Brake and Clutch Fluid level check

[etalors]

Assuming that whatever bar riser was installed significantly changed the position/angle of the master cylinders relative to the position that they were in with the Honda OEM riser plate, it would seem logical that the position of the fluid level reference lines that are on the inside of the master cylinders will have changed by the same amount as the ones that are on the outside of the master cylinders. If the bar riser made a significant difference to the position of the master cylinders this should be considered regardless of which reference point is being used.

It is the Helibar HR01029. Hard to know now if it significantly changed the position wrt to the oem position. It did make a lot of difference in riding comfort.

As a next step I will open up the MC and make it as leveled as I can and then check if the fluid is level with the casting line on the inside. I have a feeling I might be a little over the casting line when levelled.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

As a next step I will open up the MC and make it as leveled as I can and then check if the fluid is level with the casting line on the inside. I have a feeling I might be a little over the casting line when levelled.

If it was my ST1300 I would not go through the bother but if it satisfies a concern for you go for it, then you will know for sure. Built in to that lower level line that Honda put there is a sufficient amount of brake fluid for an adequate safety margin. I have never seen that riser installed so I really have no idea how much it changes the angle of the master cylinders but would be surprised if it changed the position enough to present a problem under normal operating conditions. If nothing unusual has been done like leaving a very low fluid level after installing new pads, or filling the master cylinder when worn pads were in place, I would have no concerns with what I see in the photos in your initial post.

Let us know the result of your experiment.

 

[dduelin]

Assuming that whatever bar riser was installed significantly changed the position/angle of the master cylinders relative to the position that they were in with the Honda OEM riser plate, it would seem logical that the position of the fluid level reference lines that are on the inside of the master cylinders will have changed by the same amount as the ones that are on the outside of the master cylinders. If the bar riser made a significant difference to the position of the master cylinders this should be considered regardless of which reference point is being used.

If the top and bottom of the aftermarket risers are parallel, the displayed level of fluid inside relative to the sight glass will not be changed from stock. All they do is lift the reservoirs higher from the ground but do not change the relative position angle of reservoirs. The pictured risers are the HeliBar HR01029 risers on the OP's bike. It is easily seen the riser top and bottom are parallel. The fluid level display in window with these risers is still the same as stock.

 

[larryg]

Your method is just slightly off.
Let me explain, if a bike has handlebar risers, the level that appears in the window will be incorrect.
Do not use the lines outside of the master cylinder housing for the correct level of fluid.
INSIDE the housings, on the front wall, you will see an investment casting line across the housing, this should be used for the correct level fill indicator etc.

With risers, if you just turn the bars untll the MC is level, the sight glass should still be accurate.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

If the top and bottom of the aftermarket risers are parallel, the displayed level of fluid inside relative to the sight glass will not be changed from stock. All they do is lift the reservoirs higher from the ground but do not change the relative position angle of reservoirs. The pictured risers are the HeliBar HR01029 risers on the OP's bike. It is easily seen the riser top and bottom are parallel. The fluid level display in window with these risers is still the same as stock.

No argument from me. I am of the opinion that this is one of those issues that is exaggerated, much ado about nothing as it were.