Brake Fluids

Keep your Motorcycle’s Brakes in Working Order with 24MX Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is a crucial element for every modern motorcycle. Dirt bikers use their brakes as much for steering as slowing, so ensuring that brake fluid is in great shape is vital. In the harsh environment of off-roading and motocross, keeping brake fluid free from contaminants such as dirt, sand, and grit is tough. Even slight damage to a brake line can cause fluid to leak out of the system. Moreover, brake fluid is hygroscopic so absorbs moisture from the air. Both scenarios mean braking capacity is compromised and in a worst-case scenario, will cause the brakes to fail altogether. The solution is to perform regular checks on the brake lines and never miss a service interval for replacing motorbike brake fluid.

Signs that your motorcycle's brake fluid needs changing

The brake lever or pedal feels spongy – This problem may mean that air, moisture, or both have caused brake fluid contamination.

Brake performance is compromised – If your bike is not slowing down as it should, it could be that the brake lines are damaged or that brake fluid is contaminated or past its replacement period.

The brake fluid level has dropped below the ‘low’ mark – This problem is often due to a leaking brake line or fluid that is aged and evaporated.

Dirty or opaque brake fluid - This issue may occur due to contamination from moisture or dirt. Brake fluid may also be over its recommended replacement schedule.

Types of brake fluid

In general circulation, there are four types of brake fluid. These are DOT3, DOT4, DOT5, and DOT 5.1. The only types that motorcyclists generally concern themselves with are DOT3 and DOT4. Both these brake fluid types are polyglycol-based. The only difference is that DOT3 has a boiling point of around 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, DOT4 has a higher boiling point of approximately 450 degrees F. The higher-performance motorbike brake fluid is DOT4 and is capable of withstanding higher temperatures. These higher brake temperatures are generated by heavier adventure-style bikes or riders whose style or terrain relies heavily on brake usage. Technically it is possible to use DOT5 in a motorcycle brake system. As this brake fluid is silicone-based, the entire brake system would need stripping down and given a thorough clean.

If you experience any drop in braking performance, it may be due to one of the problems mentioned above. Alternatively, it could be that the brake fluid is past its useful service life. In either scenario, the answer is to flush the brake system and replenish it with fresh brake fluid. If you are unsure which brake fluid to use, consult your owner's manual. For a performance upgrade to the higher-spec brake fluid such as DOT4, always consult a trained motorcycle mechanic before making any changes to the braking system.