Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

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DSA
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Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#1

Post by DSA »

I'm not sure if this is aftermarket, but it is entirely opaque. That isn't a problem in itself, but I am unsure of how far to fill after bleeding. My manual's photo is in black and white and a bit grainy, and I can't tell what upper level mark it is referring to. Any advice is welcome!
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1976 GL1000 Sulfur Yellow (bought it dead and got it running. Making it perfect will be my eternal project.)
2000 VFR
2003 Blackbird (sold)
1993 CBR1000F (sold)
1998 Valkyrie (sold)
2002 Concours (sold)
1989 EX500 (sold)
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BlueThunder
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#2

Post by BlueThunder »

Normal color for one that old. New ones are opaque white plastic.

Fill to top ring.
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2014 CTX1300 Deluxe - BlackThunder aka Predator
1977 GL1000 - Ox
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Lowrider Bud
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#3

Post by Lowrider Bud »

New reservoirs are available, $37 on fleebay. Pretty easy to replace. Then you can see how much is in there.

I fill my '75 reservoir about 2/3 full and it works good. Make sure the handlebars are turned so the reservoir is level when you are filling it.

Later, Bud...
Time for another Road Trip...
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Dr. Frankenstein
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#4

Post by Dr. Frankenstein »

There's an Upper Level mark...? :shock: I don't know any 'specs' on it, but I usually just add it until it doesn't overflow any more...the diaphragm in there tends to push out any excess...
Looks like yours could use a good gentle cleaning, or you can just replace it with one from BrakeCrafters if you want that OEM look:
https://www.brakecrafters.com/collectio ... voir-kit-1

Kind of pricy, but even the OEM ones on eBay are too. I've used those guys for new brake pistons for my '75 and '78 Wings; they're very helpful and returns (if you need to) are no problem.

My money tree died last year, so I replaced the one on my '78 with this from eBay - $23 with shipping included and it works fine; plus I don't have to spend the money on a MC rebuild kit:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/202822503563?c ... gJYrvD_BwE


Also, as long as we're on the subject, if you're going to re-do the master cylinder, these brake cylinder pliers are a Must-Have - they can get down in there to release the snap ring that goes around the shaft; very worth the money.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/234560295900?h ... R9DE2Ou7YQ
Shadowjack
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#5

Post by Shadowjack »

I always assumed those rings on the outside were the level marks. Shining a strong flashlight through it might give enough of a shadow to see what's inside, even with that one. Not too hard to open the lid and look in, though.
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Lucien Harpress
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#6

Post by Lucien Harpress »

As I understand it, the plastic is supposed to be translucent, similar to the coolant overflow tank. The two lines are your upper and lower levels, and you SHOULD be able see your level from the outside.

They turn opaque as they age, which is why they switched to windows later on.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

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DSA
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#7

Post by DSA »

Thanks! Will go to the upper mark. Will plan to replace the reservoir eventually...it'll join the ever-growing of things I'd like to fix on this bike someday.
1976 GL1000 Sulfur Yellow (bought it dead and got it running. Making it perfect will be my eternal project.)
2000 VFR
2003 Blackbird (sold)
1993 CBR1000F (sold)
1998 Valkyrie (sold)
2002 Concours (sold)
1989 EX500 (sold)
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5speed
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#8

Post by 5speed »

before and after on my 82.
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1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#9

Post by Sidecar Bob »

If everything is as it should be the level in the master cylinder is the easiest way to determine how worn the pads are. The theory is that you should fill the master cylinder to the upper level mark after replacing the pads and bleeding the system and as the pads wear the piston(s) will stick out more so that more of the fluid will be in the caliper and less in the master cylinder and the fluid should be just about at the lower level mark when it is time to replace the pads.

Of course if you don't understand this and top the level up before the pads need to be replaced you a) won't be able to tell what the pads are like by the level and b) could overflow the reservoir if you press the piston(s) back into the caliper(s) for any reason.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
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Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
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5speed
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Re: Is the brake fluid reservoir on a '76 supposed to be completely opaque?

#10

Post by 5speed »

Sidecar Bob wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 7:28 pm If everything is as it should be the level in the master cylinder is the easiest way to determine how worn the pads are. The theory is that you should fill the master cylinder to the upper level mark after replacing the pads and bleeding the system and as the pads wear the piston(s) will stick out more so that more of the fluid will be in the caliper and less in the master cylinder and the fluid should be just about at the lower level mark when it is time to replace the pads.

Of course if you don't understand this and top the level up before the pads need to be replaced you a) won't be able to tell what the pads are like by the level and b) could overflow the reservoir if you press the piston(s) back into the caliper(s) for any reason.
I do that with all my vehicles. If the level drops in the reservoir significantly it's time.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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