Reservoir Sock?

[CrazyKell]

Why do people use them? What are they for?

Why do people on the street use them?

[Trip]

Why do people use them? What are they for?

Why do people on the street use them?

lol, this is going to be fun, we argue about this every year.

There are a variety of reasons people believe this trend started, but no one knows the real "for sure" reason. It's pretty that's for sure.

[Amber Lamps]

lol, this is going to be fun, we argue about this every year.

There are a variety of reasons people believe this trend started, but no one knows the real "for sure" reason. It's pretty that's for sure.

It adds .03 hp!!! I use them because I like the way it looks. I have a CF res cover as well.

[CrazyKell]

:lmao:

Didn't mean to cause an argument....was just curious. :lol:

[Trip]

The reasons I can remember right now that I have seen

Sunlight damages the fluid

It protects against small leaks on the track

fashion

keep the fluid warm once it heats up

[CrazyKell]

The reasons I can remember right now that I have seen

Sunlight damages the fluid

It protects against small leaks on the track

fashion

keep the fluid warm once it heats up

Don't know about the other three but the first one's bullshit. I did a little search and saw some crazy reasons too!

[Captain Morgan]

My understanding was that it was to soak up the fluid in the event of the resevoir getting cracked, but that's mainly for track use. No clue why people use them on the street, other than to look cool. It's not like it takes much effort to remove it for street use and put it back on for the track. Unless people are just worried they'll forget to put it on when they take their street bike to the track. :idk:

[Trip]

A quick google search shows a lot of boards (including gixxer.com and r6-forum.com) pushing the UV damage excuse, so that would explain why a lot people believe they use it on the street.

[t-homo]

The sunlight thing is what I had always heard.

[azoomm]

A quick google search shows a lot of boards (including gixxer.com and r6-forum.com) pushing the UV damage excuse, so that would explain why a lot people believe they use it on the street.

If that were truly the case the reservoirs wouldn't be translucent. :idk:

[Trip]

If that were truly the case the reservoirs wouldn't be translucent. :idk:

I agree, I am just stating why people use it on the street. I am more inclined to believe it's fashion.

[CrazyKell]

If that were truly the case the reservoirs wouldn't be translucent. :idk:

This and isn't the boiling point something ridiculously high? :scratch:

[Amber Lamps]

Don't know about the other three but the first one's bullshit. I did a little search and saw some crazy reasons too!

Wrong again. Glycol based fluids are very light sensitive.

The difference between street and track use is simple,

Most people use silicone based fluid on the street which are not UV sensitive, hygroscopic, caustic, or needs to be changed...ever. No need to cover.

On the track most people use glycol based fluid because of it's better performance characteristics- better feel. Because glycol based fluids are very light sensitive they cover the reservoirs. Also because glycol fluids are hygroscopic, they have to be changed every year or two.

I use silicone based because I don't feel like fucking with it every year. I cover it because I like the way it looks.

[azoomm]

Wrong again. Glycol based fluids are very light sensitive.

The difference between street and track use is simple,

Most people use silicone based fluid on the street which are not UV sensitive, hygroscopic, caustic, or needs to be changed...ever. No need to cover.

On the track most people use glycol based fluid because of it's better performance characteristics- better feel. Because glycol based fluids are very light sensitive they cover the reservoirs. Also because glycol fluids are hygroscopic, they have to be changed every year or two.

I use silicone based because I don't feel like fucking with it every year. I cover it because I like the way it looks.

What? :skep:

[CrazyKell]

I was talking on the street. ;)

[Homeslice]

If that were truly the case the reservoirs wouldn't be translucent. :idk:

Looks like this guy got shut up when asked the same question

http://www.bikerforum.co.uk/forums/bike-chat/11279-reservoir-brake-fluid-cover-why.html

[Homeslice]

Wrong again. Glycol based fluids are very light sensitive.


Is there proof of this? A google search on "brake fluid UV" did not reveal any.

[Amber Lamps]

If that were truly the case the reservoirs wouldn't be translucent. :idk:

Yea but then you'd have to open the res to check it which would suck. The thing about UV damage is that it's much slower than hygroscopic damage... In other words, you should have changed the fluid long before sunlight may have damaged it. IMHO this is one of those holdover situations from the past that no longer apply.

