Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10493
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« on: May 16, 2017, 07:14:08 AM » |
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Was looking through a few things the PO included with my Interstate. Found a two pack of speed bleeders new in package, the longer (L) ones compatible with the front brakes. I'm no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but I want to do some of the basic stuff. I'm thinking if I like them I may convert a bike to speed bleeders all the way around. If I like that I may set 'em up on both bikes. Thing is, they're not really cheap, and I have read stories about people cross threading them, etc. Just not sure I want to invest in them...
For those of you using them, are speed bleeders worth it? Any reports of cross threading, leaks or blow outs under pressure? I know to use a shop towel to keep the fluid off the paint. Any other tips?
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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Black Dog
Member
Posts: 2606
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2017, 07:29:02 AM » |
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I've had them on my Valk for many years. They work great, and make bleeding the brakes and clutch very easy. No issues, but I don't go all Magilla Gorilla on them either  Some folks like the Mity Vac, or other such tools, but the Speed Bleeders are simple, always where you need them, and they work great  Black Dog |
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle...  |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2017, 07:48:06 AM » |
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Not for me. For as much (really or little) I need to bleed hydraulics, I just squeeze, open, close, release, repeat until done. Never had an issue.
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16781
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2017, 08:17:24 AM » |
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I love my speed bleeders...
-Mike
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jim@98valkyrie.com
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« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2017, 08:51:36 AM » |
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Love mine as well. Have them on two bikes now. Use them in combination with a MityVac for a quick and easy fluid change.
The single longer one replaces the clutch bleeder. The three brakes take the same shorter ones.
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16781
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2017, 09:25:35 AM » |
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One member took a speed bleeder, hooked it to a short hose,
and left all his OEM bleeders installed. He just moves the one
speed bleeder with the little hose around to all the bleeder valves
as he goes...
I think one should be careful tightening a speed bleeder...
-Mike "random thoughts..."
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Harryc
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« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2017, 09:37:33 AM » |
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Yo...
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baird4444
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« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2017, 11:08:57 AM » |
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Mighty Vac
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Riding a motorcycle isn't like driving a car....
- ya gotta be SOBER!
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"You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning!! "
-Cody Baird
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Gideon
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« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2017, 11:11:12 AM » |
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Not for me. For as much (really or little) I need to bleed hydraulics, I just squeeze, open, close, release, repeat until done. Never had an issue.
For the few times this needs to be done, I agree with Chrisj (Christj what is your given name). |
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But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16781
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2017, 11:26:30 AM » |
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Not for me. For as much (really or little) I need to bleed hydraulics, I just squeeze, open, close, release, repeat until done. Never had an issue.
For the few times this needs to be done, I agree with Chrisj (Christj what is your given name). Y'all must have helpers... -Mike |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10493
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2017, 11:29:02 AM » |
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Thanks for the (mixed) replies. Guess I'll install the freebies and take it from there...
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2017, 01:07:07 PM » |
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Not for me. For as much (really or little) I need to bleed hydraulics, I just squeeze, open, close, release, repeat until done. Never had an issue.
For the few times this needs to be done, I agree with Chrisj (Christj what is your given name). Y'all must have helpers... -Mike I can do all by myself except the back brake. My wife is very good and "down" then "up" then "down" then "up" its really not that hard. |
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..
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« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2017, 06:22:07 PM » |
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Changing the clutch bleeder is easy for those with reasonable sized hands.
Those with larger hands find it a squeeze.
Have some water as well to wash away spilt fluid in this location.
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vanagon40
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« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2017, 06:30:53 PM » |
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I love my speed bleeders...
-Mike
+1 [point of clarification, I love my own speed bleeders, I have no strong feelings regarding Mike's] |
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97BLKVALK
Member
Posts: 637
VRCC#26021
Detroit Lakes, MN
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« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2017, 08:36:20 PM » |
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Yo,
I like the speed bleeders.
Michael
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All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
1997 GL1500C - Black
1997 GL1500C - Purple
1997 GL1500C - Bumble Bee
1998 GL1500C - Blue and Cream
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Fazer
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« Reply #17 on: May 17, 2017, 06:06:27 AM » |
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One member took a speed bleeder, hooked it to a short hose,
and left all his OEM bleeders installed. He just moves the one
speed bleeder with the little hose around to all the bleeder valves
as he goes...
I think one should be careful tightening a speed bleeder...
-Mike "random thoughts..." I have a variation of this, and I am sure there is a post somewhere on how to make the assembly but it is essentially a speed bleeder on a hose that can be left open while working the brakes/clutch. I bled all my hydraulics with it. I have a peanut butter jar with a hole in the lid that holds the hose firmly and with a little brake fluid in the bottom, I can open the regular bleeder and squeeze away and simply shut off the regular bleeder when done. I flushed out all the hydraulics in about 1/2 hour. Worked great. Greg |
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Nothing in moderation...
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10493
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #18 on: May 17, 2017, 06:31:29 AM » |
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One member took a speed bleeder, hooked it to a short hose,
and left all his OEM bleeders installed. He just moves the one
speed bleeder with the little hose around to all the bleeder valves
as he goes...
