I am going to change my brake pads soon and was wondering if its necessary or recommended to also change the brake fluid at the same time.  My bike is a 2004 and I have had it about a year and I have never changed the fluid and I doubt it was changed by the previous owner.  I have read the write-up on the wiki, but I was wondering if both of these tasks can be easly done by newb.  Thanks

very easy to do for a newb.  just take your time and pay attention to what your doing.  dont over tighten things and mainly just take your time dont get rammy thats when things go wrong.     you can also download a manual if you havent its not specified for the 04 and up but they are all the same on most things.  good luck

Admission...I've only changed the brakes on cars and trucks...but the principle is the same...

Yes, you should change the fluid, especially if it might be 5 years old. As I recall, the brake lines should also be replaced periodically (every 2 years sound about right?).

If you have any affinity with hand tools then you should be fine changing the pads yourself. Be honest with yourself though...messing up a brake job or not bleeding them properly could be really bad when you try to stop at a busy intersection...

Thanks for the advice!

Read this: http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.BrakePads

Changing brake pads on the GS is actually easier than a car, no wheel to take off for one. And usually I flush some brake fluid through the system, not necessarily a complete flush but exchangine some fluid is better than none, kinda like changing transmission fluid in a car, difficult to get all of it replaced but get a majority and you're good.

get a speed bleeder, much easier to change the fluid.
The pad changing is super easy.

Yanno, I see those things on ebay all the time And besides them being new and shiny, I really don't see a difference or point to them. I say find yourself some clear hose to fit the bleeder; get yourself a water bottle and fresh dot 3/4 fluid and go to town