How To Bleed 2018 Honda CBR600RR Motorcycle Brakes

Bleeding the Brakes on Your 2018 Honda CBR600RR

The 2018 Honda CBR600RR uses hydraulic disc brakes at both ends, so the front lever and the rear pedal each operate a fluid-filled circuit. A proper bleed does two jobs: it pushes old, moisture-contaminated fluid out of the system and it removes air that can make the lever or pedal feel soft. If your CBR600RR is an ABS-equipped example, a standard bleed at the calipers is still the normal way to refresh fluid, but air trapped inside the ABS unit itself is a different problem and is covered below.

When the CBR600RR Asks for a Brake Bleed

A spongy lever, a pedal that feels longer or softer than usual, or a lever that pulls closer to the grip are all signs that air or old fluid is affecting the hydraulic system. Dark or cloudy fluid in the reservoir is another clue, especially if it has been in service for a long time. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to brake fade under hard use, so many riders refresh it on a regular schedule even when the brakes still feel acceptable.

Bleeding is also required after any work that opened the hydraulic system. That includes new brake lines, caliper service, master cylinder work, or any situation where the reservoir ran low enough to draw air into the circuit. If the lever felt fine before the work and feels soft afterward, air is the most likely reason.

Tools and Supplies You Will Need

• Fresh brake fluid of the type marked 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 the 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

A one-way check-valve bleeder or a vacuum bleeder can make the job easier when you are working alone, but the basic lever-and-bleeder method works fine with a helper or with patience. Keep the fluid container closed when it is not being poured, and do not reuse fluid that has been sitting in an open container.

Preparation and Paint Protection

Support the CBR600RR securely upright on a stand so it cannot tip while you are working. 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 rather than letting it sit.

Before opening the reservoir, check that you have enough fresh fluid to finish the job. Running out midway through a bleed is one of the easiest ways to pull air into the system. Also confirm that the bleeder valves are accessible and that the clear tubing fits tightly over them; a loose tube will let air back in and make the job confusing.

Step-by-Step Bleeding Procedure

1. Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm, then use the syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid from the reservoir. Do not let the reservoir run dry.
2. Refill the reservoir with fresh fluid to the correct level marking. Keep the cap and diaphragm clean and nearby.
3. Attach the clear tubing to the bleeder valve on the caliper you are working on, and route the other end into the catch bottle. The tube should fit snugly so air cannot enter around it.
4. For the front brake, squeeze the lever and hold it. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn and watch fluid and air move through the tube. Close the bleeder before you release the lever.
5. Repeat the squeeze, hold, open, close, and release sequence until fresh, clean, bubble-free fluid comes through the tube. Top off the reservoir throughout so it never gets low enough to draw air in.
6. If your CBR600RR has two front calipers, bleed each one in turn. A common practice is to begin with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder, then move to the closer one, but work one caliper at a time and keep the reservoir topped.
7. 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 until the fluid runs clean and free of bubbles, topping off the reservoir as needed.
8. When the fluid at each bleeder is clean and bubble-free, tighten the bleeder snugly without overtightening. Do not force it; the goal is a sealed valve, not a crushed seat.

Finishing the Job and Checking for Leaks

Fill the reservoir to the correct level marking, then reinstall the diaphragm and cap. Clean any spilled fluid from the reservoir, caliper, and surrounding parts. Check for leaks at the bleeder valves and at the banjo fittings on the master cylinder and calipers. A small weep at a bleeder usually means it is not quite snug; a leak at a banjo fitting should be addressed before the bike is ridden.

Testing the Brakes Before You Ride

The lever and pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy, and they should not slowly sink under steady pressure. Spin each wheel to confirm the brakes are not dragging. Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area before riding normally, and make sure the lever and pedal return properly after each application.

Troubleshooting and When to Stop

If the lever will not firm up after several bleeding attempts, if it firms up only after pumping, or if air bubbles keep appearing, stop and look for a source of air entry. Persistent bubbles can come from a loose bleeder, a tube that is not sealing, or a reservoir that is being run too low. Fluid leaking from the master cylinder or caliper also needs attention before the bike is used.

If your CBR600RR is ABS-equipped and the reservoir ran dry, or the ABS unit or its lines were disconnected, the system may need a dealer-level procedure or diagnostic tool to remove air from the ABS unit. Do not try to improvise that procedure at home. A lever that still will not firm up after careful bleeding is another reason to have a qualified shop inspect the system.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2018 Honda CBR600RR Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2018 Honda CBR600RR Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2018 Honda CBR600RR Motorcycle.

Shop Stands for a 2018 Honda CBR600RR Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2018 Honda CBR600RR Motorcycle.

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.