Delboy's Garage, Motorcycle Clutch Fluid Change.

[@nevetsks]

All your videos are utterly brilliant! You are by far the most personable and in touch presenter I have ever watched in any instructional video....ever! You have a screen presence and mannerism that really engages with those who watch, and a natural ability to convey instruction as if it was your best mate in the pub telling you. Kudos to the Penny the camera girl for her work behind the lens, you both are a class act. Must be a living to be made from this passion?

[@splitchest9566]

This was a great tutorial and only have one little thing to mention is be careful what you do with the rags. I was taught to always use paper towels when working with brake fluid because undoubtedly somehow the rag will be used to wipe off a nice painted surface and brake fluid is highly corrosive. Thanks to Penny for the behind the scenes giggle it always makes my day!

[@nitesight2020]

I've never commented on nothing before but I really have to say thank you. Your vids have given me the confidence to wrench my own bike. You really have a gift for this and because of you my stretched family budget has and will be saved £££s. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had knowing you can sort your own machine. Please keep em coming. Chain & sprockets next, I'm hoping you'll cover it! Thanks for taking the time to do these vids, your work is appreciated!!

[@salmaabdullahgb]

You should be like a teacher or something. The way you explain things makes it so understandable and interesting.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Salma, you're very kind... that would be a cool job..

[@d0lby67]

Thanks Del ur a lifesaver. Great video. Noticed yesterday my reservoir is empty. Never had a hydraulic clutch b4 so panicked went to a local bike shop that tried to blind me with science. They said it's a sealed system and some part costing 100 quid,was,needed and labour fees on top. Told them didn't have cash and came away. Thanks to u I have seen how easy it will be to do it myself. THANK YOU. Ride safe my man.

[@kungfuhamster3]

I take my hat off to folk who want to learn plus it helps when you need your bike or car fixed and saves you money but most importantly job satisfaction and knowing it's done right ! It's a real treat having folk like you to guide folk and also we all pick up good tips from your vids ! Thanks buddy Kind regards Tony Gsxr thou k7.

[@N4OST]

Sequence is best remembered by me as "Squeeze,Open,Close,Release." Repeat Wrap towel is more effective if wet! Always Learn more from your videos than any other presenters. It never occurred to me to Google what brake fluid is made of! Great Stuff as Always! Thanks from the States! Ed J.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Ed, good to hear form you, and thanks for watching... all the best. Del.

[@SoCalUmpire]

Your video is awesome - the step-by-step instructions gave me the confidence I needed to try and do this myself. And you go beyond the basics to explain in detail such that the layman like me can grasp the science behind the clutch and its fluid. Plus you are entertaining to watch; keep it up, fan for life. 

[@_coffeeandcigars]

science is a big word, buit theres no reason to use it less youre talking about the workshp ;)

[@hoagycarmichael580]

Hi Del & Penny. Watch all the logs religiously and have learned loads to the point where I now have the confidence to do most of the work on my Iron myself. Thanks Guys.

[@Moonfleet41]

Well done Hoagy, thats great to hear, its what the videos are for, and if you learn to fix your own bike, i always feel you know that bit more about it and how its performing..and that has to be a good thing... ride safe and thanks for watching mate... all the best. Del.

[@debojr78]

Don't know exactly how far away I am from you but thank you so much for being so detailed in your videos and how to take care of your motorcycle I appreciate the time that you put into it. Your wife is awesome good job all the way through we love you hit up a pup and its all on me dog thanks again!!!

[@Moonfleet41]

Deonta Harris Hey Deonta, we're in Dorset on the South Coast (England), so how ever far that is from you buddy... Thanks for your kind comments, im glad the videos can help you Sir... keep safe and keep watchin'... all the best.. Del & Penny.

[@steve69977]

Excellent video! I have been changing my brake fluid using gravity for years but recently bought a bike with a hydraulic clutch (The first I've owned). I didn't realise it is exactly the same method and you don't need a vacuum pump. Thanks, your videos and always impeccable!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hope you got it sorted, mate, the best thing I can suggest you take from this is the fact that you've learned something from your experience and can now pass it on - good luck with it, Del

[@sidneylol]

Tyre pressures are so very important as I found out one morning. Skimped over my pre ride checks, front tyre was low and the first corner I came to I slid a little, didnt come off, but some massive skid marks elsewhere I can tell you! BOLTS every time!!! Loving the videos Del. You're a natural on that camera and so is Penny :-) All the best, Stu

[@J7776]

Hi Del and penny. To day I’ve Changed all the hydraulic fluid on my motorcycle something ,I would not have dun in the past. So just like to say thank you for the hard work you put into these amazing videos so to the average guy like myself can do simple job. So thank you !!x

[@Moonfleet41]

Jim, You are so welcome mate, it makes me really glad and proud to know the videos have helped you out.. thats KZbin working at its very best, for a community of bikers reaching out to each other.. it dont get no better than that aye mate... Good on you for getting stuck in, it aint hard once you pluck up the confidence is it.. now you have skills for life, and can pass it on.. take care chap all the best.. del.

