Kawasaki has just launched the 2021 Ninja 650 for the American market with the Japanese two-wheeler updated the middle-weight sports tourer with updated colours.
The (not so new) Ninja 650 now comes with Pearl Robotic White with Metallica Carbon Grey with a shade of Kawasaki signature Green.
However, the 2021 model retains the 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67hp and 65Nm while mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper/assist clutch.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Ninja 650 now comes with LED headlights with DRL and a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity as standard.
Bikers usually talk about performance and aesthetic upgrades.
But how many actually talk about brakes and brake maintenance?
Today, we look at how often should replace the brake fluid.
It surprises me that in my 33 years of riding, no one had ever asked, “How often should I replace my brake fluid?”
I’ve always been asked what’s the best performance parts such as exhausts and tyres, instead. It’s not wrong to ask about those parts, of course, but brakes are the most critical next to the almost everything else on the bike.
However, I do understand why almost nobody talks about brakes. Modern brake systems are very reliable. Apart from replacing the brake pads whenever they’re worn, the system keeps working: The rider presses the lever and the bike slows down. When the pads are worn again, he replaces them.
In a brake system that performs normally, performance deteriorates slowly and surreptitiously. Consequently, you won’t feel much difference since the last time you rode it. This will continue until we encounter serious problems.
But what about the fluid? Sadly, no one seems to bother. Brakes are working after all. News is, deposits will start to build up in old brake fluid. If you’re unlucky, these deposits may someday flow into the nooks and crannies and block the flow of fluid in the system. In the worst-case scenario, deposits build up or get into the ABS pump and render it useless. When this happens, the part must be replaced, which costs thousands. Believe me, I’ve seen this happen in both bikes and cars.
Old vs new brake fluid
Besides that, brake fluid is hydroscopic i.e. attracts moisture. The system may be sealed but wear and tear can eat away at a gasket or two. The presence of moisture in will lower the brake fluid’s boiling point. When this happens, the brake takes more effort to work. In a bad scenario, the brake lever will feel spongy. In the worst case, the lever has been pulled all the way back and sticking to the handlebar, yet the bike doesn’t slow down at all.
So, how often do you need to change your brake fluid? Every two years, regardless if the fluid “still looks good.” The job is easy enough that you could DIY (do-it-yourself), but you can also visit a workshop if you aren’t confident or need more tools.
What DOT should I use? Just follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, use DOT 4 if that’s recommended. Try not to be seduced by the mechanic’s “Ini barang baik punya (This stuff is good)” sales pitch, especially if the fluid is of different DOT rating or for racing. Racing brake fluids are usually even more hydroscopic!
The OEM rubber brakes hoses typically need to be replaced every four years.
You can choose to replace them with braided steel lines.
Steel lines are more durable.
As we mentioned previously in other articles about brakes, brake hoses are considered consumables, that is, they need to be replaced some time down the road. The question then is to whether replace them with OEM rubber hoses or braided steel lines?
Before we go further, let us explain that most top-of-the-line motorcycle models are already equipped with braided steel hoses, especially sportbikes. As for those in other segments, there are manufacturers who include them as OEM from the factory, while those of the lower categories may not.
So, let’s assume that your bike is fitted with rubber hoses. Rubber brake hoses need to be replaced every four to six years, depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations.
OEM rubber hoses deteriorate over time
Cutaway of a rubber hose (left) vs a braided steel line. See how much simpler is the steel line’s construction – Photo credit crowz.narmir.com
Over time, the rubber becomes soft and will expand when subjected to the high stresses of the brake system. Consequently, you lose braking power. In other words, some of the brake fluid’s pressure’s lost in pushing brake hose outwards, instead of being concentrated on the caliper(s) pistons.
The lever will feel spongy and you lose feel of how much you can taper off the pressure on the lever. This is especially irritating when you need to trail brake into corners – the brake seems to just let go. When that happens, the forks will rebound abruptly therefore shifting the bike’s weight to the back. This will cause the bike to run wide or even overshoot the corner.
What’s the difference between rubber hoses and steel braided lines?
Picture courtesy of Venhill
In a steel braided line, a steel casing surrounds the core hose inside, made of either nylon or Teflon. A PVC protective layer covers the steel line. It’s best to choose the PTFE Teflon core as it can resist much higher temperatures generated during braking.
