Brake Fluid is amber in color?

[WSM]

I just cracked open my front brake reservoir and the fluid is an amber color.
The cover of the reservoir is real corroded, the rubber seal was actually stuck to the cover and between it and the cover looks like wrinkle paint. Like the PO painted both sides of the cover and put it back on, allowing the fluid to eat the paint.
The bike has 2k on the odo, so I am willing to bet it's original, 1998, fluid.
Any ideas?
I plan to flush the system, but am now contemplating a tear-down of the MC/Calipers.

[shift]

better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your brakes. my ktm's brake fluid looked like it had spaghetti sauce in it once upon a time.

[ragedigital]

Might want to look at upgrading the brakes anyway. Keep an eye out for a complete set of YZF600 calipers with master cylinder. Got mine for $45...

[M in KC]

Rage is right if you can find a good deal on a blue dot set of calipers and M/C finish that off with braided SS lines and DOT 4 fluid and you should be golden. Otherwise flush and clean your entire system and go back with DOT 4 fluid. The only thing more important thatn going fast is stopping faster.

[sweekster]

I'm agreement with the others BUT I suggest going with a radial master cylinder from a newer R6/R1 if the funds allow. That will be the best combo with the suggested blue spot calipers.

[WSM]

All worked out so far. The fluid was real nasty, a dark red/brown. But luckily all the mechanics looks clean, no gunk built up.
Also, I found another method of bleeding the brakes. Method417 used a syringe in his Wiki page, but I couldn't find such, so I got a 99 cent ketchup container (the plastic tube with the nozel on top) and squeezed a 1/4" clear hose over the tip. It worked perfectly, and holds plenty of fluid. I'll edit/add to the Wiki with some pics asap.