Newb Questions

[z315]

Where exactly do I fill the brake fluids? The gauge on my handle bar is close to the min line but I don't know what brand of brake fluids to get nor do i know where the exactly do i fill the fluids?

Also, How often should I change my oil?

[natedawg120]

i believe that the brake fluid our little GSs take is dot-5 and it should be changed every two years or so. 

Now for oil, if new, change it after the first 500 miles and 1k miles.  If not new then change the oil every 3k miles or 3 months.  Change the oil before storage too.

[manofthefield]

i believe that the brake fluid our little GSs take is dot-5 and it should be changed every two years or so. 

Nope, DOT4.(it should say on top of the master cylinder)  Never mix DOT4 or lower with DOT5.

Srinath will tell you you can run DOT5 if you completely get all the old stuff out, but to me it's to much effort. 

You add brake fluid by removing the two screws on the cap on top of the master cylinder (the guy on the handle bar with the viewing window for the front brake and plastic guy under the seat for rear brake) then dump some brake fluid in.  To replace the fluid, which you should do every 2 years or so, you need to bleed the brakes.(there should be a "how to" somewhere)  Don't get brake fluid on painted surfaces or it will eat the paint.

[MarkusN]

And if your brake fluid is low your pads are probably worn down. Check them.

[blue05twin]

Don't forget clean the cap because you don't want dirt or other crap getting in the break fluid.  Don't forget to check the rear.  if it's time to change out your break fluid now would be a good time to install some braided steel breaklines.

[natedawg120]

Dot-4 is probably right.  I just remember seeing that in my owners manual for my 05.  The reservoir cap method is the best.

[LimaXray]

And if your brake fluid is low your pads are probably worn down. Check them.

+1 you don't just lose brake fluid unless you have a serious issue.  If you had a serious issue, you'd probably know about it before checking your brake fluid.  Low brake fluid means your brake pads are worn way down and the caliper pistons are extended requiring a greater volume of brake fluid.  

Adding brake fluid would be a bad thing, you need to change your brake pads.  When you change them, you'll have to compress the caliper pistons and the brake fluid will go back up to max.  If you add brake fluid now, when you change the pads you'll just make a big mess when the thing overflows.

So yeah, check/change your brake pads.  While you're doing that, you might as well replace your brake fluid as described in various FAQs floating around.