TOPIC:

Have any of you guys used Dot 5 fluid in a z13s brakes? I am tempted but never used it before. Given that any dot 3,4,5.1 will need to be completely flushed/ cleaned out, is it worth the hassle?
I am considering going dot 5 for two reasons,
1. It's paint friendly
2. It's not hygroscopic...wanting to attract moisture.

Do fluid wetted brake parts need to be completely stripped or would a drain, air blow, and methylated spirit flush be acceptable??

I have only used silicon DOT 5 for the past 10 years in all my Z1300's Vmax's and ZRX1200's. I wont use anything else.

Its the only way to go with any classic bike in my opinion, mainly for the Non Corrosive part, so it does not eat all your fresh paint like the other corrosive stuff does.

It is best to flush out the system as well as you can and let it completely dry out, or even better strip all part and clean.

Never had any issues what so ever with seals, o-rings or any parts of the braking system when using Silicon DOT 5.

Pete F
UK

Thanks Pete,
Exactly what I wanted to hear.

My $0.02: If you're going to switch, you really should disassemble everything and clean thoroughly. DOT5 can combine with other fluids to form clumps of goop which can cause problems. In any case, a complete disassembly and clean is a good idea once and while even if you don't switch to DOT 5 (and you likely won't ever have to disassemble and clean again if you do switch to DOT 5). Also a good time to upgrade lines to Braided SS.

Note that DOT5 is not hydroscopic but water still gets in the brake circuits and will 'pool', typically at the lowest point. The point is you still have to flush the brakes occasionally but since you no longer dealing with corrosive fluid, bleeding is much easier.