APRILIA SXV / RXV 450 550 Use And Maintenance Book page 11

SXV / RXV 450 – 550
BRAKE FLUID
NOTE This vehicle is fitted with front and rear disk brakes. Each braking system is operated by an independent hydraulic
circuit. The information provided below applies to both braking systems.
DANGER
Do not use the vehicle in case brakes are worn out or do not work properly. The brakes are the most
important parts for ensuring safety and for this reason must always be in perfect working order.
Failure to comply with these recommendations will probably lead to a crash or an accident, with a
consequent risk of personal injury or death.
A wet surface reduces brakes efficiency.
DANGER
When road surfaces are wet, braking distances are doubled, since both brake efficiency and tire grip
are highly reduced in wet conditions.
Any water on brakes, after washing the vehicle, driving on a wet road surface or running through
puddles or potholes, can wet brakes and greatly reduce their efficiency.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may lead to serious accidents, with risk of severe
personal injuries or death.
Brakes are critical safety components. Do not ride the vehicle if brakes are not in top running order.
Check that brakes are properly operating before every trip.
Brake fluid is an irritant. Avoid contact with eyes or skin.
In the event of accidental contact, wash affected body parts thoroughly. In the event of accidental
contact with eyes, contact an eye specialist or seek medical advice.
DO NOT RELEASE BRAKE FLUID INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.
KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.
When handling brake fluid, take care not to spill it onto plastic or paint-finished parts or they will
become damaged.
DANGER
Do not use any brake fluids other than the specified type. Never mix different types of fluids to top up
level, as this will damage the braking system.
Do not use brake fluid from containers which have been kept open or in storage for long periods.
Any sudden changes in play or hardness in the brake levers are warning signs of problems with the
hydraulic circuits.
Ensure that the brake disks and brake linings have not become contaminated with oil or grease. This
is particularly important after servicing or inspections.
Make sure the brake lines are not twisted or worn.
Prevent accidental entering of water or dust into the circuit.
Wear latex gloves when servicing the hydraulic circuit.
DISK BRAKES
DANGER
The brakes are the most important parts for ensuring safety
and for this reason they must be in perfect working order at all times; check them before every trip.
A dirty disk soils the pads.
Dirty pads must be replaced, while dirty disks must be cleaned with a high-quality degreaser.
Halve maintenance intervals if you are riding in rainy or dusty conditions, on rough road surfaces or
when the vehicle is used in competitions.
Check brake pads for wear.
When the brake pads wear out, the level of the fluid decreases to automatically compensate for their
wear.
The front brake fluid reservoir is located on the right handlebar, near the front brake lever.
The rear brake fluid reservoir is located under the right fairing.
Do not use the vehicle if the braking system leaks fluid.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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