[@fgodinho24]

Dolboy many thanks for your unquestionable video on how to change the Clutch Fluid and bleed like a Pro. Done it today on my Diavel AMG and it is clutching like never before. Realy appreciate your videos. Thanks.

[@Moonfleet41]

Filipe Godinho HI Filipe, good to hear from you, and im really glad the video can help you... ride safe my friend, all the best.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi there, My word, what a truly amazing comment, we get a lot of appreciation from viewers. but never before has anyone been quite so articulate and complimentary. We honestly just post up the things we have cause to do in the garage, and present ourselves as we are, no 'act' or fake persona, im just me, plain and simple, perhaps its the honesty of that that comes across, Discovery asked us to contribute a few videos to their website last year, but as for a living, i wish..lol. Take care, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Good going, mate, it gives a great sense of achievement to take a spanner to your bike and make a small improvement ... take care, Cheers, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Vik..i appreciate the comments, and glad you liked it... take care buddy... cheers, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Ayup fellah, good to hear from you, you're right of course, it costs nothing to swap the fluids over now and again, and keeps you that bit closer to your bike. such a shame that these days bikes give the impression of being maintenance free, "just take them to the dealer and have a 'Latte' while you wait"....all ok till you get the sodding bill....simple skills learned from each other are the best way to save a fortune on bike servicing....good to hear from you mate... take care.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Luke...your brake travel is spot on because your brake pads are not worn yet....lever travel and water ingestion are unrelated, it will still contain up to 10 water mate...and you WILL notice the change in 'feel' once you do it...so go get stuck in and stop putting it off..lol.. cheers chap.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Tony,thanks for your really kind words,mate, I'm very touched.. you're right about some riders,they are happier to sit in the waiting room and have a latte whist the oily man fixes, which is fair play if they can afford, but aside from the money, there is the issue that you become more aware of your bike's state of wear & tear if you fettle it's petticoats yourself..some people won't even check tyre pressures 'cos they can't be bothered & wonder why their bike handles like shit..take care Del

[@breenger]

Once again cheers for another invaluable video Del and Pen. In the process of renewing slave clutch cylinder spring and seals on my ZZR1100...your video on the bleeding procedure has helped me no end: lovely stuff! 👌🏻 Bon courage guys.

[@Moonfleet41]

+Clatty Bella HI CB,, great to hear from you and really glad the video can help you.. Penny says hi, and good luck with the ZZR.. all the best.. D&P.

[@Moonfleet41]

You are most welcome, Rez, this time of year is particularly bad with seizing calipers and corrosion ... good luck with it, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Hahahaha LMAO .. you are so right, Harley's really do need a very solid object to stop effectively! They can be made to stop a little better with braided hoses and PFM calipers, but that just means you can get away with a slightly lighter object LOL! ... thanks for posting, really appreciate it, Cheers Del

[@midcoastmoto8724]

Mate, I've only stumbled across your video by accident, but wow! I've never seen a mechanical advice video so well explained. You are awesome! I subscribed instantly! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers mate, easy little job, and pennies too...cant see why so many bikes get that job neglected...thanks for watching, cheers, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Doh!.. never mind, we live and learn aye...you wont do it again.. and at the same time you learned something important.. well done.. and ride safe. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks for taking the time to watch Milo, i know how busy you are, and how many pages of 'inbox' you have to deal with....appreciate your time...keep warm over there in Cali.....cheers, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, Stu, you are a card.....very clever there...lol. Great work on keeping the bike up, its more important to do the brake fluid that the clutch...the water in brake fluid can boil with the heat and lead to brake face...even in a 125 if its a hot day and you're out playing.. Never mind on the Bandit, that's life aye, home and family must come first...you'll get there buddy, take care and ride safe.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Good point well made about the rags...as ive been used to a rat bike for so long i dont have that problem...but now the Hayabusa is in the house...ill have to sharpen up my vibe......thanks buddy...they are all in the bin already... take care, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Rez, if it's for your Bandit, any decent quality any 10W/40 motor oil will be fine, I tend to use Putoline as it's readily available and well trusted, I certainly don't make that choice based on any quality differences... you shouldn't have a left hand reservoir on your 600, they are indeed a cable clutch, only the 1200 is hydraulic... thanks for watching, appreciate your kinds comments, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, nice one matey, that's a really common misconception, and I guess its a logical assumption, but they so need to be running....well done matey, the old reverse bleed method is always reliable.. cheers mate, and ride safe, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, thank you most kindly for your rich & generous comments, like you, I have always found poverty is the mother of invention, I've never had the luxury of being able to afford a main dealer repair and have always believed that fettling your own bike puts you better in touch with it anyway... I have covered the chain & sprockets when I fitted the swing arm, have a scan thought the library, if you can't find it, let me know & I'll send you link ... about January 2012 I think ... Cheers Del

