As a proud owner of a BMW R1200RT, you likely appreciate the sheer engineering brilliance of this motorcycle. However, to keep your bike in optimum condition, it’s crucial to ensure proper maintenance, including using the right brake fluid. Brake fluid plays a critical role in your motorcycle’s braking system by transmitting the force you apply on the brake lever to the wheels. Your choice of brake fluid can significantly affect your bike’s braking performance, especially under high-temperature conditions.
Understanding Brake Fluids
Before delving into the best brake fluid for your BMW R1200RT, let’s first understand the basics of brake fluids. Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that’s used in hydraulic clutch and brake applications in motorcycles, cars, and light trucks. It must have specific properties to perform effectively, including high boiling points, low viscosity, and compatibility with brake system materials.
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The braking process generates heat, and this heat gets transferred to the brake fluid. If the brake fluid’s boiling point is too low, it can boil, leading to vapor bubbles in your braking system, which is undesirable since vapor is compressible. This phenomenon can lead to a "soft" or "spongy" brake pedal feel, and in severe cases, brake failure.
There are several types of brake fluids, predominantly classified by their chemical composition and boiling points: DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. The DOT (Department of Transport) numbers denote different specifications. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 brake fluids are glycol-ether based, while DOT 5 is silicone-based.
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The Key Features of Brake Fluids
Now that you have a basic understanding of brake fluids, let’s examine their key features. The dry boiling point and wet boiling point are two crucial considerations. The dry boiling point refers to the fluid’s boiling point with no water content, while the wet boiling point is the fluid’s boiling point with a certain amount of water content over time.
Brake fluids are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the environment over time, which lowers their boiling point. This attribute necessitates regular fluid changes to maintain optimum braking performance.
While all brake fluids serve the same purpose, they are not interchangeable due to differences in their chemical composition and boiling points.
Best Brake Fluid for BMW R1200RT under High Temperatures
In the context of the BMW R1200RT, the motorcycle manufacturer recommends DOT 4 brake fluid. According to the BMW motorcycle forum discussions, many riders of this motorcycle model echo this recommendation.
DOT 4 brake fluid is an excellent choice for high-performance vehicles, such as the BMW R1200RT, that generate high braking system temperatures. It has both a high dry and wet boiling point, ensuring consistent braking performance even under high-temperature conditions.
As a glycol-ether-based brake fluid, DOT 4 is compatible with the braking system materials used in BMW motorcycles. It has a dry boiling point of 446 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) and a wet boiling point of 311 degrees Fahrenheit (155 degrees Celsius). Thus, even when moisture absorption lowers its boiling point over time, it still retains a reasonably high boiling point.
Maintaining Your BMW R1200RT brake fluid
Maintaining your brake fluid is as essential as selecting the right one. Over time, brake fluid will absorb moisture from the environment due to its hygroscopic nature, reducing its boiling point and potentially impacting braking performance.
For this reason, BMW recommends changing the brake fluid in your R1200RT every two years. Doing so ensures that the fluid remains fresh and effective, providing excellent braking performance and reducing the risk of brake system failure.
Fluid checks should also be part of your regular maintenance routine. If you notice a clear or amber fluid on the ground near the front or rear wheel, this could indicate a brake fluid leak, which needs immediate attention.
Remember, your BMW R1200RT is not only a significant investment but also your trusty companion on the road. Ensuring proper maintenance, including using the recommended DOT 4 brake fluid and timely fluid changes, will help keep your motorcycle in top condition, providing you with many miles of enjoyable rides.
Alternatives to DOT 4 Brake Fluid for BMW R1200RT
If, for some reason, you can’t find DOT 4 brake fluid, there are alternatives you can consider. A good alternative is DOT 5.1 brake fluid, which is also glycol-ether based like DOT 4. Although it’s not the manufacturer’s first choice, DOT 5.1 brake fluid has similar properties to DOT 4 and is compatible with the brake system of your BMW R1200RT.
The dry and wet boiling points of DOT 5.1 are even higher than those of DOT 4. Specifically, it has a dry boiling point of 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) and a wet boiling point of 356 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius), making it suitable for high-temperature conditions.
However, you should note that DOT 5.1 is usually more expensive than DOT 4. Furthermore, you should avoid using DOT 5 brake fluid, which is silicone-based and not compatible with the brake system of your BMW R1200RT.
When to Check and Replace Your Brake Fluid
As mentioned earlier, due to its hygroscopic nature, brake fluid will inevitably absorb moisture from the environment over time. This quality, while ensuring the brake fluid doesn’t freeze or boil under normal conditions, also means that the brake fluid’s effectiveness decreases over time.
It is recommended that you check the brake fluid level in the front and rear wheel reservoirs every time you service your bike, or at least once a month in between services. Always make sure the fluid is at or near the ‘MAX’ line and never below the ‘MIN’ line.
You should also look out for any changes in the color of the brake fluid. Fresh brake fluid should be clear or lightly amber-colored, not dark or murky. A significant color change could indicate contamination, which necessitates immediate replacement.
Concluding Thoughts
Maintaining your BMW R1200RT under high-temperature conditions requires the right brake fluid. While the manufacturer and many experienced riders recommend DOT 4 brake fluid, you can also consider DOT 5.1 as an alternative, if necessary.
Consistent checks and timely replacements ensure the brake fluid remains fresh and effective, thus guaranteeing reliable braking performance. It’s a relatively small aspect of motorcycle maintenance, but given the critical role of brake fluid in the safety and performance of your bike, it should never be overlooked.
Remember, whether you’re riding in the city or heading for an adventurous ride on winding, mountainous roads, your BMW R1200RT requires a brake fluid that can withstand the challenges of heat and pressure. By adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you are helping to ensure the longevity of your motorcycle and your safety on the road.
