Motorcycle Brake Fluids

Motor oil can be a matter of preference depending on factors like the weather and engine wear. Not so for motorcycle brake fluids. What the manufacturer says goes and running DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 or DOT 5.1 in the reservoir isn’t up for debate. Your bike was built to use just one of those types most efficiently. Features like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control dictate which type of motorcycle brake fluids you’ll need while still accounting for optimal dry and wet boiling points.

The friction between brake pad and rotor generates a lot of heat. The silicone and glycol-based motorcycle brake fluids are up for the job but the harder you ride, the hotter things get. The different boiling points of different types of fluids are designed to account for this and continue working in the face of red-hot brake fade. Brake fluid is hygroscopic so water absorption is another consideration that riders must consider over time.

While brake fluids are more standardized than engine oil, Cycle Gear customers can still do their homework and get the best motorcycle brake fluid for their rides. Consider corrosion and oxidation resistance, SAE and ISO approval, full synthetic blends or race-specific products that will even help prevent vapor lock. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to our customer service department.