How to Bleed the Brakes on a 2019 Honda NC750XDCTABS

Shop parts for a 2019 Honda NC750XDCTABS Motorcycle.

The 2019 Honda NC750XDCTABS uses hydraulic disc brakes at both ends, and the ABS designation in the model name confirms that an anti-lock braking system is part of the package. That matters because routine bleeding on this bike is still a caliper-level job: you are refreshing fluid and removing air from the front and rear hydraulic circuits through the bleeders. The DCT gearbox is separate from the brake hydraulics, so it does not change the procedure. What does change the job is the ABS unit. A normal bleed is fine for maintenance, but if air has entered the ABS hardware itself, the bike may need a shop-level procedure.

What the NC750XDCTABS Brake System Requires

This model has a hydraulic front brake and a hydraulic rear brake, so both circuits need attention when you bleed the system. The ABS system does not make ordinary fluid changes impossible at home, but it does mean you should never let the reservoir run dry. If the reservoir empties, or if the ABS unit or its lines have been disconnected, air can enter a part of the system that a simple caliper bleed may not clear. In that situation, stop and have the bike serviced by a shop with the appropriate diagnostic equipment. Do not attempt to invent an ABS bleed sequence or force fluid through the system in an attempt to chase the problem.

When a Bleed Is Due

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can contribute to brake fade under hard use. Even if the bike feels fine, many riders refresh the fluid on a regular schedule as preventive maintenance. A bleed is also called for when the lever or pedal feels spongy or soft, when the lever pulls closer to the grip than it used to, when the fluid in the reservoir looks dark or cloudy, or after any work that opened the hydraulic system. New lines, caliper service, and master cylinder work are common reasons air gets into the circuit. On the NC750XDCTABS, treat any change in lever or pedal feel as a reason to inspect the fluid and bleed the system before riding normally.

Tools and Supplies

  • 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 old fluid
  • Rags or shop towels
  • A syringe or turkey baster for removing old fluid from the reservoir
  • A screwdriver that fits the reservoir cap screws
  • Optional: a one-way check-valve bleeder or vacuum bleeder to make one-person bleeding easier

Preparation and Protection

Support the bike securely upright on a stand so the reservoirs sit level. Turn the handlebars so the front reservoir is 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 fluid spills, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with water. Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm carefully, then use the syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid without letting the reservoir run dry. Refill with fresh fluid before you begin bleeding.

Bleeding the Front Brake

Work with the front reservoir topped off and the clear tube routed into the catch bottle. If your bike has two front calipers, bleed each one in turn, and start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder. Keep the reservoir from running low at every stage.

  1. Confirm the front reservoir is filled with fresh fluid and the cap is off so you can watch the level.
  2. Attach the clear tubing to the front bleeder valve and route the other end into the catch bottle.
  3. Squeeze and hold the front brake lever.
  4. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn to let fluid and air escape through the tube.
  5. Close the bleeder before releasing the lever.
  6. Release the lever slowly, then check the reservoir level and top it off with fresh fluid.
  7. Repeat the squeeze, hold, open, close, and release sequence until fresh, clean, bubble-free fluid comes through the tube.
  8. Keep topping off the reservoir throughout so it never runs low enough to draw air into the system.
  9. When the fluid runs clear and no bubbles appear, close the bleeder snugly without overtightening it.
  10. If your bike has a second front caliper, repeat the same sequence on that caliper.

Bleeding the Rear Brake

The rear brake on this model is hydraulic, so it uses the same basic method as the front. With the bike upright, make sure the rear reservoir is level and filled with fresh fluid before you start. Use the same clear tubing and catch bottle arrangement at the rear bleeder.

  1. Check that the rear reservoir is topped off with fresh fluid.
  2. Fit the clear tubing over the rear bleeder valve and route it into the catch bottle.
  3. Press and hold the rear brake pedal.
  4. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn to release fluid and air.
  5. Close the bleeder before releasing the pedal.
  6. Release the pedal, then top off the rear reservoir with fresh fluid.
  7. Repeat until the fluid in the tube is clean and free of bubbles.
  8. Close the bleeder snugly without overtightening it.

Finishing, Testing, and Troubleshooting

After both circuits are bled, fill each 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. The front lever and rear 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.

  • If the lever or pedal will not firm up after several bleeding attempts, stop and have the system inspected.
  • If the lever firms up only after pumping, air is likely still in the system.
  • Persistent bubbles, fluid leaking from the master cylinder or caliper, or a reservoir that ran dry are reasons to seek professional help.
  • If air may have entered the ABS unit, or if ABS components or lines were disconnected, the bike should go to a shop for a dealer-level procedure or diagnostic tool.

Do not ride the NC750XDCTABS until the brakes feel firm and consistent. A successful bleed leaves both the front and rear hydraulic circuits clean, full, and free of air, with no leaks and no spongy feel at the controls.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2019 Honda NC750XDCTABS Motorcycle.

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Shop Stands for a 2019 Honda NC750XDCTABS Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2019 Honda NC750XDCTABS 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.