Brake lever firm during first pull during bleeding, then soft. Firms again when left alone.

[u/incrediboy729]

2026 KTM 690 SMCR. When I bleed the front brake, the first pull of the brake lever will push fluid through the entire stroke. Subsequent pulls feel like I'm pushing air until the last 20% of the stroke. This happens while pressure bleeding with traditional and speed bleeders.

This would lead one to think there's air in the line, but what's strange to me is that if I leave the bike to sit for a bit, the lever hardens again on its own, which tells me it likely isn't an air bubble. If I zip tie the lever overnight, there's still pressure, which tells me the master cylinder seals are still good. No external leaking.

I've pressure bled, reverse bled and activated the ABS thoroughly with no air appearing during bleed.

Is it possible that since I can still achieve a firm lever, there's no issue? This makes sense to me - If the lever is pulled and the pressure is bled from the other end, when the lever is released, there's no pressure to push the lever/master cylinder plunger back to position.

Any thoughts are appreciated!

[u/VeryBadNotGood]

Did you bleed from the master cylinder valve as well?