[Amber Lamps]

I was talking on the street. ;)

It doesn't matter WHERE you ride, only what type of fluid you are using. Quite frankly, street bikes typically spend a lot more time sitting out in the sun. So if they are using a glycol based fluid you have more need of a cover on the street. Also, racers change fluids much more often than street riders so the chance of any UV damage is greatly reduced/eliminated.

[Phenix_Rider]

Wrong again. Glycol based fluids are very light sensitive.

The difference between street and track use is simple,

Most people use silicone based fluid on the street which are not UV sensitive, hygroscopic, caustic, or needs to be changed...ever. No need to cover.

On the track most people use glycol based fluid because of it's better performance characteristics- better feel. Because glycol based fluids are very light sensitive they cover the reservoirs. Also because glycol fluids are hygroscopic, they have to be changed every year or two.

I use silicone based because I don't feel like fucking with it every year. I cover it because I like the way it looks.

You got that backwards. Silicon is for track use. Higher boiling point, but less stable and more expensive. DOT 3/4/5.1 brake fluids are glycol based. DOT 5 is silicon based, which is why they can't be mixed. You can bet mfgs will use the cheapest stuff they can find for production bikes. Glycol is the reason a lot of track orgs require you change coolant at higher levels.

I don't need no stinking sock. My reservoir is black with only a small window to check level.:wink:

[Amber Lamps]

Is there proof of this? A google search on "brake fluid UV" did not reveal any.

Let me try.... hmmm first article that came up.

http://www.sportbikesolutions.com/motorcycle_brake_fluid.php?ssparms=articles/brake-fluid

[Amber Lamps]

Ahem... Glycol based fluids are less compressive so they deliver better "feel" and performance.

http://www.sportbikesolutions.com/motorcycle_brake_fluid.php?ssparms=articles/brake-fluid

[Phenix_Rider]

That's interesting about the compressibility. Though once your glycol based fluid gets some water in it, the "pure" hydraulic nature goes out the window.

[Amber Lamps]

That's interesting about the compressibility. Though once your glycol based fluid gets some water in it, the "pure" hydraulic nature goes out the window.

Oh for sure and that's why they need to be changed so much.

[Homeslice]

I don't need no stinking sock. My reservoir is black with only a small window to check level.:wink:

So it's one of those metal ones that weighs 2 lbs? :lol:

[Amber Lamps]

So it's one of those metal ones that weighs 2 lbs? :lol:

Would you like to contradict my "proof"?

[Trip]

glycol is used in most street bikes, unless the owner changes it to silicone.

glycol fluid needs to be changed every 1-2 years because of moisture intrusion, not UV damage.

I am trying to find something of substantial proof for or against UV damage as a random sportbike parts website with a simple paragraph on it is not a reliable reference by any means, it's the same as taking someone's word on a forum.

[Trip]

Also because glycol fluids are hygroscopic, they have to be changed every year or two.

Exactly, hygroscopic means they attract water molecules and thus prone to water intrusion.

[derf]

I always thought it was to prevent the plastic from degrading over time from continued sunlight exposure.

[Homeslice]

You got that backwards. Silicon is for track use.

Never seen anyone use it at the track. You must be thinking of synthetic.

[Homeslice]

Would you like to contradict my "proof"?

I merely asked if there was proof, that doesn't mean I'm a strong believer either way :idk:

But now that you mention it, how about a scientific article? The one you posted was just some sportbike website, and I doubt anyone there has a chemistry degree.

[Amber Lamps]

I always thought it was to prevent the plastic from degrading over time from continued sunlight exposure.

I thought it was to keep the wrist band industry going since people don't wear them very much anymore.

[Homeslice]

Here are a couple product safety sheets from oil companies, and they say to avoid leaving it sit in the sun, but they don't say why, which leads me to believe it could be just because they want to avoid heat buildup or container bursting. :idk: So far I haven't found anything saying that it actually degrades from sunlight.

http://www.pennzoil.com.au/downloads/msds/Pennzoil_Brake_Fluid_Dot_4_AU.pdf

http://www.federalmogul.com/NR/rdonlyres/2EA6A153-FBDD-482C-8144-A932C3B7516B/0/Ferodo_Brake_Fluid_ESP_DOT_4_UK.pdf

[derf]

I thought it was to keep the wrist band industry going since people don't wear them very much anymore.

I stand corrected, however I want proof, possible from a sportbike related website

[Cutty72]

I thought it was because Marko wanted to be Batman. :idk:

[Amber Lamps]

glycol is used in most street bikes, unless the owner changes it to silicone.

glycol fluid needs to be changed every 1-2 years because of moisture intrusion, not UV damage.

