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[domingo3]

I recently noticed that my brake reservoir is completely full. I bought my 2016 SR used last year and the reservoir was full. The previous owner said it was like that from new and they had never changed the brake fluid. I changed the fluid and filled the reservoir half full. It's not something I've paid mich attention to, so I don't know if it happened gradually or all at once. Internet search was unsuccessful in finding similar issues. Anyone know what would cause this?

[DonTom]

I recently noticed that my brake reservoir is completely full. I bought my 2016 SR used last year and the reservoir was full. The previous owner said it was like that from new and they had never changed the brake fluid. I changed the fluid and filled the reservoir half full. It's not something I've paid mich attention to, so I don't know if it happened gradually or all at once. Internet search was unsuccessful in finding similar issues. Anyone know what would cause this?

It means one side of your brake caliper is stuck more out than it should be, so it puts more fluid back in the reservoir. Check the movement at the brake pads, both sides, as the brake is pressed in and then out. Compare front to the rear brake and see if you notice the difference by looking.


-Don-  Reno, NV

[Richard230]

Try taking the lid off of the brake reservoir and remove the rubber billows. Then recheck the height of the fluid. It is possible that the billows is causing the level to look higher than it did before the billows and lid were reinstalled.

[rgutt]

Either what the previous post suggested about the rubber bellow is making it look like your reservoir is full, or your cap is letting water in. The only other way the reservoir would gain fluid is if the caliper pistons were pushed completely back into the calipers. That would leave you with no brakes. I'm fairly certain you'd notice that.

[domingo3]

Thank you for the suggestions. The reservoir is definitely filled up. When I did the fluid change, I only filled to halfway up the reservoir. It couldn't possibly be rainwater entering. I'm in California and it's barely rained.  Is there another way water could get in? 

I tried to follow Don's suggestion to see if the brake calipers are uneven, but I can't tell with the brakes on. I guess I'll do a full brake job and see how the pistons act when they're off the bike, then do a thorough cleaning.

Bike stops fine, so that's the important thing.

[Richard230]

I have owned 47 motorcycles and have never had water enter my brake reservoir, even when riding in heavy rain. It doesn't seem likely that would be your issue.

[DonTom]

I have owned 47 motorcycles and have never had water enter my brake reservoir, even when riding in heavy rain. It doesn't seem likely that would be your issue.

Only 47? One of my riding buddies in Reno has had more than 70 motorcycles.


Me, only two more than I currently own.


The ones I use to own will only include a 1967 Honda Trail 90 and a 1968 Honda CL350. So only a dozen different bikes in my lifetime.


-Don-  Auburn, CA