Brake fluid for Champion rear brakes?

[Shimpy]

I can't find anything on what type of brake fluid to use. Does it use the same Dot 4 as Honda uses for the front? I've got a 2010 Gl1800 with a conversion to S/A done in 2011. It uses VW pads.

[Gorilla]

I do not have a gold wing conversion but I would bet that the DOT 4 was used. DOT 4 and DOT 3 can be used together but NOT DOT 5.

[leo3wheel]

Maybe reservoir cap is labeled.

[Shimpy]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>leo3wheel</strong>
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<div class="message">Maybe reservoir cap is labeled.</div>

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</div>No, it's still the original Honda Goldwing. This is a pet peeve of mine. The trike kit manufactures don't want to release any infor for you to do it yourself. I'm speaking of Champion of which is the only experience I've known.

[leo3wheel]

Hmm... Just assumed our original rear fluid reservoir is being used for our Hannigan brakes. Looked around and didn't see another reservoir. If they use the original reservoir, then the original markings should hold true.

[Teal]

i would follow the GL 1800 spec for the master cycl. its been working 4 me

[Shimpy]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>leo3wheel</strong>
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<div class="message">Hmm... Just assumed our original rear fluid reservoir is being used for our Hannigan brakes. Looked around and didn't see another reservoir. If they use the original reservoir, then the original markings should hold true.</div>

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Teal</strong>
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<div class="message">i would follow the GL 1800 spec for the master cycl. its been working 4 me</div>

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</div>I guess what both of you are saying is that the master cycl. is what determines what type of fluid? I've always been courious of this and wonderer if the rest of the system had any influence on it.

[Shimpy]

Quote:<br />
Originally Posted by leo3wheel <br />
Hmm... Just assumed our original rear fluid reservoir is being used for our Hannigan brakes. Looked around and didn't see another reservoir. If they use the original reservoir, then the original markings should hold true. <br />
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Quote:<br />
Originally Posted by Teal <br />
i would follow the GL 1800 spec for the master cycl. its been working 4 me <br />
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I got an answer from Champion and they said use whatever it says on the master cycl. resevoir. I'd be courious what makes a system dot 3 or dot 4.

[Doorman]

I have been told that the difference is how much heat the calipers can create. Dot 4 will be better in larger calipers.

[THEREALTRIKKY]

As far as the differences, there are a few.. DOT 3 is very common in the automotive world as the fluid doesn't need the increase in temperature stability that motorcycles do since motorcycle brakes create much more heat that automotive brakes.<br />
Now, what most DO NOT realize, is DOT 4 also wicks moisture into it, which is why DOT 4 brake fluid containers say to discard any unused. It's also why in manuals, they tell you to flush the fluid every 2 years, or so many miles. When water gets into the brake lines and works its way to the calipers, it can create steam in the line causing excessive brake fade and even failure. <br />
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DOT 5 is my personal preference because it's overall a better fluid, but more expensive and IN NO WAY compatible with DOT 3, or 4 fluids.. Which means you must fully flush your entire system before making the change to DOT 5. Dot 5 has a higher temperature resistance as well which is why it's especially ideal on high performance motorcycles as well.

[Shimpy]

As far as the differences, there are a few.. .

Thanks, I've always wondered about this.