Anyone serious about motorcycles knows that they need top quality brake fluids for their safety. Unfortunately, these quality brake fluids are very sensitive to UV light. To keep the fluid safe from the environment, they typically put a sock over the reservoir cap to prevent UV rays from damaging the brake fluid.

Since there are many debates on the subject of brake fluid degradation by UV rays from the sun, perhaps we can add that looking at MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) states that brake fluid should be stored away from the sunlight, this is also why they are not sold in clear bottles, but the brake and clutch fluid reservoirs on most sport bikes are opaque, allowing the sun/UV rays to reach the brake fluid, aesthetically thinking these will also cover up ugly plastic brake and clutch reservoirs.

Reservoir sock covers also help prevent spills or leaks from brake or clutch reservoirs. These are basically designed as wrist wraps that wrap around the brake and clutch reservoirs to absorb any fluid that may spill or leak from the cover of the brake and clutch fluid reservoirs such as during hard braking. And yes, brake fluid does expand and anyone who is really hard on the brakes will know that. The danger is that the highly corrosive fluid can damage the paint, the metal structure and reach the riding equipment, such as the visor, which could cause real visibility problems. For those who like motorcycle racing, the tank covers will also keep the tank covers firmly in place during a race and/or spirited riding. It can also help keep your brake fluid from becoming contaminated with dust or dirt by keeping your brake/clutch fluid reservoirs clean and away from debris.

Many of the brake reservoir fluid sock covers are made of cotton and manufactured in such a way that each of the socks will fit correctly as you don’t want them flying off the road or track. When it comes to clutch fluids, it’s basically the same principle. Clutch and brake fluid reservoir sock covers prevent the fluid from being degraded by the environment, which can eventually lead to poor shifting and brake performance. And since most of those who wear these tires are involved in motorcycle racing, poor braking and shifting performance and spilled brake fluid from the bike wouldn’t help at all on the track.

For those wondering if they could purchase generic wrist straps for their brake or clutch fluids, they may do so at their own risk. But wrist wraps tend to get very loose and will eventually fly off the road or track. Obviously, bike aficionados would probably be horrified to see their precious Honda, Yamaha, or Ducati motorcycles dressed up in poor-fitting, low-quality products. They would want to get matching Yamaha tank sock covers for their Yamaha and Ducati, instead of having an ill-fitting wristband with a brand of athletic shoe covering their brake and clutch reservoirs.

Many of these motorcycle brake and clutch covers can be purchased online or at reputable motorcycle stores. They are relatively affordable; the generic ones are particularly cheaper but of lower quality and have hot-pressed logos that tend to peel off after a few months. Higher quality tank sock covers will be made from high quality cotton, made specifically to fit your motorcycle application and have matching embroidered logos.