How to Adjust Motorcycle Hydraulic Brakes That Don't Stop Well?
3 Answers
There is air in the brake fluid. Fill the brake pump with brake fluid and bleed all the air out. Insufficient brake fluid results in inadequate pressure to push the brake pads. The brake pads are excessively worn, or newly replaced brake pads have not fully bedded in with the brake disc.
I've been repairing motorcycles for several years, and poor braking is often related to oil circuit issues. Don't panic—first, park the bike and turn off the engine to inspect: 1) Check if the brake fluid reservoir level is between MAX and MIN. If it's low, add DOT4 fluid. 2) Squeeze the brake lever to see if it feels spongy. If air bubbles have entered the line, you'll need to bleed the brakes: Loosen the caliper bleeder screw, attach a hose to a bottle, have a friend pump the brake lever until bubbles are gone and clean fluid flows out. If the brake pads are worn down to the wear indicator, they must be replaced. For regular maintenance, change the brake fluid every two years and clean the system to prevent aging. Always wear gloves for protection—safety first, and avoid getting fluid on your body.
As an experienced rider, I deeply understand the terrifying experience of brakes failing. From a safety perspective: immediately pull over to avoid accidents. Check if the brake fluid has turned black or is leaking? Top it up if it's low. If the brake feels spongy, it might be due to air in the system. Bleeding the brakes is simple but requires tools: a wrench, a plastic bottle, and a tube. Have one person slowly squeeze the brake lever while the other watches for bubbles to dissipate—once they're gone, the brake should feel firm. Worn brake pads also affect performance; replacing them is inexpensive. Regularly inspect your brakes, especially before long trips—give them a few test squeezes. Ignoring this issue is risky, as the consequences of a crash can be severe.
