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This article explores the best brake fluid for Harley Davidson of both DOT 4 and DOT 5 types.
Choosing the right fluids for the brake system is essential to save its seals and hoses and other painted surfaces. Using a DOT type that’s not recommended by the manual destroys them.
Besides walking you through the top brake fluids for Harley, we’ll also differentiate between the DOT classifications so you end up purchasing the right one.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
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LUCAS OIL 10827 Multi 12 Ounce – The Best Brake Fluid for Harley Davidson
- High quality blend of polyethylene glycol ethers and additives
- Compatible with all brake system rubber components and other brake fluids
Pros:
- Delivers excellent lubricity
- Best for all types of brake systems – disc, drum, or clutch system
- No seal hardening or softening.
- Less brake lever sponginess
- Rapid stopping
Cons:
- Moisture attracting fluid
- Low wet boiling point.
This is DOT 4 LUCAS brake fluid that provides excellent lubricity to the brake system of your Harley Davidson. It has a 230 C (446 F) dry boiling point, meaning you will experience quick braking in hot weather as well.
This is a Glycol-based oil that attracts moisture which then lowers its boiling point to 155 degrees celsius. This temperature is still best for the brake system to work effectively. The fluid gives a better performance to your motorcycle brake without causing any rust or corrosion to its parts.
You can use this fluid for either the disc brake system, drum, or clutch system. It does not allow seals to become soft or harden. It can also be used for both the front brake and rear brake of your Harley.
Besides great operation on hot days, this LUCAS fluid is effective in cold weather as well and delivers less spongy brake lever and quicker stopping. This is one of the best brake fluids for Harley Davidson that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
Most users found this fluid perfect for their Harleys. So if your bike manual suggests DOT 4 brake fluid too, this is the top brand for you. Hit the red button to find out more about this brake fluid.
Bel-Ray DOT 4 Brake Fluid 99480-B355W
Pros:
- Deliver maximum pressure to the pads.
- Reduces evaporation
- For all drum, disc brake systems
- DOT4 specifications
Cons:
- Glycol based fluid
- Attracts moisture
This Bel-Ray product is also a DOT 4 brake fluid, making it the best for Harleys especially for 2013 FLHTC, street riding, and so on. Most Harley Davidson models use DOT 4 brake fluid, which also meets DOT 3 specifications as both are Glycol-based and are mixable.
This works best for drum and disc brake systems as well as for hydraulic clutches. The fluid has a 446°F dry, and 311°F wet boiling point. The glycol-based oil delivers high-quality performance. Though the brake system is a closed system, it absorbs water droplets via seals and hoses.
This Bel-Ray brake fluid helps you transmit maximum pressure from the pedal to the brake pads so you have full control over your motorcycle. Even though it is a glycol-based fluid and it attracts water, its 311 F wet boiling point won’t allow it to evaporate as this temperature is not that easily achievable.
The product has gathered positive ratings on Amazon, and the users are satisfied with the brake system they have now after using this oil. You can find out more about this item by clicking the red button here.
Bel-Ray Silicone DOT 5 Brake Fluid – 12oz. 99450-B355W (1)
Pros:
- Non-water-absorbent fluid
- Highest dry boiling point
- Highest wet boiling point
- Fast stoppage
- No harm to painted surfaces
Cons:
- Not for ABS
- Expensive than other DOT fluids
Let’s explore this last product which is from the same brand, Bel-Ray fluid. This is a silicone-based oil that has the highest dry boiling point. It does not absorb water or moisture, hence giving excellent braking throughout its lifespan.
Speaking of it, this DOT 5 fluid lasts longer compared to the other brake fluid types. Because it has a hydrophobic nature. Even if it gets some moisture through the seals and hoses, it has a 374 F (190 C) wet boiling point – the highest among other types.
This brake fluid leaves no effect on the chrome, aluminum, or painted surfaces. You can use this oil for any brake system and hydraulic clutches with the exception of the systems that use mineral-based fluids.
