Relax
Member
Posts: 322
Power & elegance...just like the Valk
Oslo, Norway
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« on: May 30, 2014, 04:14:51 PM » |
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 Going long downhill with tight curves,,,,riding 2 up + package,, ,,,sometimes gives a soft rear brake- Yeah, I know ,,,i should use lower gear or / and the front brake more,, BUT ,,, my question is,,,what really happens ? Is it the brake fluid getting too warm? And , if it is, what really happen? Because the fluid doesnt vanish.. so why and how do the brake pedal just suddenly feel like a hot knife in butter? AND !! Does any other brake fluide do a better job in this respect? |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2014, 06:21:04 PM » |
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I think you answered your own problem. I have heard of this happening to others that overuse the rear brake. Start relying on them front brakes, someday you will be thankful you learned to trust them
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Relax
Member
Posts: 322
Power & elegance...just like the Valk
Oslo, Norway
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« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2014, 12:30:54 AM » |
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Thanks I just heard Dot 5 is better than Dot 4 when it comes to this. Condence /water get into Dot 4 and cause this issue (?) and Dot 5 is supposed to be better about that. Is Dot 5 okay on my Valk? |
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ptgb
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« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2014, 01:38:26 AM » |
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Is it the brake fluid getting too warm? And , if it is, what really happen? Because the fluid doesnt vanish.. so why and how do the brake pedal just suddenly feel like a hot knife in butter?
AND !! Does any other brake fluide do a better job in this respect?
Actually what happens when you get the "soft pedal" or a real spongy feeling to the brake pedal; the brake fluid gets hot enough to boil and turns to a compressible gas. That is why the brake suddenly gets soft. Once it cools down, the gas returns to its liquid state that is non-compressible. So, yes the fluid does "vanish" as it turns into a gas. As far as different brake fluids go, I wouldn't use anything but DOT 4, and just use both brakes in conjunction with proper engine braking... and your pedal won't go soft anymore  |
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« Last Edit: May 31, 2014, 01:40:15 AM by ptgb »
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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Grandpot
Member
Posts: 630
Rolling Thunder South Carolina Chapter 1
Fort Mill, South Carolina
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« Reply #4 on: May 31, 2014, 03:53:47 AM » |
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PTGB is 100% correct. Keep your brake fluid fresh. Change it at least every two years.
Use your engine for extended braking going down hills.
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 Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it. |
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2014, 06:16:20 AM » |
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While I only agree partially with the comments regarding the brake fluid, it seems to me
that everyone is missing the main point and jumping to conclusions avoiding the obvious.
Long downhill runs with lots of braking is very hard on the brake pads especially if they
worn to some degree as opposed to new.
The heat buildup in the brake assembly will result in diminished braking ability to a point
where you can lose the brakes, especially under the conditions which you describe.
Sounds like that is what happened to you.
Take the advise, that those have said, to start to use your front brakes as a regular habit.
That is where 70% of you braking capacity resides. It's a safety issue, surely.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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Valkjerk
Member
Posts: 567
Freedom ain't free.....just the price of a Valkyri
NOLA
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« Reply #6 on: May 31, 2014, 10:21:31 AM » |
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Without elaborating on a very poor decision I made one time in my life, I will say this. Try racing a fellow biker the whole "Dragon's Tail" and see what happens to your brake fluid, pads, rotors, nerves etcetera. Was almost unable to ride my bike home from that.
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Ride like it's your last....grinnin' all the way.
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Michvalk
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« Reply #7 on: May 31, 2014, 10:47:32 AM » |
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+1 with everyone. Also add the heat in the brake fluid and the stock hoses get more flexible. That is why most performance bikes come with the reinforced brake lines. I know, most people use them for the bling, but, they really do add to brake performance  |
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Valkjerk
Member
Posts: 567
Freedom ain't free.....just the price of a Valkyri
NOLA
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« Reply #8 on: May 31, 2014, 11:02:58 AM » |
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Thanks Mitch, I wondered why the reinforcement. I thought it might be to protect pinching in case of some mishap.
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Ride like it's your last....grinnin' all the way.
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Relax
Member
Posts: 322
Power & elegance...just like the Valk
Oslo, Norway
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« Reply #9 on: May 31, 2014, 02:19:47 PM » |
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I learned a few things during the day.. dot 5 , I cannot use, it may be bad for O-rings and seals.... However, Dot 5,1 is good to go.It has a higher boiling point than the Dot 4 , and is not bad for O-rings and seals ... But, as mention above, the main thing is to replace the brake fluid at least every second year, no matter Dot 4 or 5,1 |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #10 on: May 31, 2014, 03:14:18 PM » |
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I learned a few things during the day.. dot 5 , I cannot use, it may be bad for O-rings and seals.... However, Dot 5,1 is good to go.It has a higher boiling point than the Dot 4 , and is not bad for O-rings and seals ... But, as mention above, the main thing is to replace the brake fluid at least every second year, no matter Dot 4 or 5,1 I believe the most important thing mentioned above is to learn how to safely and properly use ALL the brakes on a motorcycle. Fronts first and foremost. Learn to trust them. |
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Relax
Member
Posts: 322
Power & elegance...just like the Valk
Oslo, Norway
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« Reply #11 on: May 31, 2014, 04:33:50 PM » |
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 Our challenge from time to time.. Yupp, i'd say better brake rurines, yes,. AND regularely change of brake liquid  |
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