Motorcycle Brakes Maintenance

You cannot safely operate your motorcycle if the brakes do not function properly. However, many motorcycle owners do not know how to maintain their brakes or are worried about doing more harm than good. That is why the experts at Road Track & Trail have created this guide to safely and effectively maintain your motorcycle’s brakes.

Basic Rules and Safety

Before you get started, there are a few basic safety rules that you will need to follow. First, your owner’s manual is and always will be the ultimate authority when it comes to your vehicle and how it should function. Read it if you haven’t already, paying particular attention to any warnings or special instructions that it contains. Second, always observe basic safety procedures like only performing motorcycle maintenance in a well-ventilated space and always using proper skin and eye protection.

Pulsing Brakes

Motorcycle brakes that feel like they are “pulsing” when you use them usually indicate that heavy braking has caused the discs to overheat and become warped. If this is the case, you can resolve the issue by simply replacing the warped rotors. However, pulsing brakes may also be the result of sticking calipers, sliders, and pistons, so be sure to check on these parts before you attempt a repair.

Squealing Brakes

If you hear your motorcycle’s brakes squealing, the brake pads may be worn down. Use a flashlight to inspect them. If you need an even closer look, try removing them. The squealing sound may also be caused by brake pads vibrating in their calipers. If this is the case, remove and sand down the pads and rotor(s) with 120-grit emery cloth before applying an anti-squeal product to the back of the brake pads.

Wearing Out Quickly

If your brake pads are wearing out more quickly than is normal, a sticking caliper piston or slider may be the culprit. Fix this by cleaning and lubricating any slides or pivot points before applying high-temperature silicone brake grease. Check your motorcycle’s manual for any special considerations that may come up while attempting this repair, such as floating calipers that will need to be removed.

Bleeding Brakes

Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture over time. Since this tends to hurt performance, you should replace your motorcycle’s brake fluid once a year. Luckily, basic brake bleeding kits are cheap and easy to find. You also need to keep in mind that brake fluid can damage plastic and paint. Make sure that you have a protective covering for your motorcycle, as well as something to quickly wipe away any spills.

We here at Road Track & Trail hope you found this guide helpful. To view our selection of pre-owned motorcycles, or to access our parts, financing, and servicing departments, visit our dealership in Big Bend, Wisconsin. We are proud to serve communities like Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois. We hope to see you soon!