There is a good chance you have problems with the brakes. I advise against riding it until you are certain.
In the bottom if the master cylinder ther are a couple of tiny holes that allow fluid to come back into the reservoir when the brake lever or pedal is released. If they are clogged with a tiny speck of dirt or other crud, pressure will build up in the system every time the brakes are applied, but the pressure will not release properly. Slowly, as the bike sits quietly in the garage, the pressure will normalize and all will seem well.
The symptoms might also be caused by sludge and corrosion in the calipers. Both problems are often present in a neglected brake system.
The only way to positively insure that the brakes can save your life when you need them to is to completely disassemble the systems, clean all the parts until they are spotless, replace all the seals and such, including the flexible hoses, and reassemble using new, high quality fluid.
Pay close attention to the condition inside the calipers and master cylinders. If there is serious pitting, they may need to be replaced.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
