Slightly low fluid in front brake master cylinder

[ekiM]

All,

Just wondering if it's safe to ride with your brake fluid a little low (for a short time).

I noticed the brake fluid level in the front master cylinder was below the top ring, but above the center dot with the center stand down and the handlebars pulled all the way to the left. I'm going to replace my brake lines with braided stainless steel lines, but could I leave it at this level for a few days, or should I put some fresh brake fluid in, or should I just wait until the SS lines come in and replace them? If it's ok to ride with the fluid a little low, that's fine. All advice is appreciated.

Many Thanks,
Mike

[riceburner]

All,

Just wondering if it's safe to ride with your brake fluid a little low (for a short time).

I noticed the brake fluid level in the front master cylinder was below the top ring, but above the center dot with the center stand down and the handlebars pulled all the way to the left. I'm going to replace my brake lines with braided stainless steel lines, but could I leave it at this level for a few days, or should I put some fresh brake fluid in, or should I just wait until the SS lines come in and replace them? If it's ok to ride with the fluid a little low, that's fine. All advice is appreciated.

Many Thanks,
Mike

I'd say you should be fine.

[boxermania]

You are OK as long as the hydraulic fluid is visible thru the window. As a point of reference, when you remove the master cylinder cap, look for a tiny hole at the base of the container, as long as there is 1/4" of fluid above that hole in any of the handlebar positions you are good to go. I think the 1/4" above the hole will place the level at the bottom of the sight glass but I'm not positive, you might want to check and report for the benefit of the forum members when you swap the hydraulic lines.

[sweatmark]

brake fluid level in the front master cylinder was below the top ring, but above the center dot

Normal. Just had one of our R1150Rs serviced by dealer, with same fluid level result when master cylinder top is level with the ground via handlebar twist.

going to replace my brake lines with braided stainless steel lines

Is your bike iABS or non-?

[ekiM]

All,
Many thanks for responding. I will take your advice and just keep an eye on it, until the braided lines come in. Sweatmark, I have a 2002 non-ABS bike (about 43,000 miles on the odo), and I think just about everything is original, except for the cables in the Bowden box (which apparently were fouled by years of riding in the rain). Mine's black--the hardest color to keep looking good.
Thanks again,
Mike