Topping Up Brake Fluid; Checking Wear Of The Brake Pads - APRILIA Atlantic 500 Workshop Manual

Routine maintenance operations

TOPPING UP BRAKE FLUID

Carefully read DISC BRAKES.
Unscrew the four screws (2) of the brake fluid tank (3).
Remove the cover (4).
NOTE
In order not to spill brake fluid during topping
up, keep the fluid in the tank parallel to the tank rim (in
a horizontal position).
Remove the gasket below the cover.
NOTE
As a reference for the maximum level "MAX",
top up until the glass gauge (1) is completely covered,
with the rim of the brake fluid tank parallel to the
ground.
CAUTION
Topping up to the "MAX" level must only be
carried out when new pads have been fitted.
As the pads wear out, the brake fluid level falls pro-
gressively.
Do not fill the tank to "MAX" with worn pads. This
will cause the fluid to overflow from the tank when
the pads are replaced.
Fill the tank (3) with brake fluid, LUBRICANT CHART,
until the glass gauge (1) is completely covered.
To refit the parts, follow this procedure in reverse.

CHECKING WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS

Carefully read DISC BRAKES.
The following information refers to a single brake
system but is valid for both systems.
Check the wear of the brake pads after the first 625 mi
(1,000 km), and every 1,250 mi (2,000 km) thereafter.
The wear of the disc brake pads depends on use, riding
style and road conditions.
Wear is increased during use on dirty or wet roads.
WARNING
It is especially important to check the wear of the
brake pads before every trip.
To quickly check the wear on the pads:
• Place the vehicle on the center stand.
• Visually inspect the brake disc and pads, as follows:
FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS
– Check from the front, looking upwards, for both
calipers.
REAR BRAKE CALIPER
– Check from the rear, looking upwards, for both pads (C).
WARNING
Excessive wear on the pad friction material would
cause the metal pad support to come into direct
contact with the disc, creating a metallic grinding
noise and producing sparks from the clamp; the
braking effectiveness, safety and integrity of the
disc would thus be compromised.
• If the thickness of the friction material (even of a
single pad) is reduced to approximately 0.059 in (1.5
mm), replace both pads.
– Front pads (2).
– Rear pads (3).
2-18
Release 00 2002-09
4
2
3
2
chap. 2
Atlantic 500
2
1
3