How to bleed brakes on a Motorcycle (with ABS) or after installing stainless steel brake lines

How to bleed the brakes on a motorcycle, including motorcycles with anti-lock (ABS) brakes, or after installing stainless steel brake lines. We walk you through several different methods for bleeding the brakes, focusing on the methods that we've had the most success with.
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Pneumatic Brake Bleeder: amzn.to/2EWYfNn
Mityvac Brake and Clutch Bleeders: amzn.to/2ox2yIU
Nitrile Rubber Gloves: amzn.to/2oB74FI
Scott Shop Towels: amzn.to/2GQTaa3
This is a great follow up to our video explaining how to upgrade the brakes and install Spiegler stainless steel brake lines. • How to install upgrade...
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#motorcyclebrakes #brakebleed #howto

[@Hpynos2010]

Excellent advice on this video! I own a 2013 Multistrada 1200 and acted on a tip over on the Ducati forums and proceeded to replace the two plain banjo bolts on the ABS box (beneath the seat) with a pair of bleeder bolts. During the bleeding procedure afterwards, I removed a fair amount of air from the pump, and while the front brakes felt slightly improved, the rear brake (a bone of contention with plenty of MTS owners) is now strong enough to lock the rear wheel and/or kick off the ABS function on at will. Keep in mind that should you choose to do this you'll need to remove a small bit of the foam padding beneath the seat for bleeder bolt clearance.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes. Actually you are one step ahead of us. If you watch our other video where we detail upgrading the brakes on the MTS, (kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5qqdaeajK9-m7M) you'll see that you have to replace the existing bolts on the OEM calipers, which can then be repurposed on the rear brake circuit on the ABS pump to get all the air out from that high point. :)

[@johnsaporta4633]

That large volume vacuum method is new to me. That certainly looks like a game changer! Thank you for sharing.

[@CanyonChasers]

It's the best. Saves so much time and you get a perfect bleed every time!

[@jackblue4321]

Great great video, very clear and simple way to explain things. Talks about all things that matter in bleeding brakes on a bike. Thank you very much, 5*

[@jpvSoccer]

Thanks :) , I watched a bunch of videos and this one has the tips and tricks i needed for my troublesome brakes

[@CanyonChasers]

Great to hear!

[@attilasandorkis4925]

Look at 5:40 that bell :D It is the dry clutch sound emulator :D

[@imathugyall742]

I have to say I was most impressed with this video, it was very informative "and" well delivered by a fellow who was articulate and a good communicator. But I would say that buying tools from "Horrible Freight" is a gamble, but provided you don't expect anything you buy there to last longer than a few weeks, you'll get by alright. Another worthwhile tool in the brake bleeding arsenal are "speed-bleeders," which eliminate the need for a 2nd party to sit around for hours "pumping-up" the brake lever or pedal. But with my 1993 BMW K-75 triple with ABS II and front & rear modulators, it might be handy to get one of those pneumatic bleeder tools from Dreadful Freight !! Ride careful me maties !

[@alexvan1622]

Short, simple and right to the point. Love it

[@vothuat]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I wonder is there any chance that the air stuck in the brake line between 2 calipers (the curve part on the front wheel mug guard) because it is higher than the calipers and lower than the master cylinder? I am planning to do the reverse bleeding and I am afraid that will happen.

Very good, partner. Thank you. Regards from Brazil.

[@Turco949]

Good video but at 7:05 the lever was touching the grip, that is typically a No-No. An electric tape easily goes on the handle and provides the recommended 1/2"-3/4" gap in between.

[@robertschuff6663]

Great video! Thanks. You mentioned in the break change video that the 2013-2014 Multistradas have linked front and rear brakes making the bleeding process even more complicated, but I didn't see a reference to that in this video. Is there another step that needs to be done for linked brakes?

[@CanyonChasers]

It depends wildly on the specific motorcycle. BMW, Honda and Ducati each have very specific processes for bleeding their linked brake systems. Bleeding linked brakes can be so complex that we'd advise consulting with your dealer before proceeding.

[@robertschuff6663]

CanyonChasers Motorcycle Sport Touring OK thanks...

[@sheldonking1743]

Thank you so much for your very educational tutorials.

