Bleeding the Brakes on a 2008 Honda VFR800FI Interceptor ABS

Shop parts for a 2008 Honda VFR800FI - Interceptor ABS Motorcycle.

The 2008 Honda VFR800FI Interceptor ABS uses hydraulic disc brakes at both ends, and this ABS model also carries a combined braking system. That combination makes the job more involved than a simple single-circuit bleed. Routine fluid refresh can often be handled at the caliper bleeders, but the system has extra bleed points and a specified order, and air trapped in the ABS unit is not the same as air at a caliper. The procedure below covers a careful caliper-bleeder flush for the front and rear brakes on this VFR, while flagging the points where the smart move is to hand the bike to a shop.

When This Interceptor Needs a Brake Bleed

A spongy lever or pedal is the classic sign that air is in the hydraulics. So is a lever that now pulls closer to the grip than it used to, or a pedal that feels soft and long before the brakes really bite. Dark, cloudy, or contaminated fluid in the reservoir is another reason to flush. Bleeding is also due after any work that opened the hydraulic system, such as new brake lines, caliper service, or master cylinder work. Even without symptoms, brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; that lowers its boiling point and can contribute to brake fade under hard use. Many riders refresh the fluid on a regular schedule for that reason alone. On this VFR800FI Interceptor ABS, do not ignore a soft lever just because the brakes still stop the bike at low speed.

Tools and Supplies to Have Ready

  • Fresh brake fluid of the type printed on the master cylinder reservoir cap, from a sealed container
  • A box-end wrench that fits the bleeder valve
  • A length of clear tubing that fits snugly over the bleeder
  • A catch bottle for old fluid
  • Rags or shop towels
  • A syringe or turkey baster for removing old fluid from the reservoir
  • A screwdriver or driver that fits the reservoir cap screws
  • Optional: a one-way check-valve bleeder or vacuum bleeder to make one-person work easier

Use only the fluid type marked on the reservoir cap, and keep the container sealed until you are ready to pour. Do not top off with fluid from an old, opened bottle. The clear tubing matters because it lets you watch for bubbles and color change as the old fluid leaves the system.

Set Up Cleanly and Protect the Bike

Support the 2008 VFR800FI Interceptor ABS securely upright on a stand. Turn the handlebars so the front reservoir sits level before you open it. Cover painted surfaces, plastics, and the instrument area with rags, because most brake fluids damage paint and plastic on contact. If a spill happens, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with water. Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm carefully, set them on a clean rag, and keep dust and grit out of the reservoir. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep the fluid away from anything you do not want stained.

Bleeding the Front and Rear Brakes

Work one circuit at a time and keep the reservoir topped off throughout. On a conventional layout, you would start with the caliper farthest from its master cylinder. On this combined ABS Interceptor, there are extra bleed points and a required order, so do not guess the sequence if you are not certain of it. The steps below describe the standard caliper-bleeder routine; if the combined-system sequence or ABS unit bleeding is beyond your confidence, stop and have a shop perform the full procedure.

  1. Use the syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid from the reservoir. Leave enough fluid in the bottom that you do not introduce air, and do not pump the lever or pedal while the reservoir is empty.
  2. Refill the reservoir with fresh fluid of the type marked on the cap. Keep the cap nearby and covered so debris does not fall in.
  3. Attach the clear tubing to the bleeder valve and route the other end into the catch bottle. Make sure the tubing fits snugly so air cannot be drawn in around the bleeder.
  4. For the front brakes, squeeze the lever and hold it firmly. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn and let fluid and air escape through the tube. Close the bleeder before you release the lever. Repeat this squeeze-hold-open-close-release cycle, topping off the reservoir as needed. Work each front caliper in turn.
  5. For the rear brake, press and hold the pedal, open the rear bleeder about a quarter turn, and close it before releasing the pedal. Repeat while watching the tube and keeping the reservoir from running low.
  6. Continue until fresh, clean fluid comes through the tube with no bubbles. Tap the caliper and line gently now and then to help trapped bubbles rise. Never let the reservoir drop low enough to pull air into the system.
  7. If your Interceptor's combined system calls for additional bleed points, follow the required order exactly. If you do not have that order or are unsure, do not improvise; have a shop complete the bleed.

Finishing Up and Checking for Leaks

When the fluid runs clean and bubble-free, tighten each bleeder snugly without overtightening. Fill the reservoir to the correct level marking, reinstall the diaphragm and cap, and clean any spilled fluid from the bike. Check for leaks at the bleeder valves and at the banjo fittings. Pump the lever and pedal several times, then hold steady pressure and inspect for weeping or wetness. Spin each wheel to confirm the brakes are not dragging. Before riding normally, test the brakes at low speed in a safe area; the lever and pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy, and should not slowly sink under steady pressure.

If the Brakes Do Not Firm Up

A lever or pedal that will not firm up after several bleeding attempts is a sign to stop. The same goes for a lever that firms only after pumping, persistent bubbles in the tube, or fluid leaking from the master cylinder or caliper. If the reservoir ran dry, or if the ABS unit or its lines were disconnected, air may have entered the ABS unit itself; that may require a dealer-level procedure or diagnostic tool, so the bike should go to a shop. Do not ride a motorcycle with a spongy brake lever or pedal hoping it will improve. On this combined ABS VFR800FI Interceptor, a proper firm feel and no leaks are the confirmation that the job is done correctly.

Related Shopping Categories

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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.