I need to do a brake and clutch fluid change, got a really cheap deal on Motul DOT 5.1 fluid; I know the Service Manual specifies DOT 4, I didn't buy DOT 5.1 thinking it was better, and know it's chemically compatible, but, it is more hygroscopic, and there can be viscosity differences between 4 and 5.1 (as well as brands) -- and I'm wondering if anyone has used 5.1 or even Motul 5.1 specifically and has had any issues? Also is there any difference between Motul 5.1 in the green vs gray bottle besides the color of the bottle?
Motul DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid
- Thread starter hoak
- Start date
Gigitt
Active Member
A quick google fu and DOT5.1 is OK in a DOT3/4 system - as they based on glycol
DOT5 is NOT as it a silicone based product.
more reading here:
http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/brake-fluid
regarding the bottle colour... I think the greenish bottle is older product container marketing colour. The grey bottle seems to be current bottle colour, and I might 'assume' that the old green bottle is old stock = old product and over it's shelf life.
I look at the manufacturing date of brake fluids and buy the newest batch on the shelf from a good supply chain so the stock is fresh. Old stock might have absorbed atmospheric water over time - yes even in the unsealed bottle.
Saving pennies on brakes is not worth it - unless it is a store wide discount!
also... I buy more than I need and return the unopened bottles back to the store for a refund... the desk jockey has no issues with the return, but he DOES crack open the bottle so it goes back to the suppiler to be recycled and not back on the store shelf. Probably for legal reasons, but he tells me it is Manufacturers policy not the store policy to do it.
DOT5 is NOT as it a silicone based product.
more reading here:
http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/brake-fluid
regarding the bottle colour... I think the greenish bottle is older product container marketing colour. The grey bottle seems to be current bottle colour, and I might 'assume' that the old green bottle is old stock = old product and over it's shelf life.
I look at the manufacturing date of brake fluids and buy the newest batch on the shelf from a good supply chain so the stock is fresh. Old stock might have absorbed atmospheric water over time - yes even in the unsealed bottle.
Saving pennies on brakes is not worth it - unless it is a store wide discount!
also... I buy more than I need and return the unopened bottles back to the store for a refund... the desk jockey has no issues with the return, but he DOES crack open the bottle so it goes back to the suppiler to be recycled and not back on the store shelf. Probably for legal reasons, but he tells me it is Manufacturers policy not the store policy to do it.
Thanks for the reply Gigitt, as I acknowledge in my post I'm aware that DOT 4 and 5.1 are compatible, but DOT 5.1 is more hygroscopic and has has half to less then half the viscosity of DOT 4:
DOT 3 -40°C°F 1500cst
DOT 4 -40°C°F 1800cst
DOT 5 -40°C°F 900cst
DOT 5.1 -40°C°F 900cst
Generally this presents no problem or issue, in fact on most bike it makes the ABS system better behaved and more responsive, reduces braking force required, and increases feel. However on some older bikes just like lower viscosity fork oil it may weep or leak where higher viscosity fork oil/brake fluid does not, and the Super Ténéré rolls with an overly elaborate linked brake system that introduces a lot of interfaces that could be a source for issues, or that may enhance the benefit of DOT 5.1 fluid.
I was just wondering if anyone had tried it, and what their experience was -- looks like I'll be a pioneer...
DOT 3 -40°C°F 1500cst
DOT 4 -40°C°F 1800cst
DOT 5 -40°C°F 900cst
DOT 5.1 -40°C°F 900cst
Generally this presents no problem or issue, in fact on most bike it makes the ABS system better behaved and more responsive, reduces braking force required, and increases feel. However on some older bikes just like lower viscosity fork oil it may weep or leak where higher viscosity fork oil/brake fluid does not, and the Super Ténéré rolls with an overly elaborate linked brake system that introduces a lot of interfaces that could be a source for issues, or that may enhance the benefit of DOT 5.1 fluid.
I was just wondering if anyone had tried it, and what their experience was -- looks like I'll be a pioneer...
mcbrien
Member
::026:: for motul brake fluid. I know brake fluid is supposed to be brake fluid
but my experience is that motul gives me better braking. Been using it for years
in everything.
but my experience is that motul gives me better braking. Been using it for years
in everything.
I just bought it because I got a good deal on it, less then 1/4 the price I'd have to pay for DOT 4 Yamalube and still cheaper then any recognizable brand of brake fluid and it's new stuff, dated 2017. Good to have a vote of confidence!mcbrien said:
