Long Life DOT 5.1 brake fluid

okieduc104 · 08-06-2009

Anyone using the DOT 5.1 non-silicone long life brake fluids in their motorcycles or Mules?

RCW · 08-06-2009

I recently switched to SynLube's extra long life 5.1 fluid, but will not have any performance information for at least two years. It was an easy drain and fill, and is supposedly compatible with the OEM fluid, so no complex washing/flushing was required.

But, is it cost effective??? Only time will tell.

Hot Cruiser · 09-22-2009

It's time to change the brake fluid on my VN900, and I'm curious about whether other users have used DOT 5 fluid rather than the manual-recommended DOT 4. Searching Kawi's web site about it is a pain. Apart from cost differences, what other factors such as compatibility with internal brake parts are there to consider? Are there any advantages for using DOT 5?

Many thanks!

RCW · 09-22-2009

The new DOT 5 non-silicone fluids are completely compatible and interchange with the older standards. The silicone based fluids can turn to jelly if the system is not fully evacuated and flushed before you change the fluid.

Hot Cruiser · 09-22-2009

RCW - Thank you for your response and especially for the warning about silicone-based DOT5 brake fluid.

08-06-2009	#1 (permalink)
okieduc104 Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 222	Long Life DOT 5.1 brake fluid Anyone using the DOT 5.1 non-silicone long life brake fluids in their motorcycles or Mules?

08-06-2009	#2 (permalink)
RCW Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Oregon, Chile, Alberta, Texas Posts: 1,482	I recently switched to SynLube's extra long life 5.1 fluid, but will not have any performance information for at least two years. It was an easy drain and fill, and is supposedly compatible with the OEM fluid, so no complex washing/flushing was required. But, is it cost effective??? Only time will tell. __________________ 2008 3010 Trans4X4 Diesel Mule 2008 JD XUV 850 Diesel 1979 XS650 Yamaha New DR-Z400S

09-22-2009	#3 (permalink)
Hot Cruiser Politicians' Nightmare BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Coastal Oregon Posts: 977	It's time to change the brake fluid on my VN900, and I'm curious about whether other users have used DOT 5 fluid rather than the manual-recommended DOT 4. Searching Kawi's web site about it is a pain. Apart from cost differences, what other factors such as compatibility with internal brake parts are there to consider? Are there any advantages for using DOT 5? Many thanks! __________________ Jim '07 Vulcan 900 Classic LT Jesus is Lord

09-22-2009	#4 (permalink)
RCW Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Oregon, Chile, Alberta, Texas Posts: 1,482	The new DOT 5 non-silicone fluids are completely compatible and interchange with the older standards. The silicone based fluids can turn to jelly if the system is not fully evacuated and flushed before you change the fluid. __________________ 2008 3010 Trans4X4 Diesel Mule 2008 JD XUV 850 Diesel 1979 XS650 Yamaha New DR-Z400S

09-22-2009	#5 (permalink)
Hot Cruiser Politicians' Nightmare BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Coastal Oregon Posts: 977	RCW - Thank you for your response and especially for the warning about silicone-based DOT5 brake fluid. __________________ Jim '07 Vulcan 900 Classic LT Jesus is Lord

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