[@Skyerzen]

Hey! I just got a 2012 ms1200s! When I pull the brake lever a first time, the brake goes almost all the way, when I pull it a second time, it grabs better, and a third time even better. I think that means there's air in the system, right? If I bleed the system myself, do I need to take it to the dealer to hook up the abs computer?

[@ALEXdaG]

Def air or rubber lines need to be replaced or both. Replace rubber lines every 5 years basically. Whatever the manufacturer requires

[@gamerconstruct]

When I'm not quiet sure if I should get a bit farther away from the max line, can I use a syringe of should I open the bleeder valve to get some fluid out? good video btw!

[@stratoscreamer]

Hi, could you tell me how to adjust the front brake lever on a ducati 1098s. When I take the lever for braking, the moment the bike brake the lever is too deep for me. I can see a little nut under the lever but cant get to turn it. I dont know if you understand what I mean as my english is not perfect :) Cheers from France

[@TheCvac]

Since i upgraded my calipers to M4 on my multi,I cant get the last bit of air out of the system.Brake lever is completely solid after 1 or 2 pumps,not immediately.I went over the right caliper, left caliper and the master cylinder three times in a circle,I didn't see any air bubbles in the tubing. I have a pneumatic bleeder also but it doesn't work at all,will not suck anything even at 10 bar from my compressor.

[@CanyonChasers]

You may have an over/under crushed crush washer. That’s the first place I’d look.

[@TheCvac]

@@CanyonChasers Instructions said when using Spiegler's aluminum banjo bolt along with aluminum crush washer to torque between 18-21Nm. I torqued to 20. I wonder if I change the banjo under the seat for the ABS unit to the one with the bleed nipple...maybe it could help bleeding around the abs line

[@GR8WHITEC5]

Great video. I always mark my reservoir level using painters tape and fill back to the same level. But how do you know if the brakes are dragging? My bike is also ABS but I thought a normal brake flush at the rear caliper, front left and right caliper, and master is all that was required. Am I wrong?

[@CanyonChasers]

In most cases you are correct. A few bikes, like some Honda's and BMW with linked ABS systems require the ABS module to be hooked up to a computer and run through a bleed cycle. Fortunately this is becoming a lot less common.

[@mmcguireiphone]

4 mins. ABS pump needs plugged into a computer. Does this mean I can't bleed the brakes manually? I was hoping to replace old fluid with new but I'm guessing this means I can't ?

[@CanyonChasers]

Depends on the bike. On most, you can just bleed normally, on some (like BMW) you need a special computer.

[@TheIcegoblin]

I always push the pots in as far as possible at the beginning so there is the minimum fluid in the calipers Then change the fluid sucking it from the calipers. I would only top up the reservoirs to max if the brake pads are brand new, otherwise when you change the pads later on, you push the pots in and there is too much fluid in the system

[@aldewmar1281]

Seeing that you used a Ducati Multistrada with ABS (I assume) and didn't need to hook it up to Ducati's computer will I be able to change the brake fluid on my 2014 Monster 1200 without doing so? Thanks!

[@Yannkes]

Hi, have the same bike like You, I need to change front brake line from caliper to abs unit. Bleeding procedure in this video will help me? don't need a DDS ?

[@infantrymatt83]

i might have missed it in the video but linked braking bleeds. you mentioned it but i didn't see anything about it. i have a 2015 yamaha R1 and i need to flush and breed the lines and the owners manual isn't clean on the process. thanks again in advance!

[@CanyonChasers]

It totally depends on the bike. For some, like BMW's, it's an incredibly complex process requiring special tools. For others, it's not different. You'll have to find out specific to your motorcycle. Sorry.

[@thejaswal]

very informative quick video, thank you.

[@RalphMercuroMusic]

Never had an issue bleeding brakes before. I bled the brakes on my '17 Multistrada and now the hill assist doesn't hold the bike unless I stab the rear brake at the same time. Do I really need to bring it in for this? My dealer is an hour away and I bleed brakes often.

[@CaptainBeard714]

So I have a 2015 multistrada DVT. It needs the brakes bled all the time. Out of convenience Ive had the dealer do it a couple times already, but I mostly do my own work and would like to start bleeding them myself with a mityvac and try some different brake fluids. According the factory service manual however, it says the DDS 2.0 ducati computer system is needed to activate some valve electronically on the ABS unit. So is there basically no way I can switch out fluid and bleed my own brakes?? You guys have any experience with a 2015 multi? Think I can still bleed the brakes themselves at least? Ive also seen it recommended to take the rear caliper off so that the bleeder is towards the top. Thoughts??

