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)
1. Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2007 Sportster Models . Check brake pads and brake discs for wear at proper intervals.
2. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoirs at regular intervals.
3. If level is low, clean dirt and debris from reservoir cover before removing.
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)
4. Add D.O.T. 4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID (Part No. 99953-99A) if necessary.
NOTE
Use only D.O.T. 4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID (Part No. 99953-99A) approved for brake system use and available from a Harley-Davidson dealer. Replace D.O.T. 4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID every 2 years.
5. Replace brake rubber components on master cylinders and calipers.
6. Lubricate brake caliper pins at regular intervals.
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)
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.
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)
Visual inspection of brake pads can be made without removing the caliper. View the lower area of each caliper with a flashlight.
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)
NOTE
The rear brake outer pad on all models can be measured from the caliper bracket side using a thin plastic 6.0 inch (152.4 millimeter) rule. Place the rule against the brake disc through the space alongside the caliper.
NOTE
The outer surface of the brake pad backing plate should measure 0.04 inch (1.00 millimeter) or more away from the brake disc.