The steel casing keeps the inner hose from expanding when the brake is applied. As a result, you have a better feel of how much braking you can apply, rather than relying on just the feel of the bike’s speed alone. This is especially helpful when you need to trail brake or letting off some pressure to enable you to steer the bike.
What you shouldn’t expect after switching to steel braided lines
Don’t expect your bike to brake like Marquez’s bike for Turn 9 at the Sepang International Circuit. Braided lines give you better feel and return some of your brake’s power, but you won’t get eye-popping braking all of a sudden.
What to look out for
If you end up getting a steel line with a smaller inner diameter compared to your OEM hoses, do expect that the brake lever will require slightly more travel. This is due to the increase of pressure in the line due to the smaller orifice, as stated in Bernoulli’s Principle. As such, the brake master pump’s cylinder needs to travel a little further.
But more critically, do look for quality steel lines rather than some el cheapo ones. Never compromise on quality when it comes to brakes. Besides, good braided steel lines could last for a long time.
Jonathan Rea revealed plans to move to professional motocross once he leaves the WorldSBK Championship.
Rea admitted the doors to MotoGP have closed despite winning the WSBK six years in a row.
“To leave Superbike… it would need to be something that sets me on fire, as I’m comfortable in the Superbike environment.
“To consider something else – like MotoGP – I would need something concrete, like a factory bike, and this has never materialised. I don’t think the opportunity will come now that I am 33. SBK is my world and I’m happy. Then after the races I enjoy my little ones,” said Rea.
Rea did have a go at MotoGP in 2012 when he replaced the injured Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda. The rider finished 8th at Misano and 7th at Aragon before returning to SBK duties.
The British rider joins Kawasaki in 2015 as Tom Sykes new teammate and won his WSBK title after recording 14 wins.
Rea retained the title in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, becoming the first rider to win six successive SBK champions.
According to Rea, despite retiring from WSBK one day, he would like to keep himself match fit via motocross.
“I would like to enjoy Anaheim Supercross. Also, I have a desire to do a national motocross championship race after retiring, probably something in Northern Ireland, like a championship race in Ulster.
“I ride my dirt bike quite regularly, so I’d love to do that,” he added. – GPOne
Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini has unveiled the X-Cape 650 at the 2021 Beijing Motor Show.
Design in Italy and build in China after a change of ownership to Zhongneng Vehicle Group in 2018, the X-Cape 650 are expected to be available as early as 2022.
This is not the first time the X-Cape 650 make its appearance as it was first unveiled at the 2019 EICMA before the company decided to keep it under wraps for a few more years.
Nonetheless, the X-Cape 650 retains most of the design features displayed in 2019, including a dual-lens LED headlight and 7″ TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.
Despite manufactured in China, the X-Cape 650 offers some of the best features, including Marzocchi front forks and adjustable KYB rear shocks and Brembo callipers paired to a Bosch dual-channel ABS.
The motorcycle also comes with 19″ front and 17″ rear tires.
As for the engine, the X-Cape 650 is powered by a twin-cylinder 649cc water-cooled powerplant capable of producing 60hp @ 8,500rpm and 56Nm @ 7,000rpm.
According to reports, Moto Morini plans to introduce a few more models in the upcoming months.
Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin will remain with Pramac Racing for the 2022 MotoGP season after agreeing on a new deal with the Ducati satellite team.
Zarco currently sits second in the championship thanks to three podium finish after six rounds of MotoGP.
The Frenchman, alongside Martin (who are directly under contract with Ducati), will race onboard the Desmosedici GP 2022 next year.
Paolo Campinoti, Pramac Racing Team Principal, expressed his satisfaction over the new deal.
“We are very satisfied to be able to continue on this “project” with Johann and Jorge, two boys with whom we get along very well and with whom we are reaching excellent results.
“Both Ducati and ourselves firmly believe in their abilities; we couldn’t be happier,” he said.
Meanwhile, Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Sporting Director, revealed the decision behind it because the two riders were able to compete at a very high level with the GP21.
“Johann and Jorge this year have inserted themselves very well in the Pramac Racing team. For this reason, together with Paolo Campinoti and Francesco Guidotti, we have decided to proceed with them into 2022.
“We will put at the disposition of both, the official bikes for next season as well. We are certain that they will provide us with many satisfactions,” said Ciabatti.