[@choptop61]

great vid mate..didnt realize how the fluid was so absorbent ,,will change out my clutch fliud as its been a while...cheers.

[@caddypaddy13]

Hay man all fixed.. It was the clutch switch on the bars... Pain in the ass, it's always the last thing ya look at... Thank you for your help... Next to get the exhaust off to weld it coz it's totally rotten at the collection box. Fun times ahead...

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad you got it sorted mate, good luck with it and thanks for your support!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Steve..you're very kind, .its strange how many things are easy once you know how....we just need to see it done aye.... take care mate... cheers, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

I hear a lot of folks say that they never use it from an open bottle....but as long as you used it and out the cap back on tight, right away, then all it was open to the air for was a minute at most....and that will do no harm....its when you have left the lid off for days it gets waterlogged...thanks for watching mate.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, 'Cloggy land'...love it... thanks for your really kind comments mate, im glad you like the videos, and yes, plenty more to come this year.... take care, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi buddy, gear whine is caused by the meshing of teeth as they link together - to eliminate this in most vehicles the gears are heliocal cut, which means the teeth are diagonal across the synchro rather than straight across at 90degrees. In high powered drag race bikes they use 'straight cut gears' where teeth are indeed 90degrees to the cog for strength, on the Busa due to it's power they are simply less helical and more straight than other bikes, this leads to a slight whine -cont'd

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Alex, you're right, clutches are trickier than brakes as you can't lean on them to make pressure, but it sounds like you have lots of initiative and ingenuity and with that you'll overcome it... just try again mate, but remember I have a video with a step by step clutch bleed if you need it... Del

[@TheBarnsleyBiker1]

Top tip there Del. Don't over tighten those bleed nipples or the reservoir screws. Came to bleeding my rear brake, bleed nipples seized, reservoir screws seized and minced. Makes a ten minute job become a 2 hour job.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Adam, yeah cheers mate, I guess so, I kinda love it's ugly arse myself, good to ride back with you last Sunday, great fun rag through the roundabouts, can't wait till it's a dry day and we can ride fast instead of tip toeing through the bendies, that was some naffing surface water, weren't it?! LOL! See you next time, chap, take care, Del

[@adetheblade100]

spot on mate. beat me to it !! its glycol based in order that it doesnt freeze in winter ( think of anti-freeze, glycol-ethylene ) and both being glycol based have that familiar waxy, slippery feel to them ;)

[@Moonfleet41]

ha ha, make sure you get the 'skinny latte' or you wont get in them race leathers....no word on moving, we had a heads up from the landlord that in the next 4 months they would give us notice...but there are a couple of options still, so not worrying too much....its just annoying not to be settled so i can ghet stuck into the bike build.....ho hum.. thats life.. and plenty to keep us busy still.... cheers mate.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate...that is fast becoming a question i get asked almost every week..maybe it is time for a video...the general rule is to buy a good quality basic kit with a box that is too big..(room to grow your collection)..use a proper tool shop and not an accessory shop like halfrauds..then once you get busy, just make a note every time you need a tool you dont have, and go buy it at the first chance..that way YOUR kit grows how YOU need it..and you get what you pay for, so buy good tools for life

[@007butty]

Changed my brake fluid on my 650 Bandit last weekend, your video gave me the confidence to have a go. Brakes worked afterwards bonus. lol Great video's and funny Del all the best. Butty

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Mark. Glad you did your own fluid change, thanks for watching... cheers, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Gary, glad you like the video, and really appreciate you watching mate... Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers mate, take care and thanks for watching, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, i knew someone would know....thanks for watching, take care, Del.

[@Cheezy083]

This was a briliant step by step... helped me change my clutch fluid in my superbike:-) Thanks

[@Moonfleet41]

Anthony Hales Thanks Anthony, glad it could help you sir.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, im glad you like them, and can make use of them as they are intended... ride safe chap, and thanks for watching... Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Well done Dave, its important to keep on top of it...thanks for watching.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers mate, too right, dry roads and blue skies yay.... see you soon.. Del.