The US-made fluid keeps the seals saved and does not cause any leakage over the years. It has a purple color that comes in 12 ounces in a single bottle. Before opting for this DOT 5 fluid, make sure it meets your motorcycle specification as using the wrong fluids could destroy the seals and hoses of the brake system.
Buying Guide and Helpful Info
Buying a brake fluid needs proper consideration. If you use the wrong fluid that is not suggested by your motorcycle manual, it will destroy the seals and hoses of the brake system. The brakes may not work effectively. Therefore, we’ve brought some key features of the brake fluids that you should look for before choosing any product.
Let’s get through it.
Go by the Manual of your Motorcycle
You will need to open your Harley’s manual and see what type of fluids its brake system needs. It will tell you what DOT oil is best for it and much more. So this is the first step for finding the best brake fluid for Harley Davidson.
High Boiling Point
Opt for those products that have a high boiling point, both in dry and wet conditions. If a product has a high boiling point, it will not evaporate if the temperature rises. Hence you will not lose brake control and you will be able to quickly stop your Harley if needed.
Brake fluids have two boiling points – dry and wet. A dry boiling point is higher than a wet BP. A wet boiling point starts when water involves with the fluid. It lowers the boiling point, which is not good for the brake system. DOT 4 and DOT 5 fluids have high boiling points where DOT 5 is the highest.
No Harm to Other Painted Surfaces
Some brake fluids, especially glycol-based, affect the painted surfaces of your Harley like the chrome and aluminum surfaces. So it’s essential not to pick such types of fluids. And on the flip side, Silicone-based fluids do not cause any damage to the surfaces.
Choose the right DOT Classification Fluid
You can not use DOT 5 fluids instead of a DOT 4. Doing so could affect the brake system and let the seals and hoses leak. Therefore, choose the DOT classification that your manual says and you’ve used it before in your Harley.
Benefits of best brake fluid for Harley Davidson
Here are some of the benefits of the best brake fluid for Harley Davidson. If you pick any product from the list above, you will enjoy the following benefits.
- Quick stopping when you apply your Harley’s brakes
- Gives you an excellent lubricity
- Keeps the seals and hoses protected
- Fewer seals leakage
- Less brake pedal sponginess
- Higher boiling points
- No damage to the chrome and aluminum surfaces.
- No corrosion to the brake system parts.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Motorcycle Brake Fluid?
New brake fluid has a higher boiling point. And when they’re glycol-based fluids, they can absorb moisture. They absorb water through hoses and seals. It lowers the boiling point of the brake fluids.
If the moisture keeps on accommodating in the fluid, and it reaches 8 percent of the volume of the fluid, the boiling point of the oil will be the same as that of the water. Then it will evaporate when the temperature reaches 100 C. The fluid will not be able to deliver enough pressure to the brake pads at this point. So the brake system will become less and less effective.
And you won’t be able to stop your motorcycle or car. Therefore, you need to regularly change your motorcycle brake fluid for the brake system to work effectively.
Why Are There Different DOT Classifications For Brake Fluid?
Brake fluids have different boiling points that’s why they have different DOT classifications. New brake fluid has a dry boiling point, which is higher than the wet boiling point. Brake fluids absorb water and moisture through the hoses and seals of the brake system.
When fluid has 3.7 percent of water by volume of the fluid, its dry boiling point is replaced with the wet boiling point.
Another reason for different DOT classifications for brake fluids is that the different motorcycles use different DOT fluids. You can not use one fluid in other motorcycles. You should follow what the manual recommends.
Brake systems of different motorcycles work under different temperatures. And you need to fill the reservoir with the type of fluids that do not evaporate. It should have a higher boiling temperature than the heat which the brake system produces.
