'03 F650GS - Brakes are too weak !

[BLUEJAY]

Hi Gents,
one thing I have always complained on my F650GS = Brakes !

They work, but are way too weak for my liking

As soon as they get stressed a bit more, the rear brake almost refuses to work and the front one becomes lazy

I have new brake pads and I periodically change the oil (DOT4).
Seals are fine and there is no leaking

Is there anything I could do to improve this feature ?

After over 30.000 Km's, one of the main reason for which I have decided to upgrade (800GS or 1200GS) it is indeed the lack of braking power on this bike

My next bike will be a double disc for sure

Thanks for your help


Bluejay

 

[santrix]

Not sure if they changed the specs of the bike for 05 years but ive never had robs with my brakes, and ive done alot of green laning and given the brakes a pretty good hammering.... weird.. maybe a change in pad type or something.

 

[John Armstrong]

Depends on what you're used to

1200 GS very strong front, not as strong rear. F650 single, not very strong front, strong rear. Not very technical but that's how it feels to me Guess the 650 with a nodding front suspension can't have too strong brakes otherwise it'll bottom out the suspension and then lock up the wheel?

Best slow down, chill out, use the engine braking, or try fitting another front end on that has 2 disks?

 

[Ogmios]

... or take a ride on any Airhead

after which you'll think your brakes are wonderful

 

[John Armstrong]

... or take a ride on any Airhead

after which you'll think your brakes are wonderful

Not wrong, had a R100 GS as a loaner, more retardation from putting my arm out in the breeze than from the front brake, and in the wet

 

[AxeGrinder]

Try braided hoses if your bike doesn't already have them...definate improvement there...my o4 Dak already had them and I think my brakes are fine.

Also, it never hurts to strip and clean the caliper and piston...makes a big difference. DOT 4 is the right stuff...

If you want a demo of what good brakes can be...try a sports bike...with braided hoses fitted...you'll pop your eyes out before you go flying over the front...'98 ish ZX9R...six pots...scary

 

[BLUEJAY]

Try braided hoses if your bike doesn't already have them...

That may be the way to go, and I believe the front braking will benefit...

....Depends on what you're used to

.....F650 single, not very strong front, strong rear......

Sorry, that's not what it feels like....
Front not so strong, alright, but rear very very sh..ty after just three or four tough braking downhill.
Actually, if I slam on the pedal, the rear wheel will lock, but if I keep using the brake quite heavily a few times, after a couple of minutes the pedal will give up and stop working (loose).

Then, if I wait and allow it to cool down, it'll start working again.

Maybe there is something wrong

....Guess the 650 with a nodding front suspension can't have too strong brakes otherwise it'll bottom out the suspension and then lock up the wheel?

Oh come on ! This is bullox

....Best slow down, chill out, use the engine braking, or try fitting another front end on that has 2 disks?

If I don't want to slow down too quickly , I guess I'll have to slow down

....or try fitting another front end on that has 2 disks?

I am sure I am better off buying another bike "double-disks" equipped from the start

...for the wallet, for sure


Cheers
Bluejay

 

[AxeGrinder]

That may be the way to go, and I believe the front braking will benefit...

It sounds to me like your rear piston/caliper is binding... I'd say it just needs stripping down and cleaning...you can also get braids for the rear.

They give more feel, add stiffness/solidness to lever action, apart from just improving performance...

Mine doesn't have braids on rear...but works fine...

Strip...clean...fit hoses, and I bet you'll be sorted mate

 

[dakarjim]

Sorry, that's not what it feels like....
Front not so strong, alright, but rear very very sh..ty after just three or four tough braking downhill.
Actually, if I slam on the pedal, the rear wheel will lock, but if I keep using the brake quite heavily a few times, after a couple of minutes the pedal will give up and stop working (loose).

Then, if I wait and allow it to cool down, it'll start working again.

i did the hardknott pass last week, heading west. obviously the rear brake took a hammering on the way down (i dont really use the front on steep downhill stuff) to the point where it was squealing by the time i got to the bottom.

it still worked, although not as well; i put it down to overheating as i had the back end squirming around a few times

generally though i think the brakes are ok although i use the engine braking a lot as well