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Message started by J Mac on 11/19/22 at 17:08:31

Title: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by J Mac on 11/19/22 at 17:08:31

I just picked up a 2012 with 821 miles on it. The brake fluid looks pink/amber and clean. If I assume the system has never been cracked open, do I need to replace that fluid? Yes, I know it's not that difficult. I'm just asking. I see wildly different recommendations about the life of brake fluid. I just find it curious that not one owner's manual in the many new cars I've owned in my too-long life has mentioned changing brake fluid. Also, the tires only have 821 miles on them, so they should be good to go right? JOKING. The tires are so hard they were sliding down the ramp with the brakes on while we were unloading it. This bike has sat for about 7 years it seems.

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by Armen on 11/19/22 at 17:21:49

Yes, change it. And see if the brakes apply smoothly and the wheel spins freely when you let go of the lever.
Check out the price of a bottle of brake fluid. Then check on the price of a new body.
The brakes are pretty dickless at their best.

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by J Mac on 11/19/22 at 17:29:24

Thank you. I forgot to ask, what about the brake line?

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by J Mac on 11/19/22 at 17:47:54

Well, my mistake. I downloaded a 2001 manual, and the maintenance schedule says to replace the brake hose every 4 years and fluid every 2 years. Very interesting.

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by Armen on 11/20/22 at 00:34:02

I’m a big fan of braided stainless lines.
And more aggressive brake pads.

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by Ruttly on 11/22/22 at 10:17:48

Aggressive pads,braided line and the big brake , dont forget the fork brace
and it will stop and stop straight and stop now !
Stock front brake is dudu !! Pads and braided line do little to improve stock caliper. Caliper is too weak for the weight of the bike. IMO

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by Ruttly on 11/22/22 at 10:24:37

Dot 3 for extra firm lever , dot 5 synthetic not as firm but seems it doesn’t need to be changed nowhere near as often. Both acceptable ! Don’t use old brake fluid get a new bottle you cheap a$s ! ;D

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 11/22/22 at 10:59:50

5B7C7D7D6570090 wrote:

Okay, now I'm confused. One brake fluid is more compressible than the other?

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by Armen on 11/22/22 at 12:53:53

Don’t use DOT 5 in a bike built for DOT 4. Seals are incompatible. You can upgrade to DOT 4 or DOT 5.1.
Must be glycol based.

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by Ruttly on 11/22/22 at 13:04:45

Dot 3 As a personal preference feels firmer with better sensitivity
I’ll have to check the boiling points of 3 & 5
Dot 5 is great but my not preference

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by J Mac on 11/22/22 at 17:47:25

Well, the MC cap says DOT 4, so that's what I'll be using. The half-used bottle on my shelf that is ?? years old is DOT 5. I'm cheap, but not that cheap ;). I don't even remember what vehicle I bought that for. If anybody can give me a a link for an exact fit braided line, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm just getting back in the LS650 game. I do remember that my 2003 had brakes that you wouldn't write home about. I never upgraded them.

Title: Brake hose (Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012)
Post by J Mac on 11/26/22 at 11:42:49

I didn't want to open a new thread. Does anybody know where to get the OEM brake hose for a 2012 besides the dealer? I live in an area with lousy dealers that usually sell many brands. Would a 2011 fit? I'm thinking it might. Ron Ayers has years where they don't even list the LS650, and 2012 is one of the missing ones. Our bikes are stepchildren, even though they were made up until about 3 years ago. Here is the 2011 diagram:

https://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/a/suz/60020b3587a8661360dad25f/front-master-cylinder

If it works, $111 is a little pricey. I'd gladly use aftermarket braided if I knew it would bolt on. I do not want to fashion my own brake hose if I don't have to. If it comes down to that, I can screw fittings on a hose if anybody has part numbers for the right length hose and proper banjo fittings. Thanks in advance for the help.

Title: Re: Opinion on brake fluid in 2012
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 11/26/22 at 12:42:54

As long as you have the same handlebar as a listed hose is intended to fit, year model doesn't matter. The drag bars have shorter hoses than the Buck horn equipped. They didn't just arbitrarily change the bike. If I was changing the hose I would absolutely have a stainless braid. You get consistent action And the comfort of knowing it's stout.