Here’s a table that will clear further confusion about DOT classifications.
| DOT | Dry Boiling Point | Wet Boiling Point | Fluid Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOT 3 | 205 C (401 F) | 140 C (284 F) | Glycol based |
| DOT 4 | 230 C (446 F) | 155 C (311 F) | Glycol based |
| DOT 5 | 270 C (518 F) | 190 C (374 F) | Silicone-based |
| DOT 5.1 | 270 C (518 F) | 180 C (356 F) | Glycol based |
Can You Mix Brake Fluid Types?
Yes, you can mix brake fluid types. But not all of them. There are two types of fluids – Glycol and Silicone-based fluids. You can not mix glycol fluids with silicone fluids. DOT 5 is a Silicone-based fluid and DOT 4 is a Glycol-based fluid, you cannot mix them.
On the flip side, you can mix Glycol fluids. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are glycol-based fluids. You can mix these three types of fluids with each other. But not with DOT 5. When you mix two different DOT oils, the boiling point reduces.
How Often Should You Change The Brake Fluid For Harley?
That depends on the type of fluids you’re using. Glycol-based fluids like DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 need more frequent changes as they are hydrophilic and attract water and moisture. It should be around 1 – 2 years to replace glycol-based fluids.
On the other side, a Silicone-based oil can be changed longer than the Glycol fluids. They have higher boiling points and are hydrophobic, which means they do not absorb water. Hence the fluids transmit the pressure to the brake pedals for a longer time.
You can check your Harley’s instruction manual for the exact time duration. And you can do a hand-operated check-up as well by observing the transparent opening on the brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid has a dark brown color, you need to change it.
Is Changing Brake Fluid A Diy Job?
If you haven’t done any maintenance and repair on your motorcycle before, you should not change the brake fluid oil yourself. Call a professional, and get the job done. The brake fluid is toxic and flammable. If it spoils on the chrome or aluminum surface, you will destroy its shininess. You cannot just throw the old fluids away. As they’re toxic and flammable, you should take them to a place that the law says in your area.
Top Brands of Best Brake Fluid For Harley Davidson
Lucas Oil
In 1989, Forest Lucas founded the Lucas Oil brand. This is a company that produces automotive products like engine oil, transmission oil, and brake fluids for motorcycles, cars, and other vehicles. It is one of the top brands that makes the best brake fluids for Harley Davidsons.
Pros of the Lucas Brake Fluids
- Delivers excellent lubricity
- Best for all types of brake systems – disc, drum, or clutch system
- No seal hardening or softening.
- Less brake lever sponginess
- Rapid stopping
Bel-Ray
The second company is the Bel-Ray that manufactures brake fluids and other auto oils for motorcycles and cars. Here are some of the pros of the Bel-Ray brakes fluids.
Pros of the Bel-Ray Brake Fluids
- Non-water-absorbent fluid
- Highest dry boiling point
- Highest wet boiling point
- Fast stoppage
- No harm to painted surfaces
Brake Fluid Pricing
0 – $15
These category brake fluids are mostly from DOT 4 or under specifications. They are glycol-based oils that are more likely to attract water from the air, making your oil’s boiling point fall. It is not essential that you should just rely on the price of the product. Make sure to read the product’s description as well before the purchase.
$15 +
Brake fluids that cost more than 15 dollars have DOT 5 type oil that is for heavy-duty military vehicles that are parked for months and years. So if you want a brake fluid for your motorcycle, you should opt for oil other than DOT 5 type which also costs less than 15 dollars.
Also Read: The 3 Best Fork Oil for Motorcycles
FAQs
Can you use regular brake fluid in a Harley Davidson?
You can not use regular brake fluid in a Harley Davidson. You should use the DOT brake fluid that is recommended by the manufacturer. It can be found from the manual what type is the best for your Harley. Most Harleys use DOT 4 brake fluid. The best way is to check your motorcycle’s manual and see what DOT type does it recommend.
What is the best brake fluid for a motorcycle?
LUCAS OIL 10827, Bel-Ray DOT 4, and Bel-Ray DOT 5 are the best brake fluid for a motorcycle. Picking the right DOT type product from the three should be found on your motorcycle manual. They deliver excellent lubricity and quicker stoppage to your motorcycle.
