Brake fluid reservoir ...um.. aging?

[OCDave]

I recently (6 weeks ago) purchased 2008 Tiger 1050.  Loving it by the way!  The bike has less than 17,000 miles and has been well cared for.  Today, while tightening my right-side mirror, my wrench scratched the brake fluid reservoir.  On closer inspection, I can easily scratch off plastic material from the reservoir with my finger nail.  The rest of the bike looks as close to new as a 2008 could look but, the brake fluid reservoir looks like UV damaged or oxidized. 

Should I be concerned?   Can I swap out just the reservoir or will this be a more comprehensive job?

Thanks

[Yellow Dog]

Most likely it has been painted, which is why it is peeling off so easily. The reservoir on the 08 model is unpainted as standard and looks like a urine sample, which is why owners paint them or upgrade to a black plastic after market version of it.

Nothing to worry about

[OCDave]

No, not painted.  It iis a degradation of the plastic surface.  I was concerned that I'd need to replace more parts of the braking system but it looks like I can swap out just the reservoir. 

Thanks

[Rhead]

funny you should mention this...Just yesterday I noticed the same thing on my 08...was fine a few months ago, now I cant see the level, and can scratch off a chalky coating. I think that using s100 did that. I'm thinking about changing it, but absolutely am not concerned about any other parts in the system.

[turtle]

There are aftermarket reservoirs - shouldn't be too hard to change one out.  I've thought about it just cuz it's ugly. 

Somewhat related, but I'll take my  if too  .  Anyone proactively change out the little hose from the pee cup to the m/c because the bike is getting up there in years?

[Yellow Dog]

Originally Posted by OCDave

No, not painted.  It iis a degradation of the plastic surface.  I was concerned that I'd need to replace more parts of the braking system but it looks like I can swap out just the reservoir. 

Thanks

OK - never heard of that one. Perhaps it has been made of bio-degradable plastic. More likely it is a UV issue as you have suggested. Those who I know who have changed them have done no more than pinch the rubber pipe and swap them. Unless of course your brake fluid is due for a change.

[Mike_B]

I got a Rizoma pot for mine - CT027b.   Mostly because I'm a tart and black anodized aluminium with a neat little window looks much smarter - there wasn't really anything wrong with old one.   I got something similar for the rear as well.

It's a 15 minute job to change, very easy.

[gosling 1]

Triumph are out of their mind on the price of just the replacement plastic reservoir, about $100USD. The complete assembly, reservoir, master cylinder, lever, and clamp lists for just over $200USD. Must be some special plastic.

[Yellow Dog]

Originally Posted by gosling 1

Triumph are out of their mind on the price of just the replacement plastic reservoir, about $100USD. The complete assembly, reservoir, master cylinder, lever, and clamp lists for just over $200USD. Must be some special plastic.

Amazon seem to have colour coded anodised ones quite cheaply