Brakes
Do ABS brakes really work? A reprint of an article from MotorcycleConsumer News. I must admit that, like many experienced riders, I have a prejudice against ABS - I think I can stop a bike faster than a computer can. However, this article makes a pretty compelling case that in wet or sandy conditions, I'm just wrong. Thanks to Sam Ulbing for this link.
Brake pads come in a few formulations. Generally, sintered pads will give you better performance at a higher price. Some companies make different formulations of pads for the front and rear. Some sintered pads offer greatly increased braking performance at the price of much grabbier and more sensitive brakes - the EBC pads I put on my ST1300 really stop the bike, but in the winter I find myself locking up the wheels a couple times a month in poor road conditions. I don't have ABS, note my prejudice.
Hydraulics
Braided steel brake lines are popular with many people. The braided steel is there only for protection from heat and
impact - it adds nothing to the braking performance. However, the hydraulic lines inside the braided steel are of higher
quality than the factory parts, and typically offer better braking feel.
MityVac
Brake Bleeding Kit. About $60 at Northern Tool, J.C.Whitney, or 1888fastlap.com
Change your Clutch or Brake Fluid
Caution: DOT 3 and 4 brake fluid will strip paint. Be careful, don't drip, put a cover on the tank.
Required supplies:
- A new container of DOT4 brake fluid.
- A 2 foot length of 1/4" clear plastic tubing.
- A clear glass or plastic container, like a jam jar or a soda bottle.
- 8mm box end wrench
- Using a couple three paper towels or a rag, soak up the fluid in your handlebar reservoir and empty it out. Discard the paper towels.
- Fill the reservoir to the top (over filled) with clean fluid. Place the appropriate wrench (8mm?) on the bleed valve for the clutch, likely just above the shift lever (remember, I haven't done this on my ST yet). Place the vinyl tubing on the bleed valve, and drop the open end of the tubing into your jar / bottle.
- Open the bleed valve. Pull the clutch lever in to the handgrip. Hold the level in. Close the bleed valve. Release the lever.
- Repeat step (4) until the fluid coming out the bleed valve is clean and clear. Every 10-15 pulls, check the fluid level in the reservoir and add more as necessary.
- Move the handlebars as necessary so that the top of the fluid in the reservoir is level with the ground. Fill the reservoir to the top of the "full" line. Close everything up, you're done.
Footpegs
You can change out your passenger footpegs for floorboards, a change which will be much appreciated by many of your SOs.
Cleated footpegs for dual-sport bikes:
