APRILIA 1115-2, Workshop Manual, Page: 87 / 386

SERVICE AND SETTING UP
2 - 38
RSV mille
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Carefully read 0.5.1 (PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL
INFORMATIONS) and 1.2.6 (CLUTCH FLUID).
NOTE
This vehicle is provided with hydraulic clutch
control.
Clutch fluid bleeding, clutch control system:
for the maintenance intervals, see 2.1.1 (REGULAR
SERVICE INTERVALS CHART).
a
CAUTION
Sudden resistance or clearance problems on the
clutch lever may be due to troubles in the hydraulic
system.
The air present in the hydraulic system acts as a bearing,
absorbing most of the pressure exerted by the brake
pump and reducing the effectiveness of the clutch cylin-
der.
The presence of air is revealed by the “sponginess” of the
clutch control and by reduced efficiency (the engine
stops, the vehicle jerks forward or rears up, or the clutch
slips).
a
WARNING
Considering that the situation can be very dangerous
for the rider and the vehicle, after the reassembly of
the clutch control cylinder and/or after the normal op-
erating conditions of the clutch system have been re-
stored, it is absolutely necessary to bleed the hydrau-
lic circuit.
If the clutch fluid gets in contact with the skin or the
eyes, it can cause serious irritations.
Carefully wash the parts of your body that get in con-
tact with the liquid. Consult a doctor or an oculist if
the liquid gets in contact with your eyes.
DO NOT DISPOSE OF THE FLUID IN THE ENVIRON-
MENT.
KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.
a
CAUTION
Handle clutch fluid with care; it may chemically alter
painted surfaces and the parts in plastic, rubber, etc.
In case maintenance operations are to be performed
on the hydraulic circuit, it is advisable to use latex
gloves.
When using the clutch fluid, take care not to spill it on
the plastic and painted parts, since it damages them.
Do not use alcohol, petrol or solvents to clean the
rubber and plastic parts and the saddle: use only wa-
ter and mild soap.
2.21.1 BLEEDING OPERATIONS
NOTE
Carry out the bleeding operations with the vehi-
cle positioned on the side stand and on firm and flat
ground.
NOTE
Do not close the clutch fluid reservoir after top-
ping up, since for the bleeding operations it is necessary
to top up the clutch fluid reservoir more than once.
◆
Top up the clutch fluid tank, see 2.17 (CHECKING AND
TOPPING UP THE FRONT BRAKE FLUID).
a
WARNING
Always wear goggles or a protective screen for the
eyes: when the clutch lever (or the clutch control cyl-
inder) is operated, part of the clutch fluid may be
sprayed out of the clutch fluid reservoir.
a
CAUTION
Position a clean cloth under the clutch control reser-
voir to protect the components positioned in the sur-
rounding area.
a
CAUTION
Make sure that the clutch fluid level is always includ-
ed between the MIN and MAX marks; otherwise, pro-
vide for topping up.
a
WARNING
The handlebar can be turned only to the right. The
clutch fluid may flow out of the tank from the tank.
a
CAUTION
The bleeder valve (2) is positioned on the clutch con-
trol cylinder connection screw (A).
Work only on the bleeder valve (2), DO NOT unscrew
the clutch control cylinder connection screw (A).
◆
Remove the protection cap (1) from the bleeder valve
(2).
◆
Connect a transparent pipe (3) to the bleeder valve (2).
◆
Position the free end of the transparent pipe (3) into a
container (4).
◆ ✱
Pull the clutch lever (5) slowly more than once, so that
the system is filled with clutch fluid and a first partial
bleeding is carried out.
◆ ✱
Pull the clutch lever (5) slowly and thoroughly, then
keep it completely pulled.
a
WARNING
Check the clutch fluid level in the tank. Top up before
draining the brake fluid reservoir completely. The
complete drainage of the fluid causes the inlet of air
into the hydraulic circuit.
NOTE
Always keep the clutch control lever (5) com-
pletely pulled.
a
CAUTION
Do not dirty other parts of the engine and of the vehi-
cle with clutch fluid.
a
CAUTION
Before releasing the clutch lever (5), tighten the
bleeder valve (2) to prevent air from getting into the
hydraulic circuit.
◆ ✱
Loosen the bleeder a quarter turn so that the clutch
fluid flows into the container; this eliminates the tension
on the clutch lever, allowing it to touch the handgrip.
◆ ✱
Tighten the bleeder (2).
◆ ✱
Release the clutch lever (5) and pull it three or four
times.
Release 00/2002-10
- 00