How To Bleed Motorcycle Brakes at RevZilla.com

How To Bleed Motorcycle Brakes
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When it comes to your bike, or any form of locomotion for that matter, it should come as no surprise that your brakes are pretty high up there on the list of important pieces of the equation. Whether you are looking to follow up on some newly added brake parts, running through some regular maintenance, or seeing an issue with the brake fluid itself, the ability to properly bleed your brakes is an important, and relatively easy process to learn. Follow along as Lemmy, the RevZilla mystro of mechanical majesty himself, throws some knowledge your way and provides some good ol’ fashioned ZLA garage learnin’ in the art of bleeding motorcycle brakes.

[@PsychedelicMike2006]

What diameter hose are you using for this?

[@RevZilla]

3/16" should be about right. -DrewZilla

[@bostonsirish1]

PsychedelicMike2006 you FOOL

[@bostonsirish1]

PsychedelicMike2006 if you are still alive please DO NOT work on a bike if you own one!!!!

[@CorvetteLover82]

bostonsirish1 why? Seems like a decent question to me.

[@thegatesofsleep]

bostonsirish1 Go fuck yourself you little goof. You think everyone is born a J man mechanic or does your little pee brain not understand every mechanic has to start somewhere?

[@jimothy1967]

Absolutely fantastic explanation of how to make something that can appear a bit daunting actually very simple. Brilliant. The 'dislikes' are obviously bell-ends....

[@huntsville9094]

I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time.

[@RevZilla]

Others might draw the line with that one, but I'll cut you a _brake_, and give you a _pad_ on the back! -DrewZilla

[@dpicazo465]

+RevZilla This made my life. Subscribed. Also appreciate the very detailed steps to maintain a motorcycle!

[@claudio3995]

Nice one. Also subscribed.

[@vasel208]

huntsville90 👍👍👍haha

[@vikingraider1]

Gimme a brake!

[@davelafontaine1709]

10 videos to get to this one....TEN!!! this one taught me how to do it without a stupid rubber hose. squeeze 8 times, and hold...open the valve, let it fart until fluid only, wait 3 seconds. close. release. repeat until there are no more farts. jesus. that was easy. great job, revzilla, and thanks, youve saved me 85 dollar shop fee and got me riding. great company.

[@broderp]

I'm betting if you did it that way you have air still in your lines.

[@BobGreenberg650GT]

Just bled my front brake for first time after watching your excellent video. Worked great and brake is much firmer. And I felt competent to do it after watching. Thank you!!!!

[@blaceandre]

After viewing many dangerously incorrect and incomplete videos on changing break fluid, this one is excellent and very nicely done..should be the first video that comes up when searching...nice job!

[@TheFrozenMind]

The Best Explanation on KZbin. Rock on Revzilla

[@breaky73]

I watched several videos breeding brakes on the youtube. This is by far the best one. Lemmy does a great job explaining!

[@Youngsoldier93]

It's Lemmy!!! The coolest dude on RevZ xD

[@Youngsoldier93]

***** :D

[@funcool32]

These videos are fantastic. Other videos make it look really finicky and daunting. You make it look so easy. I was almost going to take it to the mechanic to do, but now I'll definitely give it a go. Thank you!

[@jean-francoisboyer8490]

I used to have a weird feel on my front brakes. After bleeding them, the feel is back to normal. Thanks revzilla!

[@702HGA]

Out of all the brake bleeding vids I’ve seen so far I’d say this one is more detailed & best for any newbies looking to bleed.

[@ChasFLTN]

EXCELLENT EXPLANATION! I've watched several of these brake bleeding videos on You Tube, but this one is the best by far.

[@divadrolyat]

Lemmy ROCKS! Very articulate and knowledgable. Thank you Revzilla for being so helpful and posting these videos!

[@mohammadkamran5862]

I love your maintenance videos. you cover everything with much detail. the step by step instructions help alot. especially for someone learning to do these jobs for the first time. thanks alot. :)

[@TheJoe89jan]

My man! You just saved hundreds of dollars by your video. Thank you so much for this. Your instructions were simple, easy, and to the point for me to understand. Muchas gracias.

[@MrBluegooh]

As always, the go too guy for bike diy, Clear and easy instruction, Much appreciated Lemy. Thank you.

[@soknanhorn215]

Love your videos... Clear images...you explain not just what you are doing..but why! Very detailed and precise... all you tubers should be just like you!

[@ALTMED]

I always wanted to do this and I didn't know how. Now I'm an expert. Thank you Lemy

[@dans8086]

These are amazingly good videos even for a guy like me who worked on his own vehicles all my li. Little tips, like lubing the back of the brake pad, are really useful and stuff I never thought of. Thanks Guys!

[@rvdnagel1963]

I subscribed after 15 seconds into the video. Very good stuff and well explained!

[@misterdawg6638]

Awesome tutorial. I've got a lot to learn on maintenance still and I'm on my own, so this helps a TON. Thanks Lemmy and Revzilla.

