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PERIODICALS MAIL
…and at 3 o’clock everyday, it leaks oil, almost like Old Faithful!
Next Month ➧ Kawasaki’s ZX-14R Evaluated ➧ Moto Guzzi’s Stelvio 8-Valve ➧ Ducati’s 848 Streetfighter
Motion Pro Mini Bleeder interior rubber seal that preand e Month Innovation of th vents brake fluid from leaking clutch fluid should be out during the bleeding process. changed every two years, Its handle uses a floating 12-point and more often in brake systems wrench to then open the stock that see heavy use. Purging old bleeder. The short length of the fluid is done by “bleeding” the syswrench handle allows it to be used in tem, and the tools are simple: a length of tight spaces and helps prevent overclear tubing that fits tightly over the bleeder nipple, tightening. Inside the socket portion is a container for catching the old hydraulic fluid and a a one-way check valve—similar to a wrench for opening and closing the bleeder fitting. But speed bleeder. it typically takes two people to do—one to squeeze the The tool makes the process of brake bleeding lever and the other to open and close the nipple. To prevent simple. Place the 8mm socket over the bleeder drawing air into the system, the person holding the lever will nipple, and put the Mini Bleeder’s tube into a confirmly squeeze the lever and say “open.” The person with the tainer. Use the built-in wrench to open the bleeder valve, and wrench will then open the bleeder nipple, verify the fluid moverepeatedly stroke the lever, making sure not to let the master ment as the lever bottoms, shut the nipple and say “close.” The cylinder’s reservoir run dry. (Note: Do not pump with the maslever operator can then release the lever and squeeze a couple of ter cylinder cover removed, as the times to achieve a full stroke and compensating port will squirt fluid the two will repeat this process out of the reservoir—simply place until clear fluid flows through the the cover over the reservoir.) Contubing, while making sure the tinue this process until the fluid in fluid level in the master cylinder the tube is clear, indicating that all is maintained to avoid pumping the old fluid has been purged from air. It’s slow but satisfying work, the system. To finish the job, close and the only improved tools for the bleeder valve and stroke the the job have been the use of a brake or clutch lever a few times to Mityvac (which uses vacuum regain full stroke. to pull fluid out of the hydraulic In use, the Mini Bleeder makes system) or speed bleeders. bleeding faster with less mess than Speed bleeders use a springthe traditional hose and wrench loaded ball-type check valve system, and the seal inside the to prevent back-flow, making socket works so well that a rag is bleeding a one-man job because not even necessary when removing the tool from the bleeder. the bleeder nipple does not have to be constantly opened and The Mini Bleeder’s handle is made from anodized, billet aluclosed during the process. The downside to using speed bleedminum and the socket is chrome-moly steel. Unlike individual ers is their cost ($7 to $15 each) and that they have to be speed bleeders, this tool can be used all around the bike and on permanently installed on the motorcycle, replacing the stock multiple machines. It costs a reasonable $24.99. bleed nipples. Most bikes have four; two front, one rear, plus The Mini Bleeder works exceptionally well and is highly the clutch slave cylinder—$30 to $60 per motorcycle. recommended as a valuable addition to any toolbox. Motion Pro makes top-quality, specialty tools for the power sports industry, and its latest is the Mini Bleeder, which com—Tracy Martin bines a wrench, speed bleeder and bleeder hose into one tool. Its Motion Pro, Inc.—867 American St.; San Carlos, CA end fits tightly over a standard 8mm bleeder nipple and uses an 94070; Phone: 650-594-9600; www.motionpro.com
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JUNE 2012
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MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS
