5 Tips for Bleeding Brakes in a Motorcycle

If you find that there is a change in the operation of the brakes on your motorcycle, you may need to replace the brake lines, which involvesa process called bleeding brakes. To ensure that you remain safe on your bike, you should follow the steps below to help empty the brake fluid correctly.

Tip #1 – Protection

When undertaking the process of bleeding brakes on your motorcycle, prepare by covering up the relevant components to prevent them being affected by brake fluid. It is a very corrosive substance that can quickly cause damage to surfaces that it falls onto. Cover the relevant bike parts with old rags and keep a bucket of soapy water to hand in case there is a spill so it is easy to quickly wash away.

Use a disposable container to drain the brake fluid into and wear gloves and long-sleeved overalls throughout the process to protect your skin. The container should have a lid that can be securely fitted into place before the oil is safely disposed of.   

Tip #2 – Check

Check the reservoir to determine the level and condition of the brake fluid within it, this will help you decide how soon the steps for bleeding brakes is required, if at all. The standard color is a golden or amber one. The darker the brake fluid is, the sooner it needs to be replaced. Simply visually checking the reservoir on a regular basis can help you to determine the status of the braking system.

Tip #3 – Number

Be aware that different motorcycles have a different number of brakes. If necessary, peruse the manual to make yourself aware of how many brakes your motorcycle has so that none get overlooked. If the front wheel has two brake pads instead of one, begin the bleeding brakes process by draining the right one before doing the same with the left.   

Tip #4 – Bleeding

When bleeding the brakes, ensure that you are put yourself into a position that will prevent the risk of accidently releasing the brake lever during the process of draining the brake fluid. After opening the bleeder nipple, the brake lever should be depressed and kept this way until the brake fluid is drained, the bleeder nipple closed again and the cap replaced.

Keep a close eye on the reservoir while the brake fluid is being drained to make sure that it doesn’t run dry. This could result in air being allowed access to the braking system, which can make the brakes less effective if it is not drained properly. If necessary, get assistance from someone.  

Tip #5 – Time   

Be patient when bleeding brakes as it can take some time and you should avoid rushing it. After attaching the tube to the bleeder nipple to aid the process, you will find that air bubbles are emitted before any brake fluid appears. There is likely to be a significant amount of air to remove so continue until only fluid flows from the tube. The entire process of opening and closing the bleeding nipple may need to be repeated several times to complete the task.