Motorcycle Brake Maintenance
Your motorcycle’s brakes are what allow you to safely slow down and stop your vehicle, so it only makes sense for you to take good care of them. Some motorcycle owners might not know enough about their motorcycle’s brakes to properly maintain them, which is why the experts at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County have created this helpful guide to motorcycle brake maintenance.
Basic Rules And Safety
Your owner’s manual is the ultimate authority on your motorcycle and how it should be maintained. Always consult it before performing maintenance of any kind, brake-related or otherwise. It’s also important that you observe basic safety procedures when maintaining your motorcycle. This includes using a well-ventilated space to do your work and equipping proper skin/eye protection.
Pulsing Brakes
Most modern motorcycles use what's called disc brakes. While more efficient than the old drum brakes, the discs in your brakes can wear out quickly, especially if you are doing a lot of hard braking. This can lead to a “pulsing” feeling when squeezing your motorcycle’s brakes. Of course, this same problem can also be caused by sticking calipers, sliders, or pistons, so be sure to identify the source of the problem before you try to fix it.
Squealing Brakes
If you hear squealing when you use your motorcycle’s brakes, the most likely cause is the brake pads vibrating in their calipers. Inspect your brake pads with a flashlight, or remove them entirely to get an even closer look. The problem can usually be solved by removing the pads and rotor(s) and sanding them down. Be sure to use a 120-grit emery cloth and apply an anti-squeal product to the back of the brake pads when you are done.
Wearing Out Quickly
If you notice that your brake pads are wearing down more quickly than they should, the culprit might be a sticking caliper piston or slider. This can be fixed by cleaning and lubricating the slides and pivot points before applying a high-temperature silicone brake grease. Check your manual for any special considerations that you might need to make, such as floating calipers that will need to be removed before you can work on the brakes.
Bleeding Brakes
Your brakes need brake fluid to function, but this fluid tends to absorb moisture over time, making it less effective. That’s why you’ll need to replace it at least once a year. Spilled brake fluid can damage your bike, so don’t forget to lay down a protective covering.
For more information or to shop our inventory of new and pre-owned motorcycles, visit Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County in Westminster, California. We also offer servicing, parts, and financing. We are proud to serve the Orange County area, as well as the city of Los Angeles, California.