Brake light came on for a few seconds and brakes are acting normally.

[Red Ryder VT]

On a recent ride (most likely last one of the year) it was about 50 degrees and about five miles from home I came to a stop at an intersection. The screen said brake failure and the warning light came on like the parking brake was on. I had come to a complete stop. Light went out right away and I went on my way. About two miles later the light show repeated. Again this time I was approaching a stop sign and had applied the brake. Lights went out again and I continued my trip about five more miles and stopped for ten minutes to visit a friend. On my way home about ten miles nothing went wrong. This is a 2012 RTs with about 17,000 miles. I've had NO problems with the bike in the six years that I've owned her. It had about 3,200 miles on when I got it six years ago.

Could it be that the brakes we just cold? Could it be that the brake lining is aging and needs to be replaced? ANY suggestions. THANK YOU.

 

[ARNIE R]

You MAY just be a tad low on brake fluid in one of the brake fluid reservoirs. I have had this happen twice and from what I understand from other discussions on this occurring, it only takes a tablespoon or two being low to trigger this. There are supposedly sensors inside the reservoirs.

This occurs as the brake pads wear down and the fluid level drops accordingly.

Hopefully, that is what may be occurring to you.

 

[JayBros]

Arnie is correct. When was the last time you changed or had the brake fluid flushed and refilled? I doubt the problem is related to cold brakes.

 

[Bfromla]

:agree:For sure check fluid & flush every 2years. Only DOT4 fluid :lecturef_smilielease do not mix other DOT levels

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

:agree: with everybody above ..... be careful when adding .... Brake fluid is almost as strong as Acid, so if you spill .... dose with water .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Most likely as you were braking the fluid moved toward the front of the reservoir, just enough to trigger a low fluid warning. I had this sort of thing happen. I parked on a slight downhill. When I started out the warning light was on. After I stopped on the level and turned the bike off, and then back on, the warning went away. It doesn't take much of a forward movement of the fluid to be low at the sensor when the reservoir level is a bit low.

 

[Bensonoid]

Be sure to orient the caps correctly when you put them back on. Vents point towards the rear.