[@DukeDyson]

Brilliantly clearly explained as usual, you legend

[@Moonfleet41]

Aye up Ted, and yay well done on the Bandit..we're on the South Coast, so where will you be? ... you'll love every minute of the Bandit, there are an amazing all round bike and if you really want it to, it will scare you as well! Good luck with it, lets have some photos, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Stu... nowt like a 'Poo-Panter' to wake you up in the morning....lol.. thanks for your kind comment mate. take care. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Alex,you've discovered the tricky business of bleeding a clutch,the problem arises because as soon as you put any pressure on it,rather than pressurising the fluid to pump the air through,it opens the clutch instead...what you have to do is feel for the point where the clutch starts to open,then whilst keeping the lever under pressure,open and close the nipple,as you open & close the lever will sink to the car,I have a video on how to bleed the clutch if that helps... Del

[@Docdog-dd1MB]

Thank you man, I made it to my Hayabusa. Your video was very useful. Ok have to remove more parts but it works.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Michail, i am glad you could use the video to help you out.... take care.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, sounds like you've got air in there ... bleed it through again, making sure you don't let the reservoir drain down completely and suck air in, it should start to bite about 1/3rd in and then be a nice crisp firm movement after that, should definitely feel a 'step' as the plates open within the first 1" or so of lever movement ...watch the video again & make sure you open and close the bleed nipple so the lever sinks to the bar each time ..give it another go, let me know how you get on

[@Moonfleet41]

cont'd ... under load, as pulling away from standstill, effectively hauling all that weight off a standstill puts pressure on the gears that is not there when you are already rolling along...so you will get a little audible whine as the gears mesh...it's quite normal and there is nothing you can do, or need to do, about it........as a proof of this, go along at 30mph in top, change down a gear or two, and nail it flat out, you'll hear it whine as it launches - hope that helps you, mate, Del

[@hrnyseany]

you my friend have some very informative videos on here, just changed my clutch fluid thanks to your easy to follow video

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers Tim, thanks for watching....Del.

[@nitesight2020]

Cheers Del, found them! Putting the kettle on and finding a quiet corner to have a watch.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, easy little job, and will make the lever sharper too.....but dont spend too long looking for the clutch fluid reservoir on your Sportster will you.....lol!

[@Moonfleet41]

'Carnation'...oooh that brings back memories, and Condensed milk in yer Readybreak... cheese'n'jam sarnies...instant whip with 100's and 1000's...Frey Bentos pies....that green curry sauce you can only get from the chippy...and next time you make jelly...put space dust in it....its wicked....oh well, when's Grange Hill on..?

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks for the compliment, and the sub' mate...much appreciated.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, i feel for you brother....we idiots need all things simple aye..lol. thanks for watching... Del.

[@Lorddarthvader1701]

Excellent video again bud, for the real cost of a fresh bottle of brake fluid I would stick with that, it isn't worth the real pain that could happen if you didn't. I have certain things sitting around to keep using but Brake Fluid I get when I need it...

[@davee6406]

Thank for the video! I'll be following this video when I do my 2001 Bandit this winter.

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it could help you Dave, ride safe this winter!

[@DrJohnners]

Hi Derek, I love the videos...that snow ride to work was mental, I'm bad enough in the wet! One thing though, it's "hygroscopic" not "hydrosorbic"...pedantic I know but we all have a little bit of OCD in us as you well know! Keep up the good work, fella.

[@alexjames-music6271]

I thought this was the video about clutch bleed! Anyway, turns out, I've actually fixed it!! After reverse bleeding, i did not fire up the bike because my 5 year old was in bed, so I thought, I'll just put it into gear, and squeeze the lever, if I can push the bike that way, then it's fixed! But I couldn't push it, so I went inside assuming it still wasn't working. Then, some googleing revealed that there is still resistence in the clutch with the engine off. Fired it up, and no problemo! :)

[@Moonfleet41]

Well done mate, let me know it for get stuck.. cheers, Del.

[@chillierdavro]

Most brake fluids used today are glycol-ether based, but mineral oil and silicone (DOT 5) based fluids are available. Castor oil-based (pre-DOT, DOT 2) Glycol-based (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) Silicone-based (DOT 5)

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Anthony....missed you last weekend, we'll be doing another Aroma meet once the weather stops chuckin it down, love to see that Gixer in the flesh mate.... Del.