[@Ducati_Dude]

CaptainBeard714 --> What, if anything, did you find out about replacing the brake fluid on your 2015 MTS? I have the same and am wanting to do the procedure myself. Or, is the stealership route the only way to go?

[@CaptainBeard714]

Any info? I've bled myself with ok results but still don't ever seem satisfied. Does a dealer need to hook up a computer?

[@Master-di4di]

Taking the rear caliper off & hanging as high as possible by stretchy cord helps loosening bleeder first. Without taking caliper off & easy access to the rear master cylinder it sometime you can bleed by loosening top connection with spill paper around master cyl.

[@willcountypowersports6338]

Hello do I have to have my 2009 Honda CBR 1000 rr with ABS hooked up to a computer for the brake bleeding ?

[@FFCpower]

good evening, I wanted to ask you something about the brakes , I'm thinking to put high Pressure tubes , and I have abs unit , and I asked you if you can make it and I was told that the abs will activated more early than before because of the pressure that you use in cuffs will be more than that before because the factory tube have a tendency to inflate thank you

[@CanyonChasers]

I don't believe that is accurate. ABS is typically activated by a wheel speed sensor on the wheel itself.

[@FFCpower]

@@CanyonChasers Ok Thank you very much for your response.

[@scottsloan3307]

great video helped a lot thanks :)

[@davidriley7659]

Very interesting, thanks. With all the methods, shouldn't you be pumping the brakes again at the end?

[@CanyonChasers]

I'm not sure that I understand your question.

[@davidriley7659]

I thought "pumping the brakes" aka squeezing them a few times brings the lines back up to the required pressure so the brakes are firm when squeezed. Some of these methods appear to remove the pressure in the lines.

[@CanyonChasers]

***** Oh right. Yes. but I figured that everyone would do that anyway as they went. I mean, we all want to see what our progress is. :)

[@SolorideryR6CX650C]

what break fluid do u recomend for a 2013 yamaha r6???

[@mikejacklyn1221]

For the ziptie method when there's still some air in the lines do you release the pressure from both front bleed valves or just one? Also I assume you keep the lever depressed when releasing the pressure? Thanks great video.

[@CanyonChasers]

Typically just the one closest to the caliper since the lever is pushing fluid down into the system.

[@parthivbomma6570]

What's the difference between abs and non abs bikes for bleeding?

[@CanyonChasers]

In most cases nothing - in some cases you need to cycle the ABS pump. We talk about this at 3:54 :)

[@Skyerzen]

I'm going to try the bleed vacuum tool

[@seansteryu7398]

I don't know if the Multistrada has the ABS unit mounted higher than the rear brake master cylinder. My 13 Hypermotard has it higher than the rear. I could successfully bled my KTM in 2-3 minutes, but I just can't to seem get a firm brake on this ABS Ducati. There is no visible bubble in the clear tube coming out. I tried both pumping and reverse syringe method. I am suspecting there is an air pocket somewhere in the ABS unit which I cannot see. I have tried to set ABS on and off after multiple attempts. Any other suggestion before taking it to a Ducati dealer?

[@StaticMusic]

Seanster Yu hey mate, did you ever find a solution to this. very similar problem here after replacing brake lines on my ABS bike...

[@phoxrides]

Static Music Depending on the year/model of the bike, you have to have the ABS pump run through a bleed routine at the dealer.

[@StaticMusic]

dp2WF Thanks dude, OK will have to limp there.

[@noosman16]

Thanks a lot! great video.

[@_VC93]

Hi, I need to shorten my rear brake hose (connecting the reservoir and the rear brake pedal). Should i bleed the brake fluid without refilling the reservoir so that there is no fluid in the lines before i disconnect and shorten the hose? I ride a cbr250ra (ABS). Thanks.

[@daveatcanyonchasers2016]

Yes, it'll be cleaner if you empty the lines before you change anything.

[@_VC93]

Hey, thanks for getting back to me. I fiddled around with the rearset and figured out I don't actually need to shorten the hose. I do have another question though - when changing out the brake fluid, how do you know when all the lines are filled with the new fluid? Do you just watch the fluid from the clear tube (the draining one) and stop when the fluid looks cleaner than the older fluid? Thanks.

