Service

BLEEDIN’ ABS

Q:The Brembo brakes on my 2016 Triumph Thruxton R have good power and modulation, but I can’t get a consistent front brake lever feel. The first squeeze is soft, with the lever pulling about halfway to the bar. Release, give it a quick second squeeze, and the lever feels fine. I’ve bled the front brake system and so has the dealer. The tech said that she has noticed this on all the new bikes. I took the bike to our local Ducati race shop, and they said the softness may be due to the ABS system. I’ve been riding Ducatis with Brembo brakes for 40 years, and I’m used to a firm lever with a short stroke. Are those days gone, or is there an ABS bleed procedure I need to follow?

TED COSTANTINO

BOULDER, CO

A:Other folks on the Triumph forum (triumphrat.net) have had similar complaints. The Nissin ABS-equipped Triumphs can trap air in the ABS valve body. Ensure your dealer is using the factory tool that cycles the ABS valves while bleeding. If you fancy bleeding it yourself, get software such as DealerTool so you can cycle the ABS.