[@iwinandrew4707]

Took my bike on a warm day to work. My brake pedal had no pressure. parked the bike and rode to work. When I got home searched and found yours and few other videos. Blead the old fluid that was orange in color and topped up with new clear DOT3 I had for my car. Will try it for a week and see how it is. if I am not satisfied. I will change it to DOT4. It took 30 min for me. May be I will do better on time going forward. Thanks Andrew

[@cesarwo12345678]

This video is so easy and clear, some videos on KZbin shows this procedure extremely complicated.

[@JDnBeastlet]

Lemmy, thanks for the comprehensive video. Very helpful.

[@RandallMoore1955]

Thanks RevZilla, Sure beats having to drag out the Mighty Vac. Sure is a great tool to have when you need it. Thanks for taking your time as always.

[@LouisGiliberto]

Thanks for the leaving the cap on loose tip. I'm new to this and constantly getting fluid geysers when I pump the handle. My tank paint and I thank you!

[@romleystewart8516]

Thanks!!!, did my back brake for the first time too, was not sure how to do it but you got me on the right track!!! I have back brakes again!!!! feels real good!!! ... THANKS!!!!... cheers! ..

[@michaelscherer2584]

Thank you for posting this. I think this may be the only brake bleeding vid that isn't using a specialized product. Nice job. We are going riding.

[@jameszulu7120]

You're the best man, you did a good job explaining. I should have no problem doing this myself after watching your vid.

[@clarencewhynot5747]

Great video...perfect for the mechanically inept like myself! You have given my the confidence to take a stab at doing it on my bike. Thanks.

[@stevenwarner2206]

Thanks Lemmy, good tutorial. Will do my front brake tomorrow.

[@rickrickjr876]

Great timing - just changed front brake line and got your video on how to bleed line same day - thanks

[@pokojoe9741]

Super job Lemmy. very straight forward and to the point. You guys are the best.

[@aspinaki]

perfect content explained perfectly as always. you guys are from different world. Love you Lemmy.

[@calebnewton4347]

This helped so much thanks Lemmy just bled my front and rear on my drz400sm

[@DavidYarber]

Excellent how-to. Lemmy is the man!

[@jamesw9803]

This is a really clear, helpful video. And Lemmy, your presentation skills are great.

[@VintagerStraps]

I've spent the last two days trying to bleed my front brake on a dirt bike, driving me NUTS. This video was the absolute solution, awesome and thanks!

[@dvera9726]

Best video I’ve found so far gonna do it myself. I went to a shop and they wanted $220 just to bleed the front brakes.

[@DonPrecedens]

One of the best explanation videos on youtube.

[@BryanDuggan2010]

Hey guys, loving all your videos, keep up the great work!

[@chrisrac88]

Thank you Lemy! Will perform this on my motorcycle tomorrow!

[@martinoconnor4314]

Thanks for the well presented video Lemmy, very clear and informative! I'm off to bleed my brakes now.

[@dyske-]

Thanks for another great tutorial! It's very easy to follow.

[@petepete3389]

If you simply submerge the drain end of the bleeder tube in fluid, you will not draw air back into the system. You can just pump the brakes continually until all air stops. No need to loosen and retighten the bleeder screw. I use a 12 ounce plastic water bottle with a hole punched through the top. Put about an inch of fluid in the bottle and insert the tube through the hole until it bottoms out into the bottle. Pump away.

[@thebeezneez1000]

extremely clear and helpful video, thank you!

[@ParabellumX]

This video compelled me to subscribe to your channel. It was a lot more informative and demonstrative then another relative video that I watched from an undisclosed individual/company. Thanks, Beard God. 😏

[@christopherdelaney9066]

Best video ever love this man he’s such a good vibe !!!

[@MikeWallaceDev]

How good is this video? It's so well explained and the host is so good that I want to subscribe. And I don't even ride a motorcycle!! I was searching for help for my mountain bike brakes and this vid gave me some good starting points. Thanks !

[@RevZilla]

Thanks! For MTB maintenance, check out Park Tool's channel. -DrewZilla

[@NoobishAbbZ]

Great video. So very clear and well explained.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

I love bike maintenance vids. Well done!

[@Explore-Gobal]

Lemmy, very professional fluid presentation ;-)

[@jaredstottler1813]

Amazeing way to explain.thank u

[@alvertosb.p.9424]

Thank you. Excellent communication

[@Dansk55]

Very clear instructions. Thanks

[@markpowell4374]

Excellent video. Well done.

[@ricardoquiroz588]

Thanks for the great video

[@michaelmcdowellsr803]

Thanks buddy 👍🏻 I’m gonna try it on mine now

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

[@snowpeaky]

Seriously, can Lemmy just do How-to's for every product, vehicle, construction, mechanical, electrical etc etc? Like, if I needed to know how to install a furnace, can you do a How-to for it Lemmy haha? The way you explain everything is just plain remarkable! I'm looking at buying my very first motorcycle and I am just going through your how-to's for maintenance etc and they're great! Most work is very similar to working on cars/trucks; which is what I currently work on.

[@kings17court]

Nicely done educational video. Thanks.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

That had to be the BEST directions/editorial video-EVER ON KZbin !!!Awesome job, brother!!! doing my 2005 fatboy, tomorrow!! The only problem I have, is I need 2 people, I have 18" ape hangers...and I'm in a fight with my old man!!! Great speaker you are brother-should be a teachers tech for ALL HD dealers!!! peace!

