good brakes are too important to skip this relatively straight forward procedure.

Note: There are some devices that aid in bleeding the brakes as you replace the fluid:

1. Mityvac is a small hand held vacuum pump that sucks the brake fluid down and out through the bleeder nipple at each brake caliper. It is available at most auto parts stores.
2. Speed Bleeder is a one way valve bleeder nipple that replaces your stock bleeder nipples. It is available at www.speedbleeder.com
3. One Man Brake Bleeder is a one way valve that attaches to your stock bleeder nipple via a hose. It is available at some auto parts stores.
4. A turkey baster is handy for removing the old fluid from the reservoir before you add the fresh fluid. Once you use it for brake fluid, do not return it to the kitchen – let your SO get a new one.

Note: If bleeding by the standard method of pumping the lever, do not pull the lever all the way to the handlebar or you will force the caliper piston to far out and possible ruin the seal. This applies to the clutch and rear brake as well.

Note: Check the shop manual for brake and clutch fluid replacement procedures.