[maiyasdad68]

Sorted! Great! I missed this whole thing but I did want to chime in. First, I have swapped out a stock m/c on an Aprilia with a Brembo RCS and, HOLY COW!, it was great. A really good m/c is absolutely amazing. Second, do you know of the trick for removing bubbles from the lines by zip tying the lever to the bars overnight? I have to do that regularly with both the front and the rear brakes on my GT to keep the lever/pedal feeling firm so I don't think you are all alone on this.

 

[maiyasdad68]

Well actually I now use a strip of double sided velcro and wrap it around the lever and the handlebar with a little tension and leave it overnight. It works great and I can get a consistently firm lever but the mushiness always seem to come back. I have noticed that my brakes get mushy if the bike sits for a while.

 

[maiyasdad68]

At minimum you should consider doing a brake bleed, but I suggest a complete flush. If you're having to do the zip tie method repeatedly and you don't see any leaks then your fluid could probably use a refresh. That's what happened to mine, and I did the zip ties for a bit before getting fed up and just flushing the entire system -- major and lasting improvement.

Of course, a full flush is great suggestion except that I just flushed the entire system. Thank you though. What I was explaining was a trend I have encountered since I have owned the bike, not just a temporary condition. I even vacuum bleed. I suspect bubbles are hiding in the ABS system but I still haven't found the reason for the characteristic of a soggy lever if the bike sits.

 

[maiyasdad68]

This is very common. Because we don't have the software to cycle the ABS pump, we have to use the backyard mechanic method. First, take the bike out and haul on the brakes a couple of times so that ABS kicks in. This effectively cycles the ABS and forces latent air bubbles into the main line. Next, do a complete bleed. Now take the bike out and do another couple of ABS brake manoeuvres. This expels the old fluid from the module and lets in the new. Finally, do another complete bleed. Although a bit of a hassle, this is probably the best way to clean out the entire ABS system, bubbles and all.

That is my feeling as well. I will do as you suggest next time. Thanks for the tip.

 

[maiyasdad68]

I replaced the stock m/c on my SDGT with a Brembo RCS Corsa Corta. I still get air in the lines! This leads me to believe that whatever the problem is, it's not the m/c. Also, the RCS is awesome!

 

[maiyasdad68]

In the garage I can pull a soggy lever enough to hit the cluster but in use there haven't been any issues. When the brakes are well bled I have to pull hard to get the lever touch the cluster. There is enough adjustment in the lever to adjust any issues away and less lever travel is needed so it works out. Again, the RCS is awesome. Even with a soggy lever there haven't been any issues.