I am trying to find something of substantial proof for or against UV damage as a random sportbike parts website with a simple paragraph on it is not a reliable reference by any means, it's the same as taking someone's word on a forum.

Well, glycols are always recommended to be stored away from UV radiation... Like I said before, I doubt that UV radiation damage is a legitimate reason to use a cover or to not use glycol based fluids. My main reason was service life...Oh and the fact that I didn't like carrying paint stripper everywhere I went. I bought steel braided lines to compensate for the slight pressure loss and it's all good! I'm only arguing against the notion that glycol brake fluid is not UV sensitive. It is because all glycol based products are. I totally recognize that it may take several years for there to be any real damage or loss of performance. I also recognize that the hygroscopic properties of brake fluid will have ruined your brake fluid long before UV rays even if you parked your bike under a sunlamp every night! How about this, Trip....Is there anything on the face of the Earth that isn't UV sensitive to some extent? Hahahahaha!

[Amber Lamps]

Here are a couple product safety sheets from oil companies, and they say to avoid leaving it sit in the sun, but they don't say why, which leads me to believe it could be just because they want to avoid heat buildup or container bursting. :idk: So far I haven't found anything saying that it actually degrades from sunlight.

http://www.pennzoil.com.au/downloads/msds/Pennzoil_Brake_Fluid_Dot_4_AU.pdf

http://www.federalmogul.com/NR/rdonlyres/2EA6A153-FBDD-482C-8144-A932C3B7516B/0/Ferodo_Brake_Fluid_ESP_DOT_4_UK.pdf


Dude, it says right in your link "Conditions to avoid: Avoid exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight." It doesn't mention anything about types of packaging. Do not expose the raw product to high temps or direct sunlight.

[Amber Lamps]

Never seen anyone use it at the track. You must be thinking of synthetic.

Exactly, no one use silicone fluid in any type of racing that I'm aware of. BTW all brake fluid is synthetic these days, no one uses a petroleum based brake fluid.

[Trip]

Well, glycols are always recommended to be stored away from UV radiation... Like I said before, I doubt that UV radiation damage is a legitimate reason to use a cover or to not use glycol based fluids. My main reason was service life...Oh and the fact that I didn't like carrying paint stripper everywhere I went. I bought steel braided lines to compensate for the slight pressure loss and it's all good! I'm only arguing against the notion that glycol brake fluid is not UV sensitive. It is because all glycol based products are. I totally recognize that it may take several years for there to be any real damage or loss of performance. I also recognize that the hygroscopic properties of brake fluid will have ruined your brake fluid long before UV rays even if you parked your bike under a sunlamp every night! How about this, Trip....Is there anything on the face of the Earth that isn't UV sensitive to some extent? Hahahahaha!


Oh I agree UV radiation can take it's toll on a lot of shit, but I just doubt the use of resi socks as UV protectant because the frequency at which you have to change glycols cause of moisture damage. I am sure true race bikes get more love in the brake department than street bikes as well, so I just don't see UV as a starting point for this fad.

Basically I don't know what started it. It's been argued to death why this started and we always end up in the same place. Who the fuck knows why? LOL

[Homeslice]

Dude, it says right in your link "Conditions to avoid: Avoid exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight." It doesn't mention anything about types of packaging. Do not expose the raw product to high temps or direct sunlight.

Isn't that what I said? I said it says to avoid sunlight, but that it doesn't say why. Could be simply because they want to avoid the bottle bursting or something. It doesn't prove that the fluid actually degrades.

[azoomm]

Tigger, it strikes me as strange that you're using DOT5... is your brake system compatable with that? Imho brakes [as a safety feature] are more important than anything else on your bike - as even if you blow a tire, you still need to stop. Maintaining brakes are a big deal...

....
I use silicone based because I don't feel like fucking with it every year. I cover it because I like the way it looks.

orly?

