QuestionI have a honda CBR 1100 1998
Iafter a crash I had to drain the brake cylinder to move the bike I
have repaired it and want to refill the brake cylinder of course
but I have never done so. do I have to bleed them after etc..
AnswerHi Robin,
Sorry but I did not get your question in my email until today (March 2).
Yes, you need to refill the brakes with fluid. But since the system has been empty of fluid for a while, you're going to have a problem getting the air out of it. If there is air in the brake system, the brakes will work very poorly if at all.
You may want to consider having a shop do a "reverse bleed", or you can get a reverse bleed kit (usually $30 or so) and do it yourself. It's trickier than just pouring in new fluid and pumping the brakes, but it tends to get the air out and return your brakes to full power. Check with a local shop for the kit or service options.
I hope you were able to get the bike back together. Be careful with the brakes. If you refill them improperly, they could fail at the worst possible time. I strongly suggest you get a professional to make sure your brakes are in proper order before riding the bike any distance. They are very important as I'm sure you know.
Bill Roberson
