Dot 5 Brake Fluid

Does anyone recommend or is using Dot 5 brake fluid? Does it last longer than Dot 4.

I use dot 5 in all my bikes. Have been since about 81. No more seized parts, no corrosion. I have a bike sat for 20 years. Still has brakes. So works for me. Always start with a clean system though.Just noticed you have a triglide. I wouldn't use it in a abs system.

DOT 5 has a higher boiling point than 4 . Other than that there the same .

1dn5up said:

DOT 5 has a higher boiling point than 4 . Other than that there the same .

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They are not the same.

DOT 4 and DOT 5 are incompatible, if they are mixed together the fluid will gel and cause brake failure.

DOT 5 must not be used in any Harley Davidson with ABS.

Batman825 said:

Does anyone recommend or is using Dot 5 brake fluid? Does it last longer than Dot 4.

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I see in your profile you have a `16 Tri-Glide, so you must use DOT4.

Dot 5 cannot be used in machines with ABS.

Always use the brake fluid spec. called out by the manufacturer of your machine.

Dot 4 and Dot 5 are incompatible.

Read your owners manual or Factory Service Manual.

Batman825 said:

Does anyone recommend or is using Dot 5 brake fluid? Does it last longer than Dot 4.

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Why not just use what the manufacturer of your Trike says to use….It’s not like you need to change it at every oil change….?

What are your concerns with your brake fluid?

If you do a lot of high speed braking you can use Dot 5.1 with your system, but not any silicone based fluids

Dot 5.1 has a higher boiling point = less pedal fade

Despite all of this you still need to follow HD recommendations on how and when to service your system

Moisture in your system is the killer, gasses build up turning to moisture, your brakes start to fade, because the moisture overcomes the fluid

Look on the mater cylinder cap, it should be stamped Dot 4 fluid