1200GS rear brake

[Ashes]

How much stopping power should the rear brake have by itself on the 1200GS? Mine feels almost non existant when just applying it by itself on bitumen. I haven't ridden another GS so can't really compare. My VTR1000 has a heap more rear stopping power

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

They all do that sir and, whilst it does seem to vary a bit, the pad life [1] can be quite low so keep an eye on them.

Andres

[1] Rear only, front's seem to last forever

 

[Simert]

I have to agree. I've only had my GS for about 5 weeks and the back brake is very weak compared to the one on my old bike. Not sure if this is common or not. However I must say that the front brake is loads better than my old bike. So loose on one gain on the other. Have seen a GS skid the back wheel, so I guess with a bit of force, they do work well. This was a planned skid (mate showing off)..

I'm thinking about adjusting the screw by the brake pedal, so the point when the brakes engage is higher up. I don't seem to be able to push the pedal far enough down to get the required braking.. Not sure if this a good thing to do or will help.. I'm no expert...

Not much help, only agreement. sorry.

Si

 

[carsqhere]

How much stopping power should the rear brake have by itself on the 1200GS? Mine feels almost non existant when just applying it by itself on bitumen. I haven't ridden another GS so can't really compare. My VTR1000 has a heap more rear stopping power

Mine felt like it had air in it when I bought the bike, so I took it back to the dealers & they tested it & said "no, that's how they are". It's just as useless now, but I'm kinda used to it.

 

[Bones]

I had my rear brake checked at the first service as it felt very weak. The system was bled and software updates were applied and it the rearbrake nows feels no different at all really. I now don't bother with it as it is linked to the front anyway.

BTW Ferodo 'platinum' pads look like they will last longer than the 4-5K I used to get out of the EBC organic rear pads

 

[marcus]

the back break on my GS is significantly better than on my RSV.

Use it a lot actually......can't grumble.

 

[cookie]

mine doesn't seem to do anything more than hold the bike on hills.

 

[Bones]

the back break on my GS is significantly better than on my RSV.

That's not saying a lot though is it. The back brake on my RSV is to stop the thing rolling at traffic lights and that is about it. The front brake on my RSV is LOADS better than the GS front/rear combo, and it manages this without servos and software trying to do the job for me

 

[charlie bimmerman]

Got to say my 12GSA back brake is fine - plenty of power for my tastes and locks up the back wheel without to much of a stamp.

Then again why do you want a super powerful back brake? Used properly it'll give about 25% more stopping power from higher speeds but at low speed who wants a grabby, rear brake??

 

[APE]

the rear brake on mine is pants. Much worse than on the 1150 (although the front is an improvement). Agree you shouldn't be using it in anger but it doesn't even work for slow speed filtering. Just about strong enough to hold the bike on a hill.

 

[team duvet]

Mine too

Hi all,

Ya mine is rubbish too

As mentioned above I just use front break, dealer said ABS version not as keen/good as non ABS, also brake lever too long in design, his words not mine.

Still an ace bike !!!

Cheers,
TD

 

[wilbjr21]

I've got a good back brake on my R1200GSA and as far IIRC the one on my R1200GS was also fine. Needed new rear pads at 10,000 miles. Lots of Alpine hairpins - two up with luggage - may have something to do with that though.

 

[shinobi]

well i guess all the guys wondering why you need a good bake brake dont really do any offroading????????? personally i like to lock the rear to slide round corners

 

[cockroach]

Rear Brakes

The rear brake pedal can be adjusted, but be careful if you have an ABS model. The brake light switch should be heard switching before any pressure is applied so may need modifying. For the off roaders out there BMW do a set of sinterd pads which give a stronger bite and work better in the wet just watch for the faster disc wear.

 

[lkyphl]

On my GS with the new braking system, all the rear brake seems to do is keep the back wheel bloody filthy ; I am expecting very short pad life.

Phil

 

[Engineer]

Maybe it's just the servo/abs ones that have a weak rear brake - mine is more than powerful enough to lock up the rear wheel if I want it to.

 

[marcus]

That's not saying a lot though is it. The back brake on my RSV is to stop the thing rolling at traffic lights and that is about it. The front brake on my RSV is LOADS better than the GS front/rear combo, and it manages this without servos and software trying to do the job for me

The jury is still out with me on that one, but that's just lack of experience on sportsbikes.
If I had to brake heavily in the wet on the RSV I'd shit myself. I brake heavily in the wet on the GS just for a laugh! Top front stoppers on the Mille though, tis true. Looks the business too.

It's very easy to lock up the back on the GS though

 

[Bones]

Maybe it's just the servo/abs ones that have a weak rear brake - mine is more than powerful enough to lock up the rear wheel if I want it to.

I think your right. Mine is servo/ABS. I think the reason it feels week is the servo applies too much rear brake causing the ABS to cut in and release the brake (in order to prevent locking). Maybe

 

[Rustle]

The rear brake pedal can be adjusted, but be careful if you have an ABS model. The brake light switch should be heard switching before any pressure is applied so may need modifying. For the off roaders out there BMW do a set of sinterd pads which give a stronger bite and work better in the wet just watch for the faster disc wear.

I agree. Adjusted mine to avoid the massive ankle rotation required with the factory setting. Listened for switch clicking, fine, comfort, fine. Two rides later the red triangle is alight. Backed off the adjustment a little. Result no light and still OK brake position. Does it stop the bike - no probs!

 

[its all poo]

yup mines a bit poo as well