Front Brake Lever Soft

[jeffwest5599]

04 Bulldog. When it is parked and not running, front brake lever is nice and stiff. However, when I ride, it is extremely soft and almost pulls all the way beck. Not stiff at all. I have bled it several times. Any idea how to fix or do I need to rebuild it.

 

[heybaylor]

pop the pistons out of your caliper, clean, reassemble.
(pistons are sticking)

 

[pauldeepsea]

04 Bulldog. When it is parked and not running, front brake lever is nice and stiff. However, when I ride, it is extremely soft and almost pulls all the way beck. Not stiff at all. I have bled it several times. Any idea how to fix or do I need to rebuild it.

You may also have some air in the line, check your line, bleeder screws, crush washers to ensure that you have a good seal.

 

[Mr. Wright]

On the 04s they had this problem. That's why in 05, they changed the location of the vent hole in that control. If you take the cap off, and gently squeeze the handle, you will see air bubbles come up through the hole in the bottom. Once you get all the air out, and keep the reservoir full, you won't have any problem with it.

 

[Sven]

I'd have the front wheel raised, smash the brake down hard and release. I'd have the other hand at the wheel so when the release occurs you move the wheel. Did it drag or freewheel...
It dragged = Remove gunk out of the caliper quad-ring grooves. Possible drag causes oil to boil. Boil means you are squeezing down on bubbles before the bite at the disc occurs.
No drag = Probably the master needs a rebuild. Let the bike sit overnight. At the banjo bolt at the master, break it lose, squeeze the lever and close the bolt before the lever hits the grip. Do it only one time. If you get a pedal, then say it was a fluke. If it occurs again, rebuild the master.

 

[Sven]

On the 04s they had this problem. That's why in 05, they changed the location of the vent hole in that control.

And there you go.