Clutch Fluid Going Bad

I have a 2000 VFR and I have been having problems with my clutch fluid going bad. At least twice a year I find myself replacing my clutch fluid. I have been replacing it because it gets very dark and the lever pressure feels off. In general it needs to be replaced. Last week I had it replaced again and now after my spring trip I find it needs to be replaced again. I understand that after 6000 miles the fluid has been exposed to a lot of heat but that much? Has anyone had similar problems? It was mentioned that I may want to switch to DOT 5 but I am not sure if the seals are made to accommodate DOT 5. Any help would be appreciated.

 

:-/ That sounds fishy. What brand and dot fluid are you running ? The darkness may be contamination from some system part decomposing? It seems to new to have that issue though. Was maybe some fluid used along the way that could have affected the seals or rubber parts ?? Is it losing any fluid level, or just changing color and losing hydralic performance ? ???

 

Nope it’s not loosing any fluid yet just getting dark and loosing pressure. I did the first 2 changes myself and then I had the dealer do it using Honda Brake Fluid. I went to the dealer here in FL yesterday and he said that it was normal and that the heat is causing the problem. I don’t agree brake fluid dosen't go bad in 2 weeks no matter what the outside temp is. He was very short with me about the whole thing. So I when I get back to NY I am going to have my local dealer check it out again because I have the extended warrantee plan. Thank for the help guys.

 

I live in Cyprus (middle of the Med) and in the summer you are talking of temperatures reaching 35-40C and I have never had any problems with the clutch or brake fluid. It was changed on the last service (18,000 mile), but was in good condition. If, as your dealer said its the temp, why wasn't the brake fluid doing the same thing??
I sounds as if something has got into the system and is degrading the fluid.
Hope it gets sorted out

Ian (1999 VFR800) ???

 

Could you have a brake dragging creating heat?