[@kungfuhamster3]

Thanks for another great video buddy I watch them all ! Im the sort that will always fix my own bikes ! I have a mate with a cb1300 and the most technical thing he does is put petrol in ! He's had a few bikes over the years but always puts them in main dealers ! He even got them to put an end can on lol believe me if he could he'd take it there and get them to put the fuel in ! I really don't get dudes who ent interested in engines ! The smell the tools the adrenalin what a rruuussshhhh !

[@sidneylol]

My little CBF125 doesnt have clutch fluid but I have changed the brake fluid and as you say all needs to be covered as it is very destructive fluid. Done my direct access but went and bought a new house so the bandit buying will need to wait a little bit longer :-) Thanks again for another brilliant and 'fluid' video! (like what I did just there?) Take care, Stu

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Dave me old cocker....simple task, done simple, for simple repairs, done by a simple'ton.....easy..!

[@Moonfleet41]

I know what you mean, some people take the view that if it dont stop the bike then it dont need doing....but it will stop the bike once the calipers rust up inside due to water content...rotting hoses, and brake fade...thats if he doesn't ride it into the back of a car first.....you baby your bikes all you like buddy, i know which one id rather buy second hand..!!!!

[@macevans1541]

Thanks for the video as usual full of tips and tricks cant wait for the next one greetings from cloggy land mac

[@captainbimble]

Another very clear vid Del.Cheers mate.

[@Moonfleet41]

+captainbimble Thanks mate, and old video now, but still relavant information aye. !

[@Moonfleet41]

And also with Dot5 silicon fluid, i hear it dont trash your paint either when you spill it....so way better for us old bastards who cant hold things so still any more...shit, spilled my tea now...Pennyyyyyyy!

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing tutorial as allways :-) As im an adult, i didnt laugh at the nipple an bleedin jokes, well only a bit, ok i was laughing like a hyena lol :-) After 10 years in a shed, my kwaka brake fluid was jelly, not even a sign of carnation to pour on it eather lol ;-) Allways love your tutorials mate, and when available the banta between you and penny is magic ;-)

[@d0lby67]

Thanks Del. U really do explain things good. In process of doing my vfr 750 at moment. Much appreciated😉

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Robbie, you're welcome , glad it helped !

[@duane3719]

Thanks. Better than reading a how to manual. Was a little nervous about the change. Sort of forget because not done on a regular basis.

[@Moonfleet41]

And 'Why Dont You' and 'Saturday Banana' and 'Hong Kong Fuey' and The Sweeney and 'The Professionals' and dont forget the late version of Tiswas called 'OTT' with the black girl with the massive tits...! oh i hate being 48......think ill go back to being 15 again...!

[@wtbm123]

I Agree ,always change brake fluid regularly.

[@CalmBiker]

Hi Del. Do you have a video demonstrating a rear brake fluid change? I'm guessing it's the same process but interested to see the difference with the rear brake pedal.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, there's no difference with the rear brake pedal, it's exactly the same process... pump it several times to build up pressure, hold it down, and then open and close the nipple simultaneously, then release the brake pedal, exactly the same as a handlebar lever...

[@anderssandstrom2954]

Thanks for a superb demonstration, I'll try this for my self.

[@Moonfleet41]

Anders Sandström You're most welcome Anders, good luck with it sir..

[@eni89]

Thank you for yours tutorial!! A warm greeting from Italy! Sorry for my english!

[@Moonfleet41]

eni89 Thanks so much, glad you liked the video, and your English is perfect my friend... take care.. Del.

[@jasonlopez2828]

Great detailed information as always going to do it on my Hayabusa tomorrow

[@jaydotosh]

This guy knows his stuff. Very informative video :) Subbed!

[@Moonfleet41]

Well done Sir... we aim to please... !

[@whittlad]

I must remember to not clean my dogs ears with brake fluid - seriously though, great vid man!!!!

[@navythomas8]

Thank-You for the information!! I will guarantee the DOT 5 is Freeze proof, (well at least down to -6.5*F. )

[@Moonfleet41]

No Problem Andy, just pop me a set of friction plates in the post and ill get right on it....!

[@hx520w]

Very old brake fluid was Castor oil-based but with modern systems it's Glycol-based for DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 and Silicone-based for DOT 5.

[@TedSwerve]

Nice one Del especially relevent 'cos im off to the south coast sunday (don't snow don't snow) to pick up a 1200 bandit wot I recently purchased...

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers Ade....we are stronger with our collective knowledge...lol

[@paulmcdowall6660]

Another great vid Del, thanks!

[@Moonfleet41]

My word, I need a tissue for my chin after pronouncing that LOL! ... and now I know, Cheers mate, take care, Del