Heli Bar Riser Install and Banjo Fitting

[Rock Woody]

So when I installed my Heli Bar Risers tonight, I unknowingly loss brake fluid from the front brake while the banjo fitting was loose. I was squeezing the front brake while loosing the handlebar bolts which the instructions specifically tell you not to do

Now my front brake lever is soft. Did I get air in the lines by doing this? I still have fluid in the reservoir (low level) so it did not empty. What do I need to do to return the brakes to their normal feel?

Thanks - Mark

[VirginiaJim]

Well, Mr. Woody, as someone who has done just such a thing my advice would be to make sure that all the fittings are tight.  Bleed all the bleeders.  And please tell me that you used new Banjo washers.  Reusing the old ones can sometimes get you into trouble.  Don't ask me how I know this or how that streak got on my right side top black fairing cover.

[Rhino]

I would never loosen any brake fitting without expecting to bleed the system. Like Jim said, bleed the system. The front brakes are easy. Clutch, not so much. Do yourself a favor and get one of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

Makes the job a snap, at least on the brakes.

[Rock Woody]

All fittings are tight (only loosened the banjo) and I will bleed the brakes. I didn't use new washers because I did actually remove the fitting, just loosened it. I've never bled brakes on a MC but I assume you attach a piece of tubing to the bleeder, crack it open, and pump the handle?

Thanks! Mark

[Rock Woody]

All fittings are tight (only loosened the banjo) and I will bleed the brakes. I didn't use new washers because I did actually remove the fitting, just loosened it. I've never bled brakes on a MC but I assume you attach a piece of tubing to the bleeder, crack it open, and pump the handle?

Thanks! Mark

Thanks Rhino!

[MAN OF BLUES]

All fittings are tight (only loosened the banjo) and I will bleed the brakes. I didn't use new washers because I did actually remove the fitting, just loosened it. I've never bled brakes on a MC but I assume you attach a piece of tubing to the bleeder, crack it open, and pump the handle?

Thanks! Mark

I responded to your p/m, but will respond here to clarify...
when you are bleeding them, have a couple ounces of clean fluid in the jar / bottle you immerse the far end of the bleeder hose into. Install the hose on the bleeder fitting, compress the brake lever THEN while holding it compressed break the bleeder free... keep holding the lever down and tighten the bleeder valve. Then release the lever, pump it twice, hold it and repeat the process...

you don't break the bleeder free without having the lever compressed. and you don't pump it until the bleeder is closed.

same as any brake system, car, truck, M/C, all the same.

you don't need a vacuum bleeder pump to accomplish this, sometimes it is more difficult using one than the good old fashioned method.... the vacuum pumps sometimes suck air in along the threaded portion of the bleeder valve.

[Rock Woody]

Thanks for the help everyone! Seems pretty straight forward like a car.

[rocknrod]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new set of Helibars. Anyone know what the part number or size of the banjo fitting washers are?
My opinion but I would never break open a brake system without bleeding it.

[Rhino]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new set of Helibars. Anyone know what the part number or size of the banjo fitting washers are?
My opinion but I would never break open a brake system without bleeding it.

Are you talking about the Horizon ST bars from Helibars?  https://www.helibars.com/product/kawasaki-c14-multi-adjustable-handlebar-replacement-system

If so, when I bought mine, they came with everything needed.

[Rock Woody]

Thanks for the help everyone There was air right at the bleeder near the master cylinder. Everything is back to normal.

Mark