Hydraulic Fluid Color

[Finewest]

Question, probably a dumb one knowing me...

I have noticed that the clutch hydraulic reservoir's view window showing the fluid in it is a different color then the front brake one. I have also noticed that on other ST1300's. What's up with that!? :confused:

[sherob]

Engine heat. :)

[Horst]

they should both be absolutely CLEAR ....

it not, it's time to change it ... usually a small job.

on my brother's ZX-11, the brake fluid had been changed but not the clutch ... we did this and he has a brand new clutch ... :D

[Spencer]

On both of our 06's the clutch fluid had a light yellow/brown color to it while
the brake fluid was, and is, absolutely clear.
It was like this new on the showroom floor and has not changed?
Curious but true.

Ride safe, Spencer

[Finewest]

On both of our 06's the clutch fluid had a light yellow/brown color to it while
the brake fluid was, and is, absolutely clear.
It was like this new on the showroom floor and has not changed?
Curious but true.

Ride safe, Spencer

Exactly! I noticed also the ones on the floor are the same way, as was mine when pruchased. I have also noticed other ST's in photos having the same color in the clutch reservior. Is that normal? is it the little metal plate in the view-window a different color? Could that be it?

[Mark]

It isn't colored glass...

He causes brake fluid to turn brown.
On the 1100 the fluid looks clear (like 7up) on the 1300 the clutch turns yellow/brown very quickly while the brake fluid stays clear for a long time.

Change the fluid more often...

Mark

[CrashTestDanny]

Mine turned yellow after about 9,000 miles. At 12,000 I started noticing my rear brake falling to the floor a lot. I had both systems flushed at 12,500 and they both work great. Fluid is clear again now. As someone else noted, engine heat changes the color of the fluid and that color change is a good indicator that it's time to flush the system.

[Walrus]

I have the same problem. Mine is more brown than tan now. But at 2,000 on the bike???? I don't think I am that hard on the clutch, besides, most of my riding is on the freeway. I'm at work right now, but does anyone know the frequency the manual says to change it???

[number9]

Hmmm.......wonder what made mine turn blue...:grin:

[Britman]

they should both be absolutely CLEAR ....

if not, it's time to change it ... usually a small job.

+1 on clear fluid.

The dirtier it gets :eek:

Use Dot 4 fluid NOT Dot 5.

Buy a MityVac and it's an easy job, well, apart from the hidden reservoir for the linked brakes.

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12854&highlight=bleed+brakes

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8555&highlight=bleed+brakes

[Blrfl]

Hmmm.......wonder what made mine turn blue...:grin:

Wrong brake fluid (http://youtube.com/watch?v=iPPBnciNAqI), maybe...?

--Mark

[ccryder]

Somehow I think I already posted on this but, I'll go again. The brake fluid in the clutch system will turn darker quicker than the brake side. This is normal and will not cause any problems. I flushed all by clutch and brake systems at 43,000 miles in January and now at 59,000 miles my clutch fluid is a light amber color. The brake fluid is still almost clear. Both systems still work great.

To the best guess of the "experts" around here and in the industry, the cause of this is the temperatures that the clutch system sees versus the intermitant temp spikes the brake system will see.

If it worries you that much, get the Mity-vac out and LEO24's fine tech article out and flush it. Personally, I'd rather be riding. That's the only way you can get 59,000 miles in 28 months and work 50 hrs./ week.

Guess what? It's time to go home and "Indigo" is waiting outside for me to throw a leg over her. :04biker:

Color me GONE, Later all.

Neil S.

[Finewest]

I have the same problem. Mine is more brown than tan now. But at 2,000 on the bike???? I don't think I am that hard on the clutch, besides, most of my riding is on the freeway. I'm at work right now, but does anyone know the frequency the manual says to change it???

This is what I mean... It was that way when I got the bike brand new. Walrus' was the same way... The one on the floor at the dealer was the same way... I've seen pics of some you guys '06 and they are same... So is this a warranty issue, minor as it may seem? :confused:

[Finewest]

Somehow I think I already posted on this but, I'll go again...

If it worries you that much, get the Mity-vac out and LEO24's fine tech article out and flush it. Personally, I'd rather be riding. That's the only way you can get 59,000 miles in 28 months and work 50 hrs./ week...

Neil S.