[@CanyonChasers]

Victor Chang Just go until the fluid coming out the bottom is as clean as the fluid going in the top.

[@v10symphony75]

nice video

[@emreakturk9469]

Does anyone know the song that plays at the end of the video?

[@icandsc]

a shringe? is that a crepuscular crustacean?

[@richarddehaas2313]

Hello The new Kawasaki,s Do they need a computer for abs bleeding brake fluid?

[@CanyonChasers]

I don't think so. But you may need to call your dealer. It's the super complex systems that sometimes need the computer.

[@AkinaSpeedStarsAE86]

is the rear the same? I have a 2014 ninja abs

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes, but typically easier becuse the line is shorter.

[@AkinaSpeedStarsAE86]

@@CanyonChasers cool beans thanks!

[@brianzaborowski2724]

Repeat after me ... Mityvac (sounds like mighty) not mitty. Syringe (sounds like seringe) not shhharinge. Reverse bleeding is bad because you force all that nasty crap/crud in the caliper through all the small orifices in the master, do it the right way and pull it out of the caliper like shown in the video.

[@Khantube27]

Tried all kinda of ways. U need to bleed “so many” time & it will still feel sponge then use cable tie to press the brake bar for at least 24hrs. Then u won’t still be satisfied but it would work ok.

[@garyramsdale9340]

BMW purchase GS911, connect to computer add program, fire up ABS and pull on brake lever 3 times holding lever 2 seconds each time. You only have 10 seconds to do this. Now bleed brakes again and all should be good. Other brands check web for program and device. GOOD LUCK

[@boniedwin]

Three times watching this still got confused in bleed the brake oil, okay I'm done with this (going to the official ducati services) 😂😂😂

[@imnew2nm324]

Sounds like you need to take it to the dealer

[@naioti]

WTF is a skringe? JK, good video, very informative :D

[@Caesar.Aquanaut]

I replayed this video for a few times and I thought I have missed the bleeding part on the ABS unit.

[@CanyonChasers]

3:50

[@Caesar.Aquanaut]

+CanyonChasers Motorcycle Adventure, Sport and Touring Yes, you mentioned to bleed ABS at the dealer, I get that, but your video title is telling differently. You shouldn't even mention "WITH ABS" in the first place. It's only natural for your viewers to expect seeing that in this video!

[@Caesar.Aquanaut]

+CanyonChasers Motorcycle Adventure, Sport and Touring Anyway, for those who comes here looking on how to bleed your ABS on your Ducati Multistrada 1200, here's what I found on the web: mts1200.info/threads/abs-brakes-bleed-mod.187/ Although, this operation is not mandatory, but many owners who did highly recommended it, as this procedure firms up the load on both front and rear brakes.

[@CanyonChasers]

Cleary you didn't understand. Bleeding ABS is dependent upon the bike. Most bikes with ABS allow you to bleed them normally. But some bikes require a special bleed from the dealer. It was unreasonable for us to list every possible motorcycle and it's requirement. On the MTS12 for example, you can bleed the ABS normally on the 2010-2012, but the 2013 + require a special bleed from the dealer because the brakes are linked.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes, we are familiar with this and we have even done it on several bikes. This does not solve the squishy rear brake problem, it only makes it faster to bleed the rear brake circuit. The problem with the rear-brake on the Multistrada is that the rear brake line runs right alongside the header-pipe, the catalytic converter and the swingarm. Once the brake fluid exceeds its wet boiling point, the rear brake gets squishy, regardless of how many extra bleeders you put on the circuit or how many heavy weights you hang from the brake pedal; the fluid has been baked-out and the only way to "fix" it is to flush the rear brake fluid. We are currently testing a different brake fluid in the MTS that has a significantly higher wet-boiling point than traditional brake fluid. We will be posting our results, probably at some point later this summer.

[@Crankypantz420]

What a cute Gremlin Bell!

[@jackblue4321]

5:25 Is that on the right of your right hand a goat bell?!? º_º

[@Crankypantz420]

Is called a Gremlin Bell

[@cbrooks2767]

I need to get a shringe 💉

[@jacekpiterow3135]

There is nothing about bleeding ABS except - go to a dealer. Rest is just obvious break bleeding like thousands on KZbin. Just waste of life to watch.

[@Nameless_Gh0st]

Schringe