Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: rvan on January 08, 2015, 01:01:01 PM

Title: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: rvan on January 08, 2015, 01:01:01 PM

   I bled my brake and clutch fluid about 4 months and 500 miles ago.All went well with no issues. Yesterday a rode and noticed that the clutch fluid was probably 50% darker then the brake fluid. I have had several bikes but never with clear reservoirs so maybe this is a common occurrence and I did not notice. Is that the case? Or is there an issue I should look for?

      Thanks

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: B.D.F. on January 08, 2015, 01:14:55 PM

Clutch fluid always darkens a lot faster than the same fluid used in brake systems. Nothing to worry about.

The reason for this is because the clutch hydraulic system actually moves the full stroke (Easy Boys!) of the system every time it is used. Brakes, by comparison, do not and really do not move hardly at all during use; they are a pressure based device rather than a movement based device. The movement of both the master cylinder's and slave cylinder's pistons causes a bit of wear in each cylinder, and that wear is metal that is worn away from each cylinder; that metal shows up as 'fines' by darkening the hydraulic fluid.

Brian

Quote from: rvan on January 08, 2015, 01:01:01 PM

   I bled my brake and clutch fluid about 4 months and 500 miles ago.All went well with no issues. Yesterday a rode and noticed that the clutch fluid was probably 50% darker then the brake fluid. I have had several bikes but never with clear reservoirs so maybe this is a common occurrence and I did not notice. Is that the case? Or is there an issue I should look for?

      Thanks

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: rvan on January 08, 2015, 01:34:43 PM

   Makes sense. Thanks Brian

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: Rhino on January 08, 2015, 01:59:58 PM

Brian, is this true with blinker fluid as well?  ;)

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: B.D.F. on January 08, 2015, 02:46:44 PM

No, the aura cast by KiPass takes care of that. It actually even takes care of the clutch fluid too- notice how it stops turn darker once it hits black? Think that is a coincidence? Nope, the awe- inspiring system that is KiPass rides heard over everything on the bike.

Brian

Quote from: Rhino on January 08, 2015, 01:59:58 PM

Brian, is this true with blinker fluid as well?  ;)

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: sailor_chic on January 08, 2015, 05:03:01 PM

The KiPass just continues to amaze me with its endless capabilities!

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: datsaxman@hotmail.com on January 09, 2015, 09:47:30 PM

The OP must have a faulty KiPass system...my KiPass keeps all of the fluids pristine at all times.

Engine oil
rear drive oil
brake fluid
clutch fluid
blinker fluid

A few wrappings of black tape might cure the problem...not the darkened fluid, but his observation!

Seriously, I change it annually (almost 40,000 miles last year) and it is fine. 

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: Rhino on January 12, 2015, 07:29:03 AM

Quote from: datsaxman@hotmail.com on January 09, 2015, 09:47:30 PM

The OP must have a faulty KiPass system...my KiPass keeps all of the fluids pristine at all times.

Engine oil
rear drive oil
brake fluid
clutch fluid
blinker fluid

A few wrappings of black tape might cure the problem...not the darkened fluid, but his observation!

Seriously, I change it annually (almost 40,000 miles last year) and it is fine.

I should start putting my FOB next to my beer in the fridge to keep it pristine and fresh.  ;D

Title: Re: Dirty Clutch Fluid
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 12, 2015, 07:32:46 AM

My beer doesn't sit that long...