Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2013 Trike Models . Inspect brake fluid level and check brake pads and discs/rotors for wear at proper intervals.
Brake Fluid
WARNING
Clean reservoir filler cap or cover before removing. Use only DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container. Contaminated fluid can adversely affect braking or clutch disengagement, which could result in death or serious injury. (00504d)
WARNING
Contact with DOT 4 brake fluid can have serious health effects. Failure to wear proper skin and eye protection could result in death or serious injury.
  • If inhaled: Keep calm, remove to fresh air, seek medical attention.
  • If on skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.
  • If in eyes: Wash affected eyes for at least 15 minutes under running water with eye lids held open. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.
  • If swallowed: Rinse mouth and then drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control. Immediate medical attention required.
  • See Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for more details available at sds.harley-davidson.com
(00240e)
NOTICE
DOT 4 brake fluid will damage painted and body panel surfaces it comes in contact with. Always use caution and protect surfaces from spills whenever brake work is performed. Failure to comply can result in cosmetic damage. (00239c)
NOTICE
Do not allow dirt or debris to enter the master cylinder reservoir. Dirt or debris in the reservoir can cause improper operation and equipment damage. (00205c)
  1. See Figure 1. Look through the sight glass on the front and rear brake fluid reservoirs to check for the presence of brake fluid. If necessary, turn the handlebars from side to side or gently shake the vehicle to agitate the fluid.
NOTE
  • If the brake system is not leaking, there should never be a need to add fluid. If the fluid level is low, the pads are probably worn and need to be replaced. By replacing the pads, the fluid level will rise.
  • Use only DOT 4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID and replace the brake fluid every 2 years. See a Harley-Davidson dealer.
  1. Verify that the front brake lever and rear brake pedal have a firm feel when applied. If brakes are not firm, the brake system must be bled.
1Sight glass, front master cylinder reservoir
2Sight glass, rear master cylinder reservoir
Figure 1. Brake Fluid Sight Glass (typical)
Brake Pads
WARNING
Inspect brake pads for wear at service maintenance intervals. If you ride under adverse conditions (steep hills, heavy traffic, etc.), inspect more frequently. Excessively worn brake pads can lead to brake failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00052a)
WARNING
Always replace brake pads in complete sets for correct and safe brake operation. Improper brake operation could result in death or serious injury. (00111a)
WARNING
Brakes are a critical safety component. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for brake repair or replacement. Improperly serviced brakes can adversely affect brake performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00054a)
WARNING
Perform routine scheduled brake maintenance. Lack of maintenance at recommended intervals can adversely affect brake performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00055a)
WARNING
Be sure wheel and brake caliper are aligned. Riding with a misaligned wheel or brake caliper can cause the brake disc to bind and lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00050a)
Harley-Davidson has provided your new motorcycle with the optimum brake pad friction material available. It is selected to give the best performance possible under dry, wet and high operating temperature conditions. It exceeds all regulatory requirements currently in effect. However, during some braking conditions you may experience noise. This is normal for this friction material.
  1. See Figure 2. Check the brake disc or rotor as it spins. The disc/rotor should run true in the brake caliper.
  2. Refer to Table 1. Measure the thickness of the brake pad friction material. If the brake pad friction material is at the minimum thickness or less, replace the pads. Always replace brake pads in pairs. See a Harley-Davidson dealer.
1Front brake
2Rear brake
Figure 2. Brake Friction Material
Table 1. Minimum Brake Pad Friction Material Thickness
BRAKE
in
mm
Front
0.016
0.4
Rear
0.050
1.27