Yuck. You will want to start by supplying more information, starting with what year bike it is, how many miles, and when last was the brake fluid replaced/bled...
2008, 29900mi, oil and filter change and rear gear oil before recommended intervals, original rear brakes still within legal thickness, front rotors and pads changed at about 10,000mi warped rotors. Bike is always stored inside and cleaned regulatory. Original brake fluid still in bike and looked clear in the reservoirs seen no reason to change it, going to flush and bleed brake system.
Never flushed brake system, never seen much need since I never flushed a brake system on any vehicle i have ever owned.
2008, 29900mi,
You are way overdue for a brake/clutch fluid change/bleed. It is impossible to prevent water from getting into brake fluid and like Conrad said, it can cause bad things. Is that the cause of your problems? Unknown. If there is damage caused by it, will fluid replacement "fix" it? Unknown. But it is certainly a cost-effective and sensible first thing to do. (And I know you said you are going to do it, which is good).
Now I can be yelled at by Conrad because I have not changed mine yet (although mine has 1/3 less miles and 3 years younger than yours)..... but it is on my list.
Curious, can the ABS system be bled like normal brakes or does it require dealer intervention? My last Triumph had ABS (2006 Sprint ST) and the service manual required using their diagnostic tool to actuate the brakes during bleeding. Incidentally, their diagnostic tool retailed for over $2K, so needless to say I never had to the coin to invest.
Curious, can the ABS system be bled like normal brakes or does it require dealer intervention? My last Triumph had ABS (2006 Sprint ST) and the service manual required using their diagnostic tool to actuate the brakes during bleeding. Incidentally, their diagnostic tool retailed for over $2K, so needless to say I never had to the coin to invest.
snip< but as the system is completely "passive" (I.e. the valves are in freeflow position ) when the bike is off, the fluid pushes thru and all can be bled in a normal manner. >snip
Hi MOB, how did you determine this?