Silicone Brake Fluids
In years past, all brake fluids were glycol. Then D.O.T. 5, a silicone fluid having a higher temperature rating, emerged, initially to meet the higher boiling point requirements of racing use. (Race car brake systems include oil-cooler-like heat exchangers and ceramic pads.) Silicone fluid was able to withstand the most heat of any brake fluid, so it earned a reputation as a racing brake fluid. However, silicone brake fluid has properties very different from glycol fluid, and has its own pros and cons. On the advantage side, silicone fluid will not harm paint or plastic, and does not aggressively attract additional moisture as glycol fluid does. On the disadvantage side however, silicone fluid aerates easily. Harley-Davison, one of the sole current OEM users of silicone fluid, warns buyers to let the fluid sit at least an hour before using it. The trip home in the saddlebag is enough to aerate silicone brake fluid until it looks like a freshly poured soft drink. Silicone fluid is also slightly more compressible than glycol fluid, does not change color to tip the user to its moisture content, and worst of all, neither accepts or disperses moisture, making systems using it more corrosion prone, and requiring much more frequent fluid changes. Silicone brake fluid also lacks glycol fluid's naturally occuring lubricity, making it incompatible with the mechanical valving in some antilock braking systems.

See, I can quote random internet articles too :whistle:
http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/cows-brakefluid.html

[derf]

The one I have adds 5 hp

[Amber Lamps]

Isn't that what I said? I said it says to avoid sunlight, but that it doesn't say why. Could be simply because they want to avoid the bottle bursting or something. It doesn't prove that the fluid actually degrades.

I have been to Federal Mogul many, many times. They ship fluids and parts out by the barrel/bin, for the most part. A MSDS is not concerned with "packaging" but only with the material itself. When a manufacturer suggests keeping a product away from any specific condition it will be solely for the purposes of safety and/or product performance. Besides, have you forgotten what we are dealing with here? Brake fluid is extremely temperature stable, otherwise it couldn't be used as brake fluid. Or do you purpose that a bottle of Dot 3 sitting on a window sill will build more heat than it will in the res of a race car?

[Homeslice]

I have been to Federal Mogul many, many times. They ship fluids and parts out by the barrel/bin, for the most part. A MSDS is not concerned with "packaging" but only with the material itself. When a manufacturer suggests keeping a product away from any specific condition it will be solely for the purposes of safety and/or product performance. Besides, have you forgotten what we are dealing with here? Brake fluid is extremely temperature stable, otherwise it couldn't be used as brake fluid. Or do you purpose that a bottle of Dot 3 sitting on a window sill will build more heat than it will in the res of a race car?
You and I are both speculating about the intentions of the MSDS. I'd still like to see proof. How come there's not one engineering article stating that brake fluid degrades from sunlight?

Like I said, I don't care one way or another......I'd just like to see proof.

[Amber Lamps]

Tigger, it strikes me as strange that you're using DOT5... is your brake system compatable with that? Imho brakes [as a safety feature] are more important than anything else on your bike - as even if you blow a tire, you still need to stop. Maintaining brakes are a big deal...



orly?



See, I can quote random internet articles too :whistle:
http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/cows-brakefluid.html

Oh btw the thing with water and silicone based fluid is that silicone won't mix with water what so ever, which leaves raw water in your system...if it were present to begin with. There is no way for water to just "appear" in a braking system, which makes that concern a bit stupid.imho.

Yea mine was from a part's suppliers website and not an "article" although I do agree with Trip that it's not "proof". Heck, as far as I'm concerned, I like Homeslice's proof of my supposition better, a MSDS/handling sheet from the manufacturer. The SBS page was the first thing that came up when I did a search. My reasons for the using a cover and for using silicone based brake fluid are my own, formulated over 25 years of riding experience...period.

1. cover-total fashion statement, almost zero function.

2 Dot 5 brake fluid.
a don't have to change it as often-according to the manufacturer
b won't eat my paint if it is spilled
c pretty purple color

[azoomm]

... My reasons for the using a cover and for using silicone based brake fluid are my own, formulated over 25 years of riding experience...period.

1. cover-total fashion statement, almost zero function.

2 Dot 5 brake fluid.
a don't have to change it as often-according to the manufacturer
b won't eat my paint if it is spilled
c pretty purple color

Everything I've read, and my conversations with actual trained and certified mechanics are against DOT5 fluid going into a system designed for glycol [DOT 3, 4, 5.1] fluids... strange. Hmmmmmmm hope the pretty purple color works well for ya :dthumb:

fwiw, I don't care if or why people use a wristband to cover a reservoir.

[Amber Lamps]

You and I are both speculating about the intentions of the MSDS. I'd still like to see proof. How come there's not one engineering article stating that brake fluid degrades from sunlight?

Like I said, I don't care one way or another......I'd just like to see proof.

