Maintaining, caring for & improving the brake system on your motorcycle - tips from TecBike

In this article, we show you what really matters when it comes to the maintenance, care and sensible tuning of the brake system. Whether brake line, brake pump, pads or calipers - here you can find out what you need to pay attention to in order to stay safe on the road.

Maintenance and care of the brake system

The brake system is constantly exposed to high loads: Heat, moisture, dirt and friction affect the components on a daily basis. Regular maintenance is therefore essential - not only to prevent defects, but also to ensure consistently good braking performance

Important maintenance points:

• Change the brake fluid
  Most faults in the system are caused by aged brake fluid. To avoid this, it should be replaced every two years at the latest. It is hygroscopic and absorbs water as it ages. At the same time, the boiling point of the brake fluid drops and its performance also decreases.
• Check brake lines for cracks and leaks
• Lubricate pistons and bolts on the brake cylinder with suitable grease
• Clean lever bearings and keep them running smoothly
• Check the pressure point regularly and bleed the brake system if necessary

In order to withstand the friction forces already mentioned, the friction surfaces and bolts on the brake cylinder must always be well lubricated. A high-pressure-resistant grease or copper paste is suitable for this purpose. If there is no lubrication, the levers will only move jerkily under high pressure.

The alignment of the levers also plays an important role. They should be adjusted so that the forearm and outstretched fingers form a line. Our tip: First tighten the top screw when aligning. then use the lower screw to fix the lever. If the clamps are mounted incorrectly, the brakes will feel doughy. To find the optimum position for sensitive braking, try all positions of the grip width adjustment. If your hand rests loosely on the grip, your index and middle fingers will extend beyond the lever.

A poorly maintained brake system is indicated by a soft or even disappearing pressure point - a clear warning signal!

Sensible tuning for more safety and driving comfort

It's not just horsepower that brings driving pleasure - braking performance can also be improved in a targeted manner. Particularly useful: Adjustable brake levers and an ergonomically optimized lever position.

What are the benefits?

• More precise dosage
• Better feedback on the lever
• Less hand force required
• Individual adjustment to your hand size and riding position

How to set the lever correctly:
The brake lever should be positioned so that your outstretched arm and fingers form a straight line with the lever. Tighten the upper screw slightly, then adjust with the lower screw and check the reach using the knurled screw.

The main artery of the brake system - the brake line

The brake hose transmits the pressure generated by the lever to the brake calliper. Over time, however, air or water can accumulate in the system - which significantly impairs braking performance.

Important points about brake lines:

- Check the brake lines regularly for cracks and signs of wear

- If the pressure point is soft, bleed or replace the brake fluid

- Only use suitable DOT brake fluid

- Replace rubber hoses with steel flex lines in good time - for a permanently precise pressure point

Caution with brake fluid: DOT 5 is silicone-based and cannot be mixed with DOT 3, 4 or 5.1! The latter, however, are compatible with each other as they are glycol-based. The type of DOT brake fluid your motorcycle requires is usually indicated on the cap of the expansion reservoir. If in doubt, simply ask your specialist dealer.

Once you have replaced the brake fluid, it must be bled thoroughly. This is particularly easy with a brake bleeder set from our range. Important: The pressure point must remain constant during the subsequent function check.

Brake caliper, pads and the brake disc

Even the best brake pump is useless if the downstream components are worn or dirty. You should therefore also regularly check the brake calipers, pads and brake discs. You can easily check the brake system for leaks by pressing the brake pedal. The pressure must not decrease within 30 seconds. Clean the brake discs with a suitable brake cleaner, especially after fitting the tires or when washing the vehicle. Alternatively, you can also use a commercially available detergent if they are very dirty.

If you want to replace the brake discs, pay attention to the direction of rotation. The screw connections must be tightened crosswise. After fitting the brake discs, it is important to adjust the brakes to avoid grinding noises and to ensure that the pads are evenly in contact with the disc.

You should check this:

• Pad thickness & even wear
• Check brake discs for scoring or discoloration
• Brake callipers clean & free-moving
• Bolts & sliding surfaces lightly greased
• Brake pistons without leaks

Replacing the brake pads is one of the simplest and most effective measures. High-performance or sintered pads can noticeably improve braking performance, especially during demanding riding. Replacement is often relatively easy to carry out.

Note:
After changing pads or fluid, a short break-in period is important to ensure optimum interaction between all components.

Conclusion - How to get the most out of your brake system

A powerful brake system is not a luxury, but essential for your safety. With regular maintenance, high-quality components and targeted tuning, you can noticeably improve the braking performance of your motorcycle - and increase riding comfort at the same time. When fitting new brake discs, also replace the brake pads so that they are matched from the outset.