buell s1 lightning '97 Manual
2-18
BRAKES
GENERAL
The front and rear brakes are fully hydraulic disc brake sys-
tems that require little maintenance. The front brake master
cylinder is an integral part of the brake hand lever assembly.
The rear brake master cylinder is located on the right side of
the motorcycle near the brake pedal.
tems that require little maintenance. The front brake master
cylinder is an integral part of the brake hand lever assembly.
The rear brake master cylinder is located on the right side of
the motorcycle near the brake pedal.
Check the master cylinder reservoirs for proper fluid levels
every 5000 miles (8000 km). See
every 5000 miles (8000 km). See
BRAKES
in Section 1.
Check brake pads and rotors for wear every 2500 miles (4000
km). Replace brake pads if friction material is worn to 1/16 in.
(1.6 mm) or less. Replace brake rotors not meeting minimum
rotor thickness. See
km). Replace brake pads if friction material is worn to 1/16 in.
(1.6 mm) or less. Replace brake rotors not meeting minimum
rotor thickness. See
BRAKES
in Section 1.
If determining probable causes of poor brake operation, see
1
WARNING
●
Clean brake system components using denatured
alcohol. Do not use mineral-base cleaning solvents,
such as gasoline or paint thinner. Use of mineral-
base solvents causes deterioration of rubber parts
that continues after assembly. This could result in
improper and unsafe brake operation which may
cause personal injury.
alcohol. Do not use mineral-base cleaning solvents,
such as gasoline or paint thinner. Use of mineral-
base solvents causes deterioration of rubber parts
that continues after assembly. This could result in
improper and unsafe brake operation which may
cause personal injury.
●
Always test motorcycle brakes at low speed after
servicing or bleeding system. To prevent personal
injury, Buell recommends that all brake repairs be
performed by a Buell dealer or other qualified
mechanic.
servicing or bleeding system. To prevent personal
injury, Buell recommends that all brake repairs be
performed by a Buell dealer or other qualified
mechanic.
●
Exercise caution when handling brake fluid. Brake
fluid can cause irritation of eyes and skin and may be
harmful or fatal if swallowed. If swallowed, adminis-
ter two tablespoons of salt in a glass of warm water
to induce vomiting. Call a doctor immediately. In
case of contact with skin or eyes, flush with plenty of
water. Get medical attention for eyes. KEEP BRAKE
FLUID OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
fluid can cause irritation of eyes and skin and may be
harmful or fatal if swallowed. If swallowed, adminis-
ter two tablespoons of salt in a glass of warm water
to induce vomiting. Call a doctor immediately. In
case of contact with skin or eyes, flush with plenty of
water. Get medical attention for eyes. KEEP BRAKE
FLUID OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Table 2-5. Brake Troubleshooting
CONDITION
CHECK FOR
REMEDY
Excessive lever/pedal travel or
spongy feel.
Air in system.
Master cylinder low on fluid.
Master cylinder low on fluid.
Bleed brake(s).
Fill master cylinder with approved
Fill master cylinder with approved
brake fluid.
Chattering sound when brake is
applied.
Worn pads.
Loose mounting bolts.
Warped rotor.
Loose mounting bolts.
Warped rotor.
Replace brake pads.
Tighten bolts.
Replace rotor.
Tighten bolts.
Replace rotor.
Ineffective brake –
lever/pedal travels to limit.
Low fluid level.
Piston cup not functioning.
Fill master cylinder with approved
brake fluid, and bleed system.
Rebuild cylinder.
Ineffective brake –
lever/pedal travel normal.
Distorted or glazed rotor.
Distorted, glazed or contaminated
Distorted, glazed or contaminated
brake pads.
Replace rotor.
Replace pads.
Brake pads drag on rotor –
will not retract.
Cup in master cylinder not uncovering
relief port.
Rear brake pedal linkage out of
adjustment.
Inspect master cylinder.
Adjust linkage.