Sight tube for CBS
Moderator: Modsquad
Sight tube for CBS
In the PCX manual it states you should check via the CBS window for cbs fluid levels, when I look at mine it looks empty, if it where empty, how in the world would I be able to add fluid...?????? This window is just to the right of the ignition switch...any help would be appreciated. Ozzy
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Re: Sight tube for CBS
chill...ozzy7007 wrote:In the PCX manual it states you should check via the CBS window for cbs fluid levels, when I look at mine it looks empty, if it where empty, how in the world would I be able to add fluid...?????? This window is just to the right of the ignition switch...any help would be appreciated. Ozzy
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Re: Sight tube for CBS
Ignore qed, he's rarely helpful.
Since this is the first time someone has asked about CBS levels on the forum, I'm going to explain your question a bit better before I answer it.
The right brake lever controls just the front brake, but the left brake lever is the CBS, or combined brake system, that controls both front and back. For the front brake, the master cylinder where brake fluid is stored is attached to the lever. If you can look through the window and see a bubble, it's full. For the rear, the master cylinder is located inside the fairings, to the right of where the ignition key is, through the tiny little window. Through the window, you should be able to see the top line of the fluid. It's also possible the fluid is so full you can't see the full mark.
Honda's default fluid is a bit amber in color. If your container looks amber, it's probably full. If it looks more bluish, it's empty. If there is no fluid, something is wrong with your brakes -- there's a leak somewhere. You should never have to top off your brake fluid.
Ozzy, to top off, you have to remove the inner panel cover. There's no easy access to it.

Since this is the first time someone has asked about CBS levels on the forum, I'm going to explain your question a bit better before I answer it.
The right brake lever controls just the front brake, but the left brake lever is the CBS, or combined brake system, that controls both front and back. For the front brake, the master cylinder where brake fluid is stored is attached to the lever. If you can look through the window and see a bubble, it's full. For the rear, the master cylinder is located inside the fairings, to the right of where the ignition key is, through the tiny little window. Through the window, you should be able to see the top line of the fluid. It's also possible the fluid is so full you can't see the full mark.
Honda's default fluid is a bit amber in color. If your container looks amber, it's probably full. If it looks more bluish, it's empty. If there is no fluid, something is wrong with your brakes -- there's a leak somewhere. You should never have to top off your brake fluid.
Ozzy, to top off, you have to remove the inner panel cover. There's no easy access to it.
Currently ride: Nothing right now - mostly mountain biking with my boys until they're old enough to ride
Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes

Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
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Re: Sight tube for CBS
Also, qed, why did you reply to all his posts with "chill..."?
Just seems odd. We try to be friendly to people here, and that doesn't come off as such.
Welcome to the forums, Ozzy.
Just seems odd. We try to be friendly to people here, and that doesn't come off as such.

Welcome to the forums, Ozzy.

Currently ride: Nothing right now - mostly mountain biking with my boys until they're old enough to ride
Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes

Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Re: Sight tube for CBS
In the meantime even if the combi-brake reservoir is totally empty you will still have a fully functioning front and rear brake, so no need to worry, you can just... chill...? 

Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
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Re: Sight tube for CBS
Adding a few pics to Dave's helpful explanation above 
amber fluid it is!

amber fluid it is!
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Re: Sight tube for CBS
qED is either
A) been drinking
B) on drugs
C) gn2 has finally got inside his mind and flipped him out
D) all the above
A) been drinking
B) on drugs
C) gn2 has finally got inside his mind and flipped him out
D) all the above

Re: Sight tube for CBS
Call your Honda dealer and ask the same question! It is the safest way to do it!ozzy7007 wrote:In the PCX manual it states you should check via the CBS window for cbs fluid levels, when I look at mine it looks empty, if it where empty, how in the world would I be able to add fluid...?????? This window is just to the right of the ignition switch...any help would be appreciated. Ozzy

Re: Sight tube for CBS
Thank you Maddiedog and others, my window is bluish, no amber color at all, came from the dealer like that, and on the other reply, I think I will take it to the dealer and see what they Have to say..Thanks for all the help ! Ozzy
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Re: Sight tube for CBS
Taz wrote:qED is either
A) been drinking
B) on drugs
C) gn2 has finally got inside his mind and flipped him out
D) all the above
All 5

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Re: Sight tube for CBS


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Re: Sight tube for CBS
Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
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Re: Sight tube for CBS
WTF....Steve Hillage covering The Beatles, thought he was way too psychedelic for such noodlings.
Re: Sight tube for CBS
maddiedog
Whilst I still have not acquire the PCX, I must say it has been enjoyable reading your replies. It is very clear and helpful. Keep it up!
Whilst I still have not acquire the PCX, I must say it has been enjoyable reading your replies. It is very clear and helpful. Keep it up!

Linux Ubuntu convert
Re: Sight tube for CBS
must make mine your words... Thanks Maddie...badaveil wrote:maddiedog
Whilst I still have not acquire the PCX, I must say it has been enjoyable reading your replies. It is very clear and helpful. Keep it up!