Well, aren't we the big man on campus... Thanks for your "help"... :D

I could see this as a issue after "59k" miles, but brand new... I don't think so... :eek:

[Spencer]

I don't think he stated it was a problem:confused:
simply a concern that warranted a post
as I stated both of my 06's with zero miles on the clock had
dark (maybe 20%) fluid in the clutch side.
As do all the new ST1300's that are on my dealers floor right now
also with zero miles on them. (had to go look today and make sure)
So it appears to be normal and not a concern.:D

Ride safe, Spencer

[Finewest]

I appreciate ALL help in this "concern"...

I don't think this is a "major" problem. I know about dark fluid, and the need to change it. I was "concerned" that it had happened so soon. I am not mechanical; I am a "rider". I trust you guys to help out with any "friendly" advice. I am new to the bike and the forum, so if I post a question in regards to something that has been posted before I apologize. I am learning.

Obviously this is a "concern" that has "affected" other new ST owners and new forum members. If I reacted to what I perceived as a "sarcastic" response and I was wrong then again I apologize (hence the happy face :D )... All of you have been most helpful to me and other new forum members and ST owners and I am very glad to be a part of the forum, the group. I thank you. :bow1:

I have made an appointment with my mechanic next week for my bike's 4k service and I will be bringing up to them the "issue". Thanks again guys for your help. :)

[Finewest]

That is just the point. You don't know about "dark fluid". In your scenario, it is not a problem, a concern, nor an issue.

This happens on all ST1300's (with use). No one has been "affected" by it.

The color of the clutch fluid, light or dark, is immaterial. It is the clarity (transparency) that is important.

You may find that the appearance of the engine oil and coolant are also changing with use.

Wow! What have I done to you Zach? Man I am sorry if I had PO'd you, really. Didn't I just post that I do know about dark fluids, transparent, or otherwise? That this is a "concern" and I don't believe it is a major "problem"? And yeah Zack I know that oil and coolant changes color with use. Do you think this is my first motorcycle? My first engine ever? Geez dude chill out... All I wanted to know is this "normal" for this bike... :confused: :(

[emshaferii]

My 06' clutch fluid turned brown after 500 miles......I'm having the dealer look at it when I take it in next week.....

[billxp]

Moisture will also cause the fluid to turn brown. Thats why new bikes with low miles have brake fluid thats golden in color.

[Finewest]

Moisture will also cause the fluid to turn brown. Thats why new bikes with low miles have brake fluid thats golden in color.

Yeah! That happened to my previous Connie. Had it bled and refilled... and no sweat! I thought of that too, but every bike? New bikes? Seems weird to me. I'm going with the heat idea on this bike. I'll point it out to my mechanic next week.

[ccryder]

Finewest: It is not a problem. It is not a warranty issue either unless you can show that something is wrong or not operating correctly. Just get out there and be the "rider" that you claim you are.

As far as being the BMOC, you don't know me that well to make comments like that. On this board we try and help each. If you "listen" you will find the answers. After 50+ farkles, I have listened quite a bit and even helped some others with their problems.

If you want help just ask for it. On the internet 110% of what you read/ hear needs to be questioned and evalulated by one person.......You. If you don't like the answers, then that is your problem.

Welcome to the board, listen more, learn more and ride more.

Later
Neil S.

[billxp]

Yeah! That happened to my previous Connie. Had it bled and refilled... and no sweat! I thought of that too, but every bike? New bikes? Seems weird to me. I'm going with the heat idea on this bike. I'll point it out to my mechanic next week.
Nothing weird about it. Moisture is in the air and brake fluid is hydroscopic. Once you open the container it starts to absorb moisture. Also our brake systems are not in a sealed vacuum. So its normal for the fluid to turn golden regardless of heat.

I flushed mine at around 16k it was golden from the first day I picked up the bike new from the dealer. You have to take into account when the bike was built and then shipped overseas so it was technically not new fluid anymore. Now at 30k the fluid is just starting to turn golden again.

Don't sweat it unless your having problems. Go ride and clock some miles. The service interval will be there in no time :)

[UNTMatt]

A small piece of duct tape over the windows will cure the problem.

I'll be flushing mine at 12k and, most likely, every 12k or once a year whichever comes first. Unless there is an issue, I'm not going to stress over it.

Now go ride 'Veronica'

[RibsST1300]

This is what I mean... It was that way when I got the bike brand new. Walrus' was the same way... The one on the floor at the dealer was the same way... I've seen pics of some you guys '06 and they are same... So is this a warranty issue, minor as it may seem? :confused:


My 06 is the same-less than 4 months old, less than 5k.
It was darker within a few weeks.

