Tenere 700: Brake Fluid Change - ATE Type 200 Dot 4

Brake Fluid Change

Yamaha specifies Dot 4 brake fluid for the Tenere 700 to be changed every 2 years.  I like to use higher spec'd fluids with higher boiling points (see 2nd ATE pic below) & quality additives for improved performance characteristics & service intervals like ATE's Typ 200 Dot 4, but any fluid matching the manufacturers specifications will work fine under normal use.  ATE's SL.6 Dot 4 with it's lower viscosity is well suited to cold climates or bikes with advanced ABS systems (see 2nd ATE pic below).

For an explanation of the differences between Dot 3, 4, 5 (glycol based) & 5.1 (silicon) brake fluid watch this Motorcyclist Magazine Garage video

Tech Tip: Never mix glycol based fluid with synthetic & fully flush the entire hydraulic system if changing to a different fluid type.

Activating the ABS System's Test Cycles

Most bikes with ABS systems provide a way to perform diagnostic tests or cycle the ABS pump with the bike not running & on the stand to flush the pump, which can be beneficial to it's lifespan to prevent internal corrosion. The Super Tenere 1200 had a dedicated 4 pin ABS plug near the battery that connects to a Yamaha Diagnostic Tool or could be manually jumped with a wire connecting 2 of the 4 pins. 

On the Tenere 700 activation of the 2 ABS pump diagnostic functions can ONLY be performed via either a Yamaha Diagnostic Tool or an OBDII reader capable of accessing the same diagnostic functions as the Yamaha Diagnostic Tool (not all readers will have this capability) when connected to it's dedicated OBDII 4 pin diagnostic plug (Euro 4 bikes) or 6 pin plug (Euro 5 bikes). 

An alternative is to activate the ABS system while riding, preferable on loose surfaces at low speeds for improved safety margins, several times after replacing the brake fluid & routinely over the course of the riding season, to ensure that fresh fluid is cycled through the pump, valves & system.

Brake Bleeding Procedure

Following the procedure as outlined in the service manual below.

 

Vacuum/Pressure Hydraulic Pump

A vacuum/pressure pump, like the Mytivac MV8500 Silverline Automotive Edition, greatly simplifies bleeding/changing of hydraulic lines & components.

Tech Tip: Ensure that the reservoir fluid level never reaches the bottom to prevent air from entering the system.

ABS Operational Test