Anyone have this issue: When I bought my bike about 11/2 months ago the front brakes were completely gone. After bleeding the front brakes things were good for about three weeks. Last week I took my 954 to the dealer because my front brake lever wouldn't engage until about 1/2" from the throttle. They changed the pads and bled the line and now the problem is back. Right after the dealer did their work the lever behaved as it should, barely had to squeeze to engage the fronts. Has anyone had this problem?

 

you are getting air in the lines somehow. bleed them again and if it goes away, change the bolts/washers/lines/master cylinder seals/etc.

 

yes air in the lines is your problem... take them off, order some steel lines, way better and you dont have to worry about that air problem again unless you get air again into the new lines... way better upgrade and then u can get away from your problem also, check out ebay, can get a good front and rear set for just around 100 bucks

 

Thanks. Is bleeding the brakes something I want to do or should this be done by a mechanic? I ask because I'm not very mechanical when it comes to cars and bikes. I've looked at a couple sites and the process seems easy enough, but you never know.

 

I've been checking out steel lines, I think I'll go that route. Are they easy to install? I assume bleeding is required after installing the new lines?

 

aight, you need a quick rundown. dont over complicate. at least you arent asking stupid questions so ill give you some tips.

anytime you do anything to the brake system, it is a good idea to blead the lines. usually it is a two person job, although on motorcycles, if you can reach the lever and the bleeder bolts yourself, it is a one person job.

First, locate the bleeder bolts on the calipers. find the right wrench. pull on/push down on the lever/foot lever and hold it. while applying pressure to the brake system open the bleeder bolt. you will feel the pressure come out of the system. also, keep an eye on the fluid coming out of the bleeder bolt. if there is air, keep redoing the bleeding procedure until no more air comes out.

also, motorcycles (dont quote me, but im almost sure) use DOT 4 brake fluid. DO NOT use DOT 3 that is common in cars.

also, for good reference, visit www.stephygee.com and download the service manual for the 954.

 

i just checked the service manual. there is an in-depth on bleeding the brakes and it does call for DOT 4 brake fluid.

 

I appreciate the tips and will bleed the brakes this weekend. I also ordered a set of Galfer lines, so hopefully this resloves the problem.

 

I put on the new brake lines last weekend and what a difference. Thanks for the advice!!