Motorcycle Repair: 85 honda goldwing interstate, goldwing interstate, honda goldwing

Question
chris,
My dad just bought a used 85 goldwing 1200,it has 36000 miles on it and i used the answer to your last qustion and rebuilt the master cylinder.
I was bleeding the brakes and I still don't get any brake front or rear?..i do have the front brake w/hand brake tho
My dad owned a kawasaki dealership in the late 70's but he and i still can't figure it out...
when i am bleeding should the brake go down like in a car when the bleed bolt is loosened. because it doesnt
thanks pete

Answer
Hi Peter.
 The brakes on a bike are bled the same as on a car.  Hold pressure til the bleeder valve is re-snugged/tightened, then release.  There is one other problem that people tend to miss.  That is the infamous reverse trap, which is a high spot in the system where air will always go to when you bleed the system.  You find it in most hydraulic clutches as well.
 Here's the way to get that part bled;

1) Bleed the clutch/brake line like normal.

2) Put a wrench on the banjo fitting and squeeze the lever.


3) (NOTE: Use a box end wrench for this) While holding the clutch/brake lever in, crack loose the fitting and reclose it quickly. Have a rag over the fitting connection that you are working on because it will spit at you as pressure expells the air and a little fluid.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not release pressure on the lever till the fitting is tightened back up or you will suck air back into the line.

4) Test the clutch/brake again.  If done correctly, you will have pressure near the beginning of the lever movement rather than at the end.

5) repeat as needed, but should not need more than 2-3 times.

Good luck.
FALCON