Possible front brake issue?

[KnightResurrect]

The first time I went to ride this season (one day back in early March), I noticed that when I first pulled the front brake lever, it felt like there was nothing there...... The lever went almost to the hand grip....

I pumped the lever a few times and then the brakes came back to a somewhat normal feel.

I checked for obvious stuff like any signs of leaks around the front brake calipers, hoses, etc. No signs.

When I did check the brake reservoir, the level it was indicating did seem to be at the low mark, whereas when I last put the bike into storage, it was at the high mark.

I took the reservoir cap off and saw that the internal rubber plug or what not seemed like it deformed a little: that is, it looked like it bulged upwards toward the top of the reservoir. I carefully took the bulge out and the fluid level seeming returned to normal indicated level. I decided not to add any more fluid.


Since then, I have ridden twice and everything seems fine.

Does anyone know what happened to my front brakes during that storage period? Was it possibly cold weather related?

Bike has 15k miles on it, original brakes, calipers, etc. if that helps.

[DuncanMoto]

When was the last time you replaced the fluid?
You probably have an air bubble or two in the lines.
Depending on your bike you may have an air bubble in the banjo.

Either way it sounds like you need to flush the lines and replace the fluid.

[Doc]

[Jim]

i switched brands of brake pads, and now my rotors are glazed. if you replace your fluid and bled the lines properly, maybe you might want to get your rotors bead blasted. other than that, maybe your M/C sucks, but I doubt that's the case on an 08 600rr

[KnightResurrect]

I didn't bleed the brakes or replace the fluid at all.

I prob. should have done so, considering the bike has 15 on it with all original brake system components.....

[richw]

I think sometimes the seals relax and let a buble of air in from prolonged storage

If you have a top bleeder just hit her once looking for bubbles

At 15K examine your pads mine NEVER lasted that long

New pads and wipe spooge off rotors with brake cleaner, If there is real shiny parts then take the glaze off with emery cloth

[Degsy]

I think sometimes the seals relax and let a buble of air in from prolonged storage

If you have a top bleeder just hit her once looking for bubbles

At 15K examine your pads mine NEVER lasted that long

New pads and wipe spooge off rotors with brake cleaner, If there is real shiny parts then take the glaze off with emery cloth

[kawi997]

+2 for degsy stupid winter storage. should be 85 all year round.