KTM/Husky/GasGas clutch fluid conversion
Posted: 02 Jun 2013 18:12
I was needing to change the clutch fluid on the TE450. Just like the KTM and GasGas, the Husky has a Magura hydraulic clutch specifying mineral oil. It's always peeved me that Magura charges $8.00 for 2 oz. of fluid that is basically baby oil (there must be gold fleck in this stuff). I went to the local motorcycle shop to see if they had Magura blood or some other brand of mineral oil...no dice.
Luckily I was talking to the correct person. The MC parts guy at the shop has been the long time mechanic for the family semi-pro MC racing team. He suggested I convert the Magura clutch to DOT 5 fluid. He said every new bike they get, they immediately convert to DOT 5. He said the DOT 5 fluid gives a much better clutch action, and is readily available.
You have to do a good job flushing out master cylinder, line, and slave cylinder, this process is pretty straightforward. I pulled the slave cylinder off so I could pump it empty cycling DOT 5 through it a couple times. You have to be sure to run extra fluid through the system during the bleeding process to flush any remaining mineral oil.
It took me about an hour to make the switch. Wow, what a difference, the clutch is much smoother with better modulation.
Luckily I was talking to the correct person. The MC parts guy at the shop has been the long time mechanic for the family semi-pro MC racing team. He suggested I convert the Magura clutch to DOT 5 fluid. He said every new bike they get, they immediately convert to DOT 5. He said the DOT 5 fluid gives a much better clutch action, and is readily available.
You have to do a good job flushing out master cylinder, line, and slave cylinder, this process is pretty straightforward. I pulled the slave cylinder off so I could pump it empty cycling DOT 5 through it a couple times. You have to be sure to run extra fluid through the system during the bleeding process to flush any remaining mineral oil.
It took me about an hour to make the switch. Wow, what a difference, the clutch is much smoother with better modulation.