Brakes are an extremely important part of any motorcycle.
Even if a bike has a high-spec engine that can reach ridiculous speeds, if it doesn't have good brakes, it won't be able to take full advantage of its running performance, and it will be too dangerous to ride.
In this issue of Webic Magazine, we'll take a look at the brakes that are absolutely essential for proper operation.brake fluidAbout!
We'll cover the basics, how to choose, and even recommend some brake fluid!
- What is brake fluid?
- Needs to be replaced periodically!
- The real scary story of the vapor lock phenomenon
- There are two main types of brake fluid!
- The basics of how to choose! There's a standard for brake fluid!
- How to pick the right brake fluid for your bike!
- By standard! Recommended brake fluid!
- DOT4 recommends brake fluid!
- DOT5.1 recommendation for brake fluid!
- DOT5.1 recommendation for brake fluid!
- It's a good thing you're in the right shop!
What is brake fluid?
Brake fluid.hydraulicsIt is used in brakes that are controlled by a mechanism called
The main role of the brake pads is to transmit the force of the brake lever to the brake pads.
The fluid in the brake reservoir tank in the image is brake fluid.
Needs to be replaced periodically!
First of all, the premise is that brake fluid deteriorates over time and with use.
Therefore, it needs to be replaced periodically.
For normal city driving, it is said that it is advisable to replace them once every 1 to 2 years or every 10,000 km.
The more intense the load on the brakes, such as off-road driving or circuit driving, the faster they will deteriorate.
An easy way to check for deterioration is to look in the master cylinder window.
If you feel it is cloudy at this time, it may be time to replace it.
We'll talk about why it needs to be replaced in the next section.
The real scary story of the vapor lock phenomenon
vapor lock phenomenonHave you ever heard the phrase
For example, if you brake continuously on a downhill slope, the temperature of the brake pads may exceed 200°C due to friction.
When that heat is transferred to the brake fluid, the water in the brake fluid evaporates and bubbles form.
This is called "chewed air", and to my horror, no matter how hard I hold the brake lever, the brakes will not work.
Why does the vapor lock phenomenon occur?
First of all, glycol, which is the main component of ordinary brake fluid, does not evaporate even when the temperature exceeds 200°C.
But glycol has"Hygroscopic.It has a characteristic of absorbing moisture from the outside air.
The water that is sucked in here evaporates in the brake fluid and causes the vapor lock phenomenon.
That's why it's essential to change your brake fluid on a regular basis.
Here's a good article on changing your brake fluid!
There are two main types of brake fluid!
The main components of brake fluid vary greatly depending on theglycolandsiliconeIt can be divided into!
glycol
Glycol, a type of alcohol, is the main ingredient in brake fluid.
As mentioned in the previous section, its characteristics are that it does not easily evaporate even when exposed to high temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Celsius and that it has high viscosity.
On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, moisture absorption is a weakness of the product, although it is processed to maintain its performance.
In addition, it has the scary property of peeling off the paint if spilled on the cowl or other surfaces, so be careful when handling it!
silicone
It is a substance similar to silicon that you often hear about, but it is different.
As for the characteristics, there is no weak point of glycol "hygroscopicity", nor is it possible to peel off the paint by spilling.
On the other hand, however, it has disadvantages such as the fact that it can erode rubber-based materials such as seals, and unlike glycol, it does not mix with water, so water quickly evaporates and freezes.
It was used as stock on Harleys until about 2005.
The basics of how to choose! There's a standard for brake fluid!
The typical standard for brake fluid is the U.S. Department of Transportation approved standardDOT.There is a
The higher the number following the DOT, the higher the grade of brake fluid.
dry boiling pointmeans almost new condition.Wet boiling pointis a state in which moisture has been absorbed (moisture absorption rate 3.7%), and at what temperature it boils off.
In addition, viscosity at a temperature of 100°C and -40°C is also used as a criterion for determining standards.
| standard | main ingredient | dry boiling point | Wet boiling point |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOT4 | glycol | Over 205°C | 140°C or higher |
| DOT3 | glycol | 230°C or higher | 155°C or higher |
| DOT5.1 | glycol | Over 260°C | Over 180°C |
| DOT5 | silicone | Over 260°C | Over 180°C |
Huh?
