I've only put 2500kms on my R since my last ABS service...in spring of 2006! ...long story for the low kms, love the R, but with 2 kids, three bikes, countless projects, yada yada...
Do I really need to service it for thr '08 season, and if so, why (mechanically speaking)?
If the fluid is ok, then don't worry about it. On the bikes with the ss brake lines, they(BMW) say you can go 2 years. I would suggest that you get out and ride more in '08.
Jeff (lifer #289)
'17 F800GSA
'04 R1150R
There ain't no education in the second kick of a mule!
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, this is one of the reasons to service, read change and flush, the brake system as the water collected tends to acumulate and create rust in due time.
In your case, being in Canada and with so little use on the bike I will look at the color of the brake fluid. If its clear let it go, if it has taken a slight brownish tint you might consider changing.
There are several of us that ride the brand and live in Louisiana, read high humidity, and we change/flush every 2 years with no problems.
I'm sure other users will have differing oppinions, I'm sharing what works for us.
Member #312
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
I could be wrong, but I thought the current recommendation was to flush the upper circuit every two years and the lower circuit yearly. Actually, it isn't that difficult of a job, especially on an R-bike where the biggest chore is just removing the tank.
On the other hand, the fluid always looks good, even when doing the every two year upper flush, so the current recommendation is probably overkill and every two years for the entire system is probably OK.
Al
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
If it were me I'd do the brake fluid every second year..but change the clutch fluid every year..as to stop the chance of clutch slave cylinder problems.
DJ Downunder wrote:If it were me I'd do the brake fluid every second year..but change the clutch fluid every year..as to stop the chance of clutch slave cylinder problems.
Actually, DJ, that's not a bad idea. I just changed the clutch slave cylinder on my RT and it's a major job. I think I'll start changing the fluid yearly. Also not a difficult job if you just take off the ball-valve thingy and leave a regular brake bleeder on in its place all the time.
Al
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
Thanks for the wise advice all, you're a fine bunch.
The fluid couldn't be clearer and I do have the SS lines, but I guess I'll still change it since it's year 2. Still, I don't get why its ABS system needs more maintenance than a car
And thanks for the reminder about the clutch fluid. And yes, I WILL ride more in '08, my mental health depends on it!!
The one maint item I would not skip is the brake/clutch fluid change. As stated above over time the brake fluid absorbs water which if left in there long enough will cause corrosion . I would rather pay to have the fulid changed than replace an ABS system because of corrosion. I have the brake fluid flushed in my cars as well, ABS systems are just as expensive for cars as for the R.
My Canadian spec '03 (build date March '03) has the SS lines, and the twin spark heads, maybe that was the first month of the switchover.
But while I get the whole moisture in the system thing, I still don't get why it's any more of an issue on the bike than a car. Nobody needs to change their brake fluid in their car every one or two years.
A buddy was looking at buying a 05 rock, and when he brought up the maint on the abs the guy he was talking to told him since they have now had more time with the servo abs that bmw now suggests a period of 4 or 5 years, I can't remember which now. But it had atleast doubled.
...long story for the low kms, love the R, but with 2 kids, three bikes, countless projects, yada yada...
