dl650 seized calliper again.
 

I have just been checking DL650 over, as you do and discovered problem with front brake calliper/s . The left hand calliper is seized and not closing when lever is applied. Clearly dust seals have gone. This is the second time this has happened so wondering if this is common. From what I can see the body around the dust seal now looks quite corroded, so thinking I may need to replace rather than do another repair.
Anyone else suffered this ?

Hi Tim,

I don't own a Strom, but I have seen on other forums a few owners have to do rebuilds (mostly in the UK, high humidity and lots of salt on the roads) including this write up on V-Strom UK Forum.

[0010] Brake Caliper Rebuild

I have rebuilt Land Rover brakes more times than I want to remember and my only suggestion is to try and find a set of stainless steel pistons if possible, this is the main cause of seals failing, corrosion builds up on the pistons and wrecks the seals. Also, more frequent changes of brake fluid as the fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs water from the air (even in a sealed system) and this water in the fluid starts the pistons corroding behind the seals. If you can find stainless pistons this will not happen in the first place. Good luck!

I think a lot of my trouble started when riding dusty unsealed lime rock roads in the Balkans and eastern EU. My panniers suffered too with lots of pitting. But yes salt could well be to blame too.

Changing brake fluid is even more important if your MC has ABS. Getting pistons seized in its hydraulic unit is even more expensive. I would probably change the fluid yearly, if I were riding in very humid environment. Salt could affect brake caliper pistons & seals from the outside too.