Brakes and some other questions...

The brakes on my 2003 ABS Silverwing work, but that's about it.
The front brake feels a bit soggy and the linked rear/front brakes works best....but could be better I think.
I'm used to sharp really well dosed brakes on my FJR, am I spoiled or do I need to get used to a new kind of brake feel?
I will replace the fluids soon for DOT 5.1, is there anything to keep in mind my bike being a ABS version....?
I did clean the front calliper today and lubed the slide pins. Caliper and pads look really good.

Also, I have a slight oil leak. I took the skid plate off and cleaned everything to get a good idea where it's coming from. I read about some possible causes on the forum.
Btw, can I ride without the skid plate? I don't thing the skid plate bolts hold anything together.....they just hold the plate. Or am I mistaken?

Thanks for any tips

Sure you can ride without the skid plate. However you run the risk of puncturing the crankcase.

It sounds as if you need to bleed the brakes --sooner rather than later. The front brake should feel "normal" not spongy. The rear (linked) brake does feel softer than the front, but that seems to be because the rear brake also must travel further to activate the starter interlock switch.

I hope all this makes sense.

Tim

I've just changed the front pads on mine last week, after a little bedding in things are much improved. The previous pads still had plenty if meat on them but I suspect they had become slightly contaminated over the god knows how many years.
Anyone know how long the original hoses last?

LeRoi50 wrote:

I will replace the fluids soon for DOT 5.1

The correct fluid is DOT 4

terrier wrote:

LeRoi50 wrote:

I will replace the fluids soon for DOT 5.1

The correct fluid is DOT 4

That is correct, however I have a big bottle of 5.1 and they mix.
Also, the 5.1 has a higher boiling point....but that won't matter to much on a Silverwing I think.

I will bleed the brakes and see what happens, should improve.
Anything special to keep in mind bleeding the brakes on a ABS equipped bike?

As for the skid plate, I just want it off for a few days and be able to get a better look at the possible leak.
If I find it, or not, I will fit it again.

Btw, the brakes aren't dangerous at the moment, could be better though....