I think one should be careful tightening a speed bleeder...
-Mike "random thoughts..." I have a variation of this, and I am sure there is a post somewhere on how to make the assembly but it is essentially a speed bleeder on a hose that can be left open while working the brakes/clutch. I bled all my hydraulics with it. I have a peanut butter jar with a hole in the lid that holds the hose firmly and with a little brake fluid in the bottom, I can open the regular bleeder and squeeze away and simply shut off the regular bleeder when done. I flushed out all the hydraulics in about 1/2 hour. Worked great. Greg Now that is appealing to the cheap ass bastard in me! Gonna have to look in to this. |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10493
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #20 on: May 17, 2017, 08:16:28 AM » |
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That is ingenious! Just not sure I trust my drilling skills...
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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« Reply #21 on: May 17, 2017, 08:36:22 AM » |
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That is ingenious! Just not sure I trust my drilling skills...
Flat the end of the speed bleeder. Then using a nail softly wack it with a hammer so the point makes a slight depression in the created flat surface. Then the drill bit shouldn't move |
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Fazer
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« Reply #22 on: May 17, 2017, 11:05:10 AM » |
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I made one just like described in the link. Had no problem drilling as brass is very soft. Used a grinder to make the bottom flat, but a file would work just fine, assuming you have a vise to hold it.
Mine works great.
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Nothing in moderation...
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #23 on: May 19, 2017, 05:22:32 AM » |
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I like that speed bleeder in the tubing idea |
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SCain
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« Reply #24 on: May 19, 2017, 12:39:56 PM » |
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I have to chime in here, this is my .02 Speed Bleeders aren't needed, how often are you really changing brake or clutch fluid. Its very easy to bleed lines, here is what I do (when needed). Its a one person job if doing your cycle or your vehicle. Get some clear tubing from the hardware store, about 36" will do, make sure it fits snug on the bleeder valve. Get a container with a removable lid, drill a hole in the lid for the tubing and a smaller hole for air. Place enough tubing through the lid to get to the bottom of your container, put a zip tie on the tubing under the lid to keep it from coming out of the container. So when you start to bleed your system, make sure the container has some fluid in it, about 1/4 full, make sure the tubing coming off the bleeder goes up above the caliper at least 6" and then back down to the container, the container can sit even or lower than the caliper. Only open the bleeder about 1/4 to 1/3 of a turn. It won't suck air back into the caliper because of the fluid you put inside the container. Once you open that bleeder, air will go to the highest point (the loop in the tubing above the caliper) Pump and fill the master cylinder, when you start seeing clear fluid, close the bleeder. Doing it this way requires 1 person, no pumping and open and closing the valve.  |
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Steve  |
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Harryc
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« Reply #25 on: May 19, 2017, 02:35:58 PM » |
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I have to chime in here, this is my .02 Speed Bleeders aren't needed, how often are you really changing brake or clutch fluid. Its very easy to bleed lines, here is what I do (when needed). Its a one person job if doing your cycle or your vehicle. Get some clear tubing from the hardware store, about 36" will do, make sure it fits snug on the bleeder valve. Get a container with a removable lid, drill a hole in the lid for the tubing and a smaller hole for air. Place enough tubing through the lid to get to the bottom of your container, put a zip tie on the tubing under the lid to keep it from coming out of the container. So when you start to bleed your system, make sure the container has some fluid in it, about 1/4 full, make sure the tubing coming off the bleeder goes up above the caliper at least 6" and then back down to the container, the container can sit even or lower than the caliper. Only open the bleeder about 1/4 to 1/3 of a turn. It won't suck air back into the caliper because of the fluid you put inside the container. Once you open that bleeder, air will go to the highest point (the loop in the tubing above the caliper) Pump and fill the master cylinder, when you start seeing clear fluid, close the bleeder. Doing it this way requires 1 person, no pumping and open and closing the valve. Vs. open the speed bleeder and run fluid into any container until it's clear.. Hmmm... I like idiot proof, and I am one so I'd know. |
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« Last Edit: May 19, 2017, 02:37:30 PM by Harryc »
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16781
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #26 on: May 19, 2017, 04:20:59 PM » |
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SCain's method seems like it would work great... I probably have speed bleeders on the 1800
everywhere except the rear, I'll try it there...
-Mike
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sdv003
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« Reply #27 on: May 19, 2017, 09:41:19 PM » |
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I like them, but the other ways described here would work just as well.
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mello dude
Member
Posts: 955
Half genius, half dumazz whackjob foole
Dayton Ohio
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« Reply #28 on: May 20, 2017, 09:11:41 PM » |
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Thing is, they're not really cheap, and I have read stories about people cross threading them, etc. Just not sure I want to invest in them...
For those of you using them, are speed bleeders worth it?
Speedbleeders worth it? - Jeez, absolutely, positively, hell yes! I use on every bike. Saves a whole lot of F bombs..... Expensive? Really? at 8ish bucks a corner? You probly spent more than that on bling items. Sure, there's other ways that can work, but I like things that make it simple from the start. |
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* There's someone in my head, but it's not me.......
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