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I have a 1998 r1100r ,always been perfect, now the front brakes "apply" by them selfs, I have to bleed them to be able to move the bike, I can ride it to work inthe morning, after sitting for 8 hours, the front brakes are like if I was pressing the handle. has happend 2 times.
The handle can feel normal,one inch to start appling , then , after hours and just parked, the front brake handle is hard and brakes are applied. I have to release pressue (open the bleed screw) so i can move the bike again.
any ideas?
Thank you much
Jerardy , Cary NC

I would like to bet $10 the ABS is applying pressure at all times.

New modulator $3200 plus fitting & bleeding add another $500.

Thanks for the reply,
Sorry I did not mention , I do not have ABS.
Plain brakes
JF

Check for freeplay on the "pushrod" screw in the lever that actuates the brake master cylinder's piston.

Remove the plastic cover thingy and check that you have some clearance. You may have to peel the rubber boot back to see what's going on in there. Whenever I reassemble one of these I screw the actuator pushrod screw in until I feel it contact the piston- then back it off a half turn. If there is no clearance the expansion caused by hot brake fluid will move the piston in just enough to block off the return of fluid.

This is often seen on bikes that need new pads and the owner is trying to get more "feel" by screwing in that adjuster. Not a good idea.

Another possibility, although it's much more rare, is a bad brake hose.

I was stumped by a Volvo many years ago and it turned out the rubber brake hose was deteriorating internally. A small flap of rubber in the hose was acting as a one-way valve. Took my a week to figure it out!