Lonster
GaMMa RaNGeR
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2003
- Location
- The Emerald Triangle
- Moto(s)
- 1986 RG500 Gamma, 2020 KTM 890 Duke R, 1975 RD400 AHRMA Special, 1975 CB350f, 1977 CB550four
- Name
- Lonny
- BARF perks
- AMA #: 305491
I bought an old '80's bike in early 2000 that still had the original Dot3 fluid in it.
I took it to a Sears Point track day, not even thinking about the brake fluid.
Second session of the day, and I was hauling into turn 1, and applying the brakes at the end of the front straight.
As I turned left, and started to roll on the throttle, going up the hill, the bike started slowing way down, like the engine was seizing.
I was able to pull off the track, onto the right side infield, with the clutch pulled in and the bike still running.
I blipped the throttle, and the engine revved fine. The moisture that had accumulated in the brake fluid got hot,
probably boiled, and expanded. My front brakes were locked up.
I got a wrench from someone, opened the bleeder, let out some fluid and released the pressure so the brakes could work again, temporarily.
I called Alan from BARF, and gingerly rode to his shop for a flush and refill with Dot4, and was able to finish the days session after lunch.
Old brake fluid can be mushy until it gets hot, then hard, then you no go anywhere.
Food for thought.
I took it to a Sears Point track day, not even thinking about the brake fluid.
Second session of the day, and I was hauling into turn 1, and applying the brakes at the end of the front straight.
As I turned left, and started to roll on the throttle, going up the hill, the bike started slowing way down, like the engine was seizing.
I was able to pull off the track, onto the right side infield, with the clutch pulled in and the bike still running.
I blipped the throttle, and the engine revved fine. The moisture that had accumulated in the brake fluid got hot,
probably boiled, and expanded. My front brakes were locked up.
I got a wrench from someone, opened the bleeder, let out some fluid and released the pressure so the brakes could work again, temporarily.
I called Alan from BARF, and gingerly rode to his shop for a flush and refill with Dot4, and was able to finish the days session after lunch.
Old brake fluid can be mushy until it gets hot, then hard, then you no go anywhere.
Food for thought.