Dude, a MSDS is not the Bible and subject to interpretation. When ever a MSDS states "Do not expose too________" the product is either hazardous to, as in," Do not expose to skin", reactive to, as in, "Do not expose to oxidizers" or denigrated by, as in, "Do not expose to direct sunlight". They are always talking about the raw product itself without any consideration to packaging.

[Trip]

Dude, a MSDS is not the Bible and subject to interpretation. When ever a MSDS states "Do not expose too________" the product is either hazardous to, as in," Do not expose to skin", reactive to, as in, "Do not expose to oxidizers" or denigrated by, as in, "Do not expose to direct sunlight". They are always talking about the raw product itself without any consideration to packaging.

Material Safety Data Sheets are for (get this) Material Safety. They list things that are important for humans to know what risks there are and how to protect against them. If it says do not expose to high temps or sunlight, then it's a good assumption they are worried about the combustible danger it has to humans, not what will degrade the usability of the product in it's intended function. It's where you look when you want to see what danger the product holds to you as an individual and workplace, not what will degrade the intended use of the chemical.

[pauldun170]

Never heard of "reservoir socks" and originally thought from the title that this thread was going to be about birth control devices.

I label thee thread fail.

[Amber Lamps]

Everything I've read, and my conversations with actual trained and certified mechanics are against DOT5 fluid going into a system designed for glycol [DOT 3, 4, 5.1] fluids... strange. Hmmmmmmm hope the pretty purple color works well for ya :dthumb:

fwiw, I don't care if or why people use a wristband to cover a reservoir.

I've been using silicone based fluid in this bike since 2006, which is also the last time I changed it btw and I've been using it in every bike since at least my '01 or '03 GSXR, I'm not sure. The requirement is that you flush your system completely, since I only make the change while replacing my brake lines, I'm pretty safe. BTW there isn't any reaction between the actual fluids but there can be between the different additives used.

[Amber Lamps]

Material Safety Data Sheets are for (get this) Material Safety. They list things that are important for humans to know what risks there are and how to protect against them. If it says do not expose to high temps or sunlight, then it's a good assumption they are worried about the combustible danger it has to humans, not what will degrade the usability of the product in it's intended function. It's where you look when you want to see what danger the product holds to you as an individual and workplace, not what will degrade the intended use of the chemical.

Yea Trip but he posted a combination sheet which covered both.

[Amber Lamps]

On another note, what are the supposed dangers of switching to Dot 5? Do people think that the seals are different in dot 5 designed systems? The only real reason I can find for the manufacturers NOT using Dot 5 is cost. AFAIK, HD is the only company that does and again, afaik Harley brakes aren't special in any way. Hey Buell guys, are you Dot 4 or Dot 5?

[Cutty72]

dot 4.

[Amber Lamps]

dot 4.

thanks.

[ericr]

On another note, what are the supposed dangers of switching to Dot 5? Do people think that the seals are different in dot 5 designed systems? The only real reason I can find for the manufacturers NOT using Dot 5 is cost. AFAIK, HD is the only company that does and again, afaik Harley brakes aren't special in any way. Hey Buell guys, are you Dot 4 or Dot 5?

One of the articles (can't remember which now) said DOT 5 was designed to work with ABS systems that require a thinner viscosity fluid to perform properly or to their maximum potential. I may have read that on wikipedia, can't remember. ABS systems rapidly increase and decrease the brake pressure when they are "working" so a lower viscosity fluid will react or flow faster each way to keep up with the system fluctuations. There is no other reason to use it, especially in a normal system that will lose brake pressure by using it.

[azoomm]

One of the articles (can't remember which now) said DOT 5 was designed to work with ABS systems that require a thinner viscosity fluid to perform properly or to their maximum potential. I may have read that on wikipedia, can't remember. ABS systems rapidly increase and decrease the brake pressure when they are "working" so a lower viscosity fluid will react or flow faster each way to keep up with the system fluctuations. There is no other reason to use it, especially in a normal system that will lose brake pressure by using it.

That is DOT5.1 not DOT5. :wink:

[ericr]

That is DOT5.1 not DOT5. :wink:

Oops! Reading retention FTW Azoom!! :D

What's my name?

[azoomm]

Oops! Reading retention FTW Azoom!! :D

What's my name?

Bob. :eightball6:

[Thumper996]

My KTM cam with a resevoir sock Black with Orange KTM on it. I am sure not going to use it as a sweat band on one arm...

