This is a 10 minute deal in the driveway, easily done. The only way to see if the fluid is burned is to remove it so,,,, I wouldn't waste the time dropping the bik off. If you need help it should be pretty easy to find someone who knows how to do it to give you a hand. If you want some instructions let me know, minimal mechanical ability required and less than $5 in materials. It is worth learning how to do, should be done every year at minimum anyway, more if you are hard on the brakes and creating alot of heat or storing it outside. Jim.

 

I just got my bike back from it's 'first 600mi. check-up' from the dealer (with 825 miles on it.) All
I got was a dyno reading print out. I'd 'imagine' they checked all fluids. And they didn't mention
any problems at all.

 

The only way to know something was done is to do it yourself. Checking the fluid levels, if they even did that, is not what I recommended. Seems like the appreciation for fresh brake fluid is lost on many here, it is a easily contaminated fluid by nature, it is hydroscopic, it draws in water/moisture causing it to boil/burn more easily and loose its solid feel. The fact that your brakes still slow you down, (depending on which you use, front or rear, LOL, just kidding) is not the issue either, a fresh flush of good, new, clean brake fluid gives better power and transmits better feel for the brake to your hands. Contaminated fluid gives a spongy, sloppy feel as it compresses in the lines and fails to give a solid direct link to you from your controls. It also does not deliver all the power from your hand to your pads, the stock rubber lines amplify this. Again, if you do not think you need to do this simple maintenance, skip it. I found it odd my new bike had burned fluid at 1200 miles, use your own judgment but do not be surprised if this simple task gives a big improvement in performance.

I've stepped "down" in grade to my EX 500, the last 5 years have seen 2 ZZR1200s and a KTM 950 Adventure as well as a ZR7S and a few supermotos, KTM Duke 2, and various dualsport KTMs, including a 520 EXC set up for street, along with my motocross bikes. Stainless steel braided lines are the first mod my bikes get if they do not have them stock, KTMs all have them. The EX was bought after swearing to a new rider who was saying he needed a 750 or 1000 GSXR that he was out of his mind, that 500 he had was not being used to near its potential. I took him for a ride as a passenger on his bike to prove it. We were both convinced after that ride, he needs to learn alot more and I needed to get one to back up what I believe and preached to him. The bike was such a kick and reminded me of my old RD400 from my youth that I went out the next day and got one for myself. It is a hoot, its nice to be able to ride more than 30% of a bike on the street. Again, bleed/don't bleed your brakes, I'll enjoy my firm levers and easily manipulated brakes either way, just a friendly tip. Good luck, Jim.

 

My bike is not new sorry I did not say that it is an 2002 with 6,000mi. I did not notice any change in feel. I did not see any bubbles in the fluid and I have seen car brakes that had bubbles in it from over heating. I have seen dark fluid from a 40 year old truck. the back brake was a little harder to bleed because i forgot to fill the reserve and ran it dry.