Something between DOT 4 and DOT 5, DOT 5..There's one, but it's not the same, is it?
You may have thought so, but pay attention to the difference in the main ingredients.
Yes, DOT5 is the standard for brake fluid with silicone as the main ingredient, so be careful when choosing.
Incidentally, there is also a Japanese standard called "JIS", but the classification method is almost the same as "DOT".
The product name of the brake fluid and the notation on the package is also almost always "DOT", so I will spare you the explanation here.
How to pick the right brake fluid for your bike!
In general, compatible brake fluid for each type of motorcycle is set using "DOT" as an indicator.
It's best to check the owner's manual, if available.
But in most cases, it is indicated like this on the lid of the master cylinder.
The image is from the author's PCX. You can see that the fitment is DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid.
By standard! Recommended brake fluid!
Here's a list of Webic's top selling brake fluid recommendations by standard!
DOT4 recommends brake fluid!
Brembo: Racing Brake Fluid LCF-600 PLUS
I can't use any other fluid anymore.
It was the brake fluid from the world's leading brake manufacturer, Brembo, that made users say that!
If you are a rider who is looking for a higher level of braking, or if you have Brembo calipers, this is the one for you!
HONDA：Ultra BF Brake Fluid
Genuine brake fluid from Honda, the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the world market share!
They're used by the factory, so you can bet they're reliable!
And yet, their prices are so reasonable, they've become overwhelmingly popular!
Yamalube : Brake Fluid BF4
ヤマハの純正ブレーキフルードにあたる、ヤマルーブのブレーキフルードです。
オイルやブレーキフルードを、重要な「液体パーツ」と考えるヤマルーブらしく、その品質は一級品。
ユーザーからは、「ブレーキタッチが向上した！」というインプレッションも届いています！
Wacos: BF4 BF4
Waco's selling many of our best selling chemical products!
It's got a massive 1 liter capacity! You may feel it is a bit much to use only for motorcycles.
But don't worry! This one can also be used on four-wheeled vehicles, so this one does multiple jobs!
DOT5.1 recommendation for brake fluid!
The DOT5 is the highest grade in the DOT standard..I have 1 recommendation for brake fluid!
Motul: DOT5.1 BRAKE FLUID
From on-road to off-road, Motul is active in all aspects of motorsports!
This feedback has been utilized to achieve an astonishing dry boiling point of 272°C and a wet boiling point of 185°C!
The ABS (Anti Brake Lock System) is also optimally set to help in case of emergency.
Liqui-Moly: Brake Fluid DOT 5.1
Germany's Liqui-Moly, with its striking blue and red brand logo, is used as genuine oil by European motorcycle manufacturers such as BMW.
Prevents corrosion of the metal in the hydraulic system of brakes and clutches and maintains the performance of the components themselves for a long time.
The 250ml capacity may seem a little small compared to other brake fluids, but it's almost enough for a front brake fluid change only.
Endless : Super Racing Fluid
This one, DOT5 to be exact..It's not a 1, but it has an impressive dry boiling point of 323°C and a wet boiling point of 218°C.
This is the brake fluid that the Webic staff, who competes in all the major races in Japan, would recommend!
DOT5.1 recommendation for brake fluid!
Last but not least, silicone-based brake fluid!
Guts Chrome: Brake Fluid DOT5
For a silicone-based brake fluid that's a little more expensive than a glycol-based fluid, it's easy on the wallet!
The 355ml capacity is sufficient for changing brake fluid on bikes with double discs.
BELRAY: SILICONE DOT5 Brade Fluid
Originally starting out as a manufacturer of lubricants for food machinery, Bel-Ray now produces products for Harley and other V-twin engines.
It does not absorb water, which is the biggest enemy of brake fluid, and also has an extremely high boiling point, so it can resist to
It's a good thing you're in the right shop!
As I mentioned at the beginning, brakes are one of the most important parts of a motorcycle, and the brake fluid involved in the brakes is also a vital part.
If you feel even a little bit "difficult" or "scary" to do the work by yourself, it is preferable to ask a skilled and skilled shop.
You can find a shop near you HERE!
Thank you for reading this far!
Again, the brakes are a really important part.
Properly check and maintain it on a daily basis, and have a safe motorcycle life!
