Dark Clutch fluid

justmike911 · 09-23-2015, 01:39 PM

I've got a 2015 Vaquero with about 2200 miles I put on it. I notice that on the clutch fluid window, the fluid is very very dark almost burnt. Concern or just new father worries ?
Thanks
Mike

CaptKurt · 09-23-2015, 01:54 PM

Same issue with mine.

landman · 09-23-2015, 04:13 PM

if it was mine I would flush the system and refill.

VulcanE · 09-23-2015, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landman

if it was mine I would flush the system and refill.

DITTO!!!
And use synthetic fluid.

RACNRAY · 09-23-2015, 06:04 PM

For over 25 years now I have included flushing and bleed ing of all the hydraulic systems a skoot has at the 600 MILE service. There is always an improvement in braking action.

Clutch systems should have the fluid should be flushed and bled twice as often as the brakes as the clutch fluid deteriorates quicker due to contact with the hot engine.

RACNRAY

justmike911 · 09-24-2015, 12:38 PM

I brought it in today. They flushed and replaced. Also told me that I need the recall work done. It's not bad now, but will change and upgrade next service and they will have the parts.

Ken Vega · 09-24-2015, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justmike911

I brought it in today. They flushed and replaced. Also told me that I need the recall work done. It's not bad now, but will change and upgrade next service and they will have the parts.

Where did you pick up your bike Mike? My fluid looks fine but I do have to take it to Broward Motorsport in Davie for the recall work. They will call me when the parts arrive.

justmike911 · 09-24-2015, 02:15 PM

Broward Moto on Davie road extension. They will replace it when I get back from trip

**MAS Tequila** · 09-24-2015, 04:32 PM

Change your fluids at LEAST every two years, if not sooner.

MT

tonik · 09-25-2015, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAS Tequila

Change your fluids at LEAST every two years, if not sooner.

MT

This is the correct motorcycle maintenance schedule, in my opinion. For the brake and clutch fluid a mighty vac is 20 bucks, or most auto parts stores have a loaner, and it is easy to do.

tonik · 09-25-2015, 07:14 PM

So I had mine up on the jacks for tires as I posted the above, I just hit two years and clutch and brake fluid was on the spring to do list. Took a look at my clutch, it was also nasty, far worse than the brakes. I did both. I also noticed my front brake was worse than my rear.

So my theory is we clutch more than we front brake and we front brake more than we rear and the use causes this. I never use my rear, especially with the linked ABS.

VulcanE · 09-26-2015, 08:35 AM

Doesn't a "linked ABS" system function the same regardless of which brake lever you use? I'm just curious.

tonik · 09-26-2015, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VulcanE

Doesn't a "linked ABS" system function the same regardless of which brake lever you use? I'm just curious.

You raise an excellent point which casts a shadow of doubt over my theory. Press the front and you get about 80/20 Front/Rear. When you press just the rear it applies a bit of pressure to just one caliper on the front. The only hope for my theory is that the amount you press makes a difference.

But there has to be a reason for this to be happening, not the end of the world. Just general curiosity.

**Sabre-t** · 09-26-2015, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonik

So my theory is we clutch more than we front brake and we front brake more than we rear and the use causes this. I never use my rear, especially with the linked ABS.

The clutch fluid stays hot more than the brake fluid because a portion of it is always close to the hot engine. That's why it degrades faster.

If I'm not mistaken, K-ACT does not engage the rear brake until a certain minimum of pressure is applied to the front brake lever. That means that in mild braking, you are not using the rear brakes at all. That would explain your front fluid degrading faster than the rear.

09-23-2015, 01:39 PM	#1
justmike911 Jr. Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 41	Dark Clutch fluid I've got a 2015 Vaquero with about 2200 miles I put on it. I notice that on the clutch fluid window, the fluid is very very dark almost burnt. Concern or just new father worries ? Thanks Mike Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-23-2015, 01:54 PM	#2
CaptKurt Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 86	Same issue with mine. __________________ CaptKurt Secretary Temecula Valley Vulcan Riders, chapter 1-22 2014 Vulcan 1700 Wind Therapy "Vaqueroger" Vaquero ABS - KlockWerks 9" shield, RacynRay ISO Grips, Luverne Kawi Lowering Kit; Vance & Hines Exhaust; Thunder Mfg intake; Ivan's ECU Flash; Mustang Wide Touring Saddle; XM/iPod adapters; Voyager trunk on Wompass Rack; Randy's 6.5" adapters; Rockford Fosgate amp; Polk Audio speakers; custom painted by Kevin Norton.
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09-23-2015, 04:13 PM	#3
landman Sr. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: wheatland,wy. Posts: 3,642	if it was mine I would flush the system and refill. __________________ bob wittman VBA # 745 COG #11621 wheatland,wy. rallies-custer 09,kalispell 10,crescent city 11,kanab 12,estes park 13,orifino 14.,red lodge 16 2015 ninja 1000 abs 2014 concourse 14 2012 concourse 14-sold 2011 vaquero-sold 2008 nomad-sold 2005 classic-sold
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09-23-2015, 06:04 PM	#5
RACNRAY Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SOUTH FLORIDA Posts: 1,210	For over 25 years now I have included flushing and bleed ing of all the hydraulic systems a skoot has at the 600 MILE service. There is always an improvement in braking action. Clutch systems should have the fluid should be flushed and bled twice as often as the brakes as the clutch fluid deteriorates quicker due to contact with the hot engine. RACNRAY __________________ "TRUE HAPPINESS IS IN THE HEART, NOT IN THE OUTSIDE FIXES" WITH OVER 46 YEARS AS A MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN/HI-PO SHOP OWNER I AM A PURVEYOR OF FACT NOT FICTION! "WE LIVE OUR LIVES IN CHAINS NEVER KNOWING WE HAD THE KEY" Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-24-2015, 04:32 PM	#9
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	Change your fluids at LEAST every two years, if not sooner. MT __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
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09-24-2015, 12:38 PM	#6
justmike911 Jr. Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 41	I brought it in today. They flushed and replaced. Also told me that I need the recall work done. It's not bad now, but will change and upgrade next service and they will have the parts.
	0

09-24-2015, 02:15 PM	#8
justmike911 Jr. Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 41	Broward Moto on Davie road extension. They will replace it when I get back from trip
	0

09-25-2015, 07:14 PM	#11
tonik Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Cleveland Ohio Posts: 714	So I had mine up on the jacks for tires as I posted the above, I just hit two years and clutch and brake fluid was on the spring to do list. Took a look at my clutch, it was also nasty, far worse than the brakes. I did both. I also noticed my front brake was worse than my rear. So my theory is we clutch more than we front brake and we front brake more than we rear and the use causes this. I never use my rear, especially with the linked ABS.
	0

09-26-2015, 08:35 AM	#12
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	Doesn't a "linked ABS" system function the same regardless of which brake lever you use? I'm just curious. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
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