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  1. #1
    Customer Support LeftCoast's Avatar
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    Default Brake Fluid Level

    Hi all,

    Newbie question here. Will be doing a coastal ride in a few weeks on the 2015 RTL with 16k miles on it. When checking brake fluid level are you supposed to be able to see it through the side of the tank or do you have to remove the caps?

    If I’m able to get the fluid changed in time if I go that route how much should I expect to pay?

    One final question. As long as I put in dot 4 to bring it up to fill level does it matter what kind?

    thanks!

    P.S. The black residue has all been cleaned up
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    Last edited by LeftCoast; 09-10-2018 at 02:08 PM.
    2015 RTL , Yes Pearl White

  2. #2
    Customer Support LeftCoast's Avatar
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    Bump because my mechanic knowledge is sad.

    if you need an enterprise software system for 50,000 people installed on budget on time with minimal configuration issues I’m your guy.
    2015 RTL , Yes Pearl White

  3. #3
    Very Active Member Woodaddict's Avatar
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    if you wipe off plastic tank, towards the front is an indent in plastic, I think that says low / high. I have 2015 RTL too, and when I looked when fluid gave me a warning on cluster, I found level. Or look in book
    2015 Spyder RT Ltd- bUrp - only add the "U", 2010 Honda NT700V-red,2010 Honda NT700V-silver retired @201,111 miles, 1997 Honda PC800, 1996 Honda PC800, Honda CT500, Honda Shadow 500, 1978 Suzuki GS550, 1973 Suzuki TC125, other assorted smaller bikes, Suzuki TM400



  4. #4
    Very Active Member canamjhb's Avatar
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    I had to add some to mine on a trip this summer. Got the Brake Failure message on the dash. It was a little awkward for me to add the fluid and try to see the level at the same time. I enlisted my wife's help to tell me when to stop filling. Probably took 2-3 tablespoons to top off the reservoirs. Brand of fluid is unimportant as long as it is the correct spec.
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  5. #5
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
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    The fluid level is always hard to see & can harder to fill with that: ALWAYS use DOT4 any brand is fine just so it's DOT4 do not mix with any other level dot,
    FYI it's corrosive so don't make a mess & be sure to clean up, many recommend using a eye dropper for ease, it may only need a teaspoon or so.
    There are "V" slits in the diaphragm on both caps they need to point to the back tire if the orange screen has not shown you should be fine, they are hyper sensitive & will let you know quickly & repeatedly till fixed. I've had mine light up for just parking up a hill. So may just want to carry some with you.
    The fluid flush is only needed every 2 years or something like 30k miles.

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  6. #6
    Customer Support LeftCoast's Avatar
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    Thanks! The light on the console isn’t on so that’s good. I just can’t tell with the caps off if it’s at the low level or not.
    2015 RTL , Yes Pearl White

  7. #7
    Customer Support LeftCoast's Avatar
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    Honestly it just looks like it needs a tablespoon or two. I have a tremor that makes my hands move a bit so I like the eye dropper idea.
    2015 RTL , Yes Pearl White

  8. #8
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    I shine a light into the reservoir (caps removed), get it right down close to the opening. Then I can see the level. I use a plastic straw to fill mine. Drop a straw into the new fluid bottle. Hold my finger over the end, pull out the straw put it over the reservoir hole, remove finger. Repeat until there is enough in there.

  9. #9
    Customer Support LeftCoast's Avatar
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    That’s why this forum is awesome. Would not have thought of that
    2015 RTL , Yes Pearl White

  10. #10
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LeftCoast View Post
    Thanks! The light on the console isn’t on so that’s good. I just can’t tell with the caps off if it’s at the low level or not.
    . YOU WONT MISS IT
    It's not going to be just some little indication light FYI I will be a ORANGE screen it will block all other digital views, last few minutes & then just reduced to a caution symbol where the trip meter is underneath the main screen, & as said before it will keep showing up until fixed

    2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
    SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
    SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
    T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
    brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
    Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
    sawblade mowhalk fender accents
    minispyder dash toy
    Lid lox
    KradelLock
    Pakitrack
    GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
    FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
    BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
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  11. #11
    Very Active Member SNOOPY's Avatar
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    Small flashlight laid against the top of any brake fluid reservoir lights up the inside enough to see the level of fluid if needed.

  12. #12
    Customer Support LeftCoast's Avatar
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    Thanks everyone I appreciate the feedback and suggestions.
    2015 RTL , Yes Pearl White

  13. #13
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    I use a flashlight pointed into the tank shows the fluid well.

  14. #14
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
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    Pg 135 of your operator's guide shows you exactly where the Max and Min levels of brake fluid should be and how far apart they are at the level at the top of the word printing on the master cylinder reservoir. Use a shop light or flash light shining into the reservoir to make it easier to see the level. My dealer charged .8 hr for a brake fluid change last fall that included the entire system including the ABS module which requires B.U.D.S. You have high dollar left coast labor charges to contend with. Any brand DOT 4 will do but use fresh fluid. Use a teaspoon or eye dropper and be certain you protect the painted side panel.
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