[@R3RLEE]

Great vid man. Very informative thanks.

[@user-hm1hi7tr4g]

Or there is another scenario...... We just like your videos and we need to learn some things... 😁😁...... You are awesome.... Your maintenance videos saved many times....

[@danielmagdziarz7440]

Excellent tutorial!

[@loose_unit]

I never realised it was that easy! Thanks!

[@smokey9063]

Great video.. so easy to understand.. thank you very much

[@CajunGreenMan]

@ZLA Lemmy looks like he was born on a Harley, in a Harley shop, WORKING on a Harley! Beer! Should be BEER scale of difficulty! ;) You guys totally rock, thanks for ALL the great info!!! Love your buyer's guides!!!

[@ThatGuyFromNantucket06]

Well done Lemmy.

[@Supernova12034]

Awesome video/explanation!

[@TheThornes]

thank you. brilliantly explained

[@teodordemirev1821]

nice tutorial man thank you

[@lavsmith6478]

I’m sure you just saved me a lot of $$$ now time to get to work... thanks a lot!!

[@victortellez4987]

dang how come this channel does not have soo many views they have pretty good videos.

[@motorsavage3835]

nice job Lemmy. Thank you

[@spacep0d]

Fantastic video, Lemmy! This makes it clear how I need to approach a brake bleed on my 2013 Triumph Daytona 675R. My brakes feel terrible! Only trouble is that I don't have the plastic tubing and am not sure what size tubing I need. I guess the size of the nut to release the fluid from the bleed nipple will be a clue. Rock on. Update: I found that the 2013 Triumph 675R bleed nipple at the caliper has an 8mm nut. The nut at the brake fluid reservoir is 11mm. Is that normal? I was going to get a Motion Pro speed bleeder tool but those generally come in one size. I'm also interested in those quick bleed thingamabobs.

[@RevZilla]

It's normal...for your bike. -DrewZilla

[@hellishgrin4604]

in addition, it can help to hold a section of the tube up above the caliber so that the air only goes up instead of back into the system. they make magnetic bottles for the refill process too.

[@macdaddy15331]

Well done dude . Thumbs up. . Thanks for your Windom

[@jasonfasick7808]

Ty helped out a lot much appreciation

[@boarder989]

Great video Lemmy I like to use a vacuum pump when I do it.

[@truantray]

The vacuum is really not necessary and just increases complexity of a simple task which increases the chance of introducing air.

[@Visionery1]

Great video, with all major points covered. However, I don't quite agree with the rapid pumping to build up pressure. If there's air in the system rapid pumping will have a tendency to 'multiply' the air bubbles, i.e. converting one big bubble into multiple smaller ones, thereby extending the bleeding process. We used to simply pump gently until there's pressure and then open the nipple to release the pressure. On older systems it's not a good idea to force the lever all the way back to the handle as the piston seals could then enter an area with corrosion in the bore, possibly damaging the seals and leading to leaks.

[@stephenlepore4476]

thanks dude. awesome.

[@thedudetaz7087]

Great video, thanks man

[@whittlad]

Lemmy - YOU ROCK!!!

[@MatthewEbel]

Lemmy is my hero.

[@fernf]

Thank you Lemmy!!

[@f-sixer3939]

Once again, Lemmy RULES!

[@coyeland]

thanks. greetings from el Salvador

[@michor10]

Thanks a bunch, Lemmy!!

[@tadtravis]

what a GREAT, easy, intelligent video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@2wrdr]

I'll throw in a couple tip from past experience. 1.Speed Bleeders are your friend(look them up) especially if you are flushing. 2. Most bikes don't have that bleeder up by the master cylinder. The handlebars and master cylinder should be set at an angle to get rid of the common air pocket that forms right at the banjo bolt connection to the master cylinder. Just take a look where the brake line comes into the MC, it should be obvious. Not doing step 2 can keep you from getting that near perfect front brake feel. Just do it. :)

[@mdgh367]

Thanks Lemmy, love you long time.

[@progress426]

Great video

[@chekasout1781]

great teacher

[@Pmason718]

I watched a few videos and this is the only one that assured me I can do this myself. What I do the same thing for my hydraulic clutch?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, bleeding the line for a hydraulic clutch is the same. -DrewZilla

[@fabiodaniel3851]

Hi guys, great vidoes it really helps. Can I let the brake fluid fully drain first before I put in the new fluid? I dont know when the last owner changed it. Thank you :D

[@hannannajmi2955]

Nice video bro

[@PatricK02031961]

It helps a bit more if that transparent hose was held above the height of the reservoir or even into the reservoir. This way, you can actually see the air bubble run up the tube and out maintaining a column of oil against the caliper cavity.

[@KemDIY]

What a great video thanks!!!! Subscribed. Two questions: 1) when would you bleed the master cylinder for normal maintenance? Or is it just if you are replacing that part. 2) for modern bikes where there is integrated braking for front and rear is the process using front brake for entire process? Thanks!!!!