Brake fluid is a key element in the functioning of a hydraulic disc brake system. These fluids are either Glycol or Silicon based and come in various grades – DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. All except DOT 5 are glycol based. The general rule is that the higher the number, the higher the fluid’s boiling point. Most vehicles sold today come with DOT 4 brake fluid, but be sure to check the owner’s manual or the text that’s usually stamped on the brake fluid reservoir. DOT 5 is not compatible with most modern vehicles that have ABS systems, but DOT 4 compliant systems should have no issue with DOT 5.1 fluids.
DOT 4 works absolutely fine for most applications, and the primary reason to upgrade to DOT 5.1 is if you plan on running your vehicle on the track where the brake temperatures can get high enough to boil the fluid. I have no intention of working the brakes on my 790 Duke that hard on the street, but the bike has fairly dull brakes and any improvement would be appreciated. I’ve heard anecdotal claims that switching to DOT 5.1 also improves lever feel and given that a 250ml bottle costs just Rs 399, why not.
Installation was fairly simple: drain away the old brake fluid, add the right amount of DOT 5.1 and bleed the system to get rid of any air bubbles. Almost immediately, it felt like the lever feedback was better, with a slightly firmer feel. The actual braking performance hasn’t really improved in normal riding conditions, although that may well change when the bike visits the track. But for now I’m enjoying the small, but noticeable improvement in lever feel.
I chalk the improvement down to this simply being a higher quality of fluid than what most manufacturers would typically use, and for the money, it’s a sweet little ‘upgrade’. The 250ml bottle still has plenty left even after the 790’s front and rear brakes had their fill, so you might even be able to use one bottle in two bikes. Like all Glycol-based brake fluids, this stuff is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, which reduces its efficacy. So it’s best to change it every couple of years.
Where: www.lrlmotors.com
Price: Rs 399
Dinshaw Magol
Gavin Rodrigues
Azaman Chothia