[Finewest]

Finewest: It is not a problem. It is not a warranty issue either unless you can show that something is wrong or not operating correctly. Just get out there and be the "rider" that you claim you are.

As far as being the BMOC, you don't know me that well to make comments like that. On this board we try and help each. If you "listen" you will find the answers. After 50+ farkles, I have listened quite a bit and even helped some others with their problems.

If you want help just ask for it. On the internet 110% of what you read/ hear needs to be questioned and evalulated by one person.......You. If you don't like the answers, then that is your problem.

Welcome to the board, listen more, learn more and ride more.

Later
Neil S.

Didn't you see the grin icon Neil? Are we without humor? No way man! I love ya! I love your advice... Hell, I love everything there is about you and this board! Thanks for the welcome! Better late, than never is my motto!

I never said I didn't like the answer Neil. And as for "listen more"... Man, I don't really know how to take that except you are a year old than me, so I guess that makes you my elder and my Momma always taught me... blah blah blah... LOL (means Laughing Out Loud and making a joke...) How in the heck did this thread I posted out of admitedly dumbness (see original starting post) turned in a flame job is beyond me!? :confused: :rolleyes: I don't get it? Please explain where I pee'd you off...? And I will surely in the future make sure to not do it again to ya. If you think being sarcastic and making me feel small is being helpful, well... you know... After 35 years or motorcycling and 50+ farkles under my belt you don't know me enough to make a statement like that either friend. Geez, all I wanted to know is this normal for this motorcycle? I got it, man, I got it... Thanks!

As for "warranty" issue... If I bought the bike with "faulty" fluid, no matter how minor it is, and I do believe it is as I have stated over and over, why not attempt to try to get them to replace it for free? Hey! I got nothing against free! LOL.

So Neil let's drop the F. Thrower and kiss and make up... What you say? :)

Now I am going out to ride Veronica again for the third time today.

[Finewest]

Nothing weird about it. Moisture is in the air and brake fluid is hydroscopic. Once you open the container it starts to absorb moisture. Also our brake systems are not in a sealed vacuum. So its normal for the fluid to turn golden regardless of heat.

I flushed mine at around 16k it was golden from the first day I picked up the bike new from the dealer. You have to take into account when the bike was built and then shipped overseas so it was technically not new fluid anymore. Now at 30k the fluid is just starting to turn golden again.

Don't sweat it unless your having problems. Go ride and clock some miles. The service interval will be there in no time :)

Great answer Bill! I heard ya! Thanks!

[ccryder]

Sounds like a plan Fred. If you are ever in Kentucky I'll show you some great roads and the best Bar-B-Q around!

(Actually I'm a year and a daay older but, the way I figure it if us old farts made it this far it's time to enjoy what we like!)

[Jonniedee]

I owned a Ducati S4 Monster for awhile - it turned clutch fluid BLACK in just a matter of weeks after a change - they all do it and they all still work just fine
many miles later:rolleyes: .

[Finewest]

I owned a Ducati S4 Monster for awhile - it turned clutch fluid BLACK in just a matter of weeks after a change - they all do it and they all still work just fine
many miles later:rolleyes: .

Hi Jonnie! And welcome to the forum! I guess the only reason I brought it up was I have never with all the bikes I have owned ever seen the fluid go dark, except the Connie I had, but that was a used bike (never buy used IMHO). They all have been clear and transparent. It just threw me, just a little mind ya. So I feel much much better about it after all you guys great posts about this minor minor issue.

Just one note of warning though...

"HYDRAULIC FLUID!" is the kill-command for Neil! Now that was funny! :crackup

[Finewest]

Sounds like a plan Fred. If you are ever in Kentucky I'll show you some great roads and the best Bar-B-Q around!

(Actually I'm a year and a daay older but, the way I figure it if us old farts made it this far it's time to enjoy what we like!)

Thanks Neil! I'll take you up on that hopefully someday! And if you ever come out to Kali I'll introduce you to some Surfer Blondes! They're good eatin' too! :cool:

[avalancher]

I've had my '06 for a month and a half now. It seems like the clutch fluid was dark after just a few hundred miles. It now has about 2500 and is still dark. However, I am not concerned about it since the bike came with a 3 year unlinited mileage warranty. If something goes wrong I'll take it back and they will fix it....