My Vespa VXL 150 was due for a brake fluid change as it was around two and a half years old and recently the brake lever feel had gradually gotten so bad that the lever was almost touching the throttle grip before the brakes were being applied. In this video I show you how to do a brake fluid flush or change on a Vespa VXL. Thr process is pretty much the same on any scooter or motorcycle, but on some scooters like the Vespa, it gets a little more complicated as the master cylinder and reservoir are hidden inside the handlebars and require removing the mirrors and handlebar cover.
Here are some tips to help you further.
1. Make sure you don't let the reservoir go empty or even near empty as you flush the fluid out. If you do and any air gets in you will have to continue flushing until that air bubble gets out.
2. Make sure you don't release the lever until the bleed valve is closed. This is also to prevent air from getting into the system.
3. If you are not able to flush out much fluid with each squeeze of the lever, pump the lever a few times. You will feel the resistance increasing. Then open the bleed valve and you will find more fluid being flushed out. You may need to take this approach if you have air in your lines as a single squeeze will probably not flush out much fluid at all.
4. Always use a fresh, sealed container of brake fluid. Don't keep the remaining fluid for next time and don't use any leftover fluid from last time. Once the seal is broken the brake fluid would be attracting moisture and be slowly getting compromised, the same as what's been happening inside your bike. To get the maximum benefit of your brake fluid change, always open a fresh, sealed bottle.
Needless to say, this is a 2-person job. It can be done by one person as well but it will be a lot more tedious.
If you have any questions, please do let me know in the comments.
Music credits: Jason Shaw - 90 Seconds of Funk - audionautix.com
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Here's more information on my equipment.
Bikes:
I've had several bikes since I started riding. But here are the bikes featured on the videos on my channel.
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Superlow - I got this in late 2012 and had it until I sold it in 2019.
2019 Vespa VXL 150 - my in-town ride and hassle-free commuter.
2019 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - my current ride.
2015 KTM 390 Duke - a used bike I acquired recently - a project bike, a fun bike and something Mrs. Volatile42 can learn to ride on.
If you would like to know more on my motorcycling history, please see this video: • My Motorcycling Histor...
Cameras:
Sena 10c - my primary and only camera until recently. This is also the camera that I always have on my helmet and thanks to its video-tagging mode, it's always recording, just like a dash-cam.
Gopro Hero 7 Black - my recent acquisition and and primary motovlogging camera from there on.
And occasional footage from whatever phone I or my wife are currently using.