[ericr]

Bob. :eightball6:

Thanks! I couldn't remember ;)

[Rangerscott]

I'm gonna go with keeping the plastic from degrading (I've seen a bunch of sun damaged resevoirs) and soaking up what ever leaks out the cap.


My reservoirs are metal so I dont give two shits what ya'll rice rockets do to your bikes. Bitches.

[marko138]

I use one so everyone knows how fucking awesome I am. Fuck you.

[askmrjesus]

Oh fuck.

Not this shit again... :lol:

JC

[z06boy]

Well I use one because after reading several of these debates on various forums no agreed upon conclusion ever comes about...plus it looks cool. :lol:

I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it plus just in case I need it for anything else while out on a ride it's as good of a place to keep it as anywhere else. :idk:

[Sixxxxer]

How about Who gives a Fuck???

[marko138]

How about Who gives a Fuck???
That would be too easy. Then none of these fuckers would have anything to argue about.

[Sixxxxer]

I havent found one i like yet...but I like the look of them...Its merely a fashion statement for me...A sweat band is not gonna soak up all that brake fluid in the case of a failure...Just ask Dave how well his worked out for him when he cracked his reservoir.

[z06boy]

How about Who gives a Fuck???

Well that applies to almost every thread on most forums.

[Homeslice]

Sure as hell looks better than what looks like a urine test sample.

[EpyonXero]

Those are just spare powerbands.

[CasterTroy]

I use them to hold my magnum on when I shoot my .454 casull :idk:

[CrazyKell]

I havent found one i like yet...but I like the look of them...Its merely a fashion statement for me...A sweat band is not gonna soak up all that brake fluid in the case of a failure...Just ask Dave how well his worked out for him when he cracked his reservoir.


It's not to soak it up from a cracked reservoir. It's to soak it up if it over heats and leaks out.

But I don't give a fuck. :lmao:

[Sixxxxer]

Cracked...Overheating...Either way if its seeping out at a significant rate...that little piece of fabric aint gonna do shit.

[CrazyKell]

Cracked...Overheating...Either way if its seeping out at a significant rate...that little piece of fabric aint gonna do shit.

Stop it! Remember....you don't give a fuck! :tremble: ;)

[Sixxxxer]

I dont give a fuck, But I have to put my .02 cents in where I see fit ;)

[marko138]

I dont give a fuck, But I have to put my .02 cents in where I see fit ;)
It is the way of the internet forum, after all.

[t-homo]

Those are just spare powerbands.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z309/hondarocks61/powerband.jpg

[karl_1052]

2 Dot 5 brake fluid.
a don't have to change it as often-according to the manufacturer
b won't eat my paint if it is spilled
c pretty purple color

How can you see the pretty colour if it is covered with a sweat band?:?:

[t-homo]

How can you see the pretty colour if it is covered with a sweat band?:?:

Now you are just being a doucher. lol. And there is no "u" in "color."

[marko138]

Now you are just being a doucher. lol. And there is no "u" in "color."
:lol:

[z06boy]

Sure as hell looks better than what looks like a urine test sample.

:lol: True

[Homeslice]

And there is no "u" in "color."

Canadians = :zowned:

And you should know that a Jordan logo takes priority over pretty purple fluid.

[Amber Lamps]

How can you see the pretty colour if it is covered with a sweat band?:?:

That was the Dot 5 portion of the debate, read what I quoted.

[Trip]

From an old road racer:

I started using them in the early 80's to stop brake fluid from blowing up onto the inside of the windscreen at high speeds on the race track. The cap is vented to allow the fluid to go down as the brake pads wear and that allows the fluid to wick up when the wind creates a vacuum behind the windscreen. At tracks like Road America, Daytona, Brainerd, Texas World Speedway, and Road Atlanta we would wear a new set of hard pads down to the base plate. At Road America we had to change the pads mid race because they were gone. To allow for excessive pad wear it was imperative that the resevoir be filled to the top and that exacerbated the brake fluid blowing onto the windscreen. During a shopping trip to the local Walmart in Fon du Lac Wisconsin I passed by the sweat bands hanging and decided to try them in an effort to stop buying a new screen after every race. It works. They have since been on every race bike I have ever had. I don't use them on my street bikes.

[Homeslice]

Vented brake caps?

[anthonyk]

Yep, the cap is vented. But everything these days has a rubber diaphragm between the fluid and the outside air.