Can I use DOT 4 brake fluid in my Harley?
Most Harley-Davidsons use DOT 4 brake fluid. You can definitely use DOT 4 brake fluid if the manufacturer recommends it. It is a Glycol-based fluid that attracts moisture. It has a 230 C dry boiling point and a 155 C wet boiling point.
Can you use DOT 3 brake fluid in a Harley Davidson?
You can also use DOT 3 brake fluid in your Harley Davidson but it has a low boiling point compared to the other DOT types. It has a 140 C wet boiling point. And if the water volume becomes 8% of the fluid content, the fluid’s boiling point will drop to the water’s boiling point which is 100 C.
Now if the fluid gets heated, it will evaporate and the brake system won’t work like before. Therefore always look for high boiling point brake fluid. And if your Harley’s manual recommends DOT 3 and you’ve been using it, you can for sure go for it.
What kind of brake fluid does a Harley use?
Most Harleys use DOT 4 brake fluids. Since there are lots of Harley models, you should check your model’s manual and see what kind does it suggest to you. Some old Harley models use DOT 3, and other modern Harleys use DOT 4 & DOT 5 as well. So the best way is to check it from the manual.
Can DOT 4 replace DOT 3?
DOT 4 brake fluid can replace DOT 3. They are Glycol-based fluids. And you can replace them. However, DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3. The higher the boiling point, the more heat it will need to evaporate. And if the fluid has a low boiling point. They will evaporate faster. And the brake system won’t perform that well. So DOT 4 is better than DOT 3. And they are mixable.
What brake fluid to use in a motorcycle
You can use either DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1 brake fluid in your motorcycle. Every motorcycle uses a specific DOT type. You need to check the manual to see what type of brake fluid it recommends to you.
Whether it is DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5. Then choose accordingly. Using the wrong brake fluid could destroy the seals and hoses of the brake system. And the brakes will not be able to stop your motorcycle.
How to drain brake fluid motorcycle
Here’s how to drain the brake fluid of your motorcycle:
- Park your car on a flat ground
- Take a flexible tube, a container for putting the fluid, and a wrench.
- Pump the right handlebar a few times and then hold it.
- While holding the handle, unbolt the bleeder and connect one end of the tube with it.
- Put the other end on the container
- After the reservoir empties, bolt the bleeder and let the bar go.
How to fill brake fluid motorcycle
After draining the old fluid from your motorcycle, let’s put the new brake fluid.
- Find the master cylinder reservoir. It’s usually located near the right handlebar for front brakes. For rear brakes, it’s located near the back axle.
- Before filling the reservoir, make sure the bleeder is closed.
- Uncap the reservoir.
- And refill it.
- Don’t over or underfill it.
Related: What Is Better: Fully Synthetic or High Mileage Oil?
How to check brake fluid on a motorcycle
There is a transparent opening on the reservoir – located near the right handlebar. It will show you the oil level. If it’s under the minimum level, you will need to refill it. Make sure you’ve parked your motorcycle on flat ground and the engine is cold so you get the right oil level.
When to change brake fluid motorcycle
If you’re using Glycol-based brake fluid, you’ll need to change it in around 1 – 2 years. On the other side, a Silicone-based fluid performs for a longer time. You can manually check the brake fluid and if it has a dark brown color, change it. And if the color is yellowish, the fluid still works.
Conclusion
Narrowing down our article, which was about the Best Brake Fluid for Harley Davidson, we’ve also answered some of the FAQs, and have given you a choice to pick any product from above for your Harley. You can go for any item as far as it meets the DOT specifications of your Harley.
Just to remind you most Harleys use DOT 4 fluids of either Lucas or Bel-Ray brand. If your motorcycle’s manual recommends DOT 4 as well, go for it. And pick any of the brands we’ve reviewed in this article.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
