Brake fluid

[Chiefy]

I'm going to change all the fluid in my front and back brakes, and in the clutch.  How much fluid do I need to buy?

Manual says type 4.  Is everyone using 4, or 5 now?

Thanks

[FLAVALK]

I've been using Type 5 in mine for about 3-4 years now and haven't had a problem so far. If your gonna do all three reservoirs, go ahead and get a quart. You'll want to bleed the lines thoroughly of all the old fluid and make sure you have new stuff all the way through. One word of advice, keep the lines full and just bleed until the reservoir is almost empty. Fill it up again and repeat until you're certain all the old fluid is gone. If you completely empty the lines, it will be a bitch getting all the air out...especially the clutch reservoir. Dont ask how I know 

One more thing. I flush the fluid every couple years regardless if it's type 4 or 5

[Gryphon Rider]

The only real advantages of DOT 5 over DOT 4 is that it has an higher boiling point and a longer change interval.  I've never heard of overheated brakes being an issue on the Valkyrie, so unless you're going to race it on track day, I don't think it's worth the trouble to completely and thoroughly evacuate the DOT4 from the system.  Mixing them will cause system damage.

[FLAVALK]

The only real advantages of DOT 5 over DOT 4 is that it has an higher boiling point and a longer change interval.  I've never heard of overheated brakes being an issue on the Valkyrie, so unless you're going to race it on track day, I don't think it's worth the trouble to completely and thoroughly evacuate the DOT4 from the system.  Mixing them will cause system damage.

DOT 5 is synthetic and will not absorb moisture like DOT 4. It does not harm paint and incidental mixing with DOT 4 or 3 will not cause damage, but whatever you're comfortable with, go for it.

[custom1]

Dot 5 is actually silicone based and not computable with 3 or 4.

Dot 5.1 is compatible.

How they came up with the numbering system is beyond me.

The lid says Dot 4. So be safe and put in Dot 4.

Has been discussed many times.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,30115.0.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_5.1

[vanagon40]

. . . How much fluid do I need to buy?

Manual says type 4.  Is everyone using 4, or 5 now?

Thanks

I find that I can get all fluids changed with 16 oz.

I use DOT 4.

All brake fluid is synthetic.  As noted by custom1, DOT 5 is silicone based.

[9Ball]

You can also use any synthetic, such as synpower, that is rated DOT 3/4.

Do not use DOT 5....

[ricoman]

Dot 5 is actually silicone based and not computable with 3 or 4.

Dot 5.1 is compatible.

How they came up with the numbering system is beyond me.

The lid says Dot 4. So be safe and put in Dot 4.

Has been discussed many times.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,30115.0.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_5.1

+1 on this
I have a Mighty Vac if you wany to use it.