2019 R1250GSA Rear brake pedal adjustment - Yes or No?

Geecee68

Member
UKGSer Subscriber
Joined
Dec 20, 2022
Messages
63
Reaction score
73
Location
Surrey, England
I've read the threads but not seen one about 1250s, and Facebook forum suggested its not adjustable. Any advice before I take a spanner to the locknut and try adjusting it?
 
No. It’s only adjustable to allow a slight amount of free play to compensate for fluid expansion with heat. If you take out the free play, you will inevitably experience the rear brake binding.
 
No. It’s only adjustable to allow a slight amount of free play to compensate for fluid expansion with heat. If you take out the free play, you will inevitably experience the rear brake binding.
So what is the best way to get the pedal to a place where I like it? Am I looking at the Wonderlich catalog perhaps?
 
So what is the best way to get the pedal to a place where I like it? Am I looking at the Wonderlich catalog perhaps?
Have you bled the rear brake, that usually sorts out the free play - for me.

I made the mistake of adjusting out most of the free play and as above the rear started binding shortly afterwards.
 
So what is the best way to get the pedal to a place where I like it? Am I looking at the Wonderlich catalog perhaps?
If you have a standard GS and the pedal is too low, try the two position adjustable pedal from a GSA. They can quite often be found for sale used. As others have said, also bleed the rear brake with some fresh fluid. Some bikes are prone to letting air in, resulting in excessive travel.
 
If you have a standard GS and the pedal is too low, try the two position adjustable pedal from a GSA. They can quite often be found for sale used. As others have said, also bleed the rear brake with some fresh fluid. Some bikes are prone to letting air in, resulting in excessive travel.
I did this, but mainly for when standing as it felt awkward to rear brake. Super easy to fit, even a video on YouTube of how todo it.
0B4C7D56-A9A1-4575-81A2-102D469A422D.jpg

I’d say that even with the top piece in the up position, the brake pedal feels a little higher for normal road riding.

660434A8-E7F6-4509-B098-F546FE1A300E.jpeg
 
Mine has the brake with the clip down part that you are supposed to use off road. What I find is that it sits in the right place, but I'm pushing too far down before it engages. I looked online and a few people talk about the binding problem. Buying an adjustable brake pedal seems over the top, as I have to think that it is inherently adjustable. I went and found the service manual and it suggests disconnectig the pedal, pulling down the threaded screw attached to the brake cylinder, attache the rear of the pedal, adjust the pedal so its 1 mil below the frame, tighten up the nut and locktitght it.
 
My rear pedal was too low, tried a few times to bleed it myself the conventional way and couldn't get it any better.
Had the fluid changed at the dealer last week as part of the service, they use the diagnostics to bleed the ABS as I understand, pedal travel is how it should be now, probably 5mm travel before it starts working, instead of 25mm+.
Brake is also way more effective.
 
No. It’s only adjustable to allow a slight amount of free play to compensate for fluid expansion with heat. If you take out the free play, you will inevitably experience the rear brake binding.
Recommended minimum 2 mm free play on the rear brake pedal.
Having changed my rear pedal from a GSA one to the more wider GS plain pedal which also now has an after market wider foot plate fitted to it, which makes the pedal foot plate higher by about 10mm.
Adjusted at rear to allow 2 mm free play, new pedal does feel much better and easier too brake with.
 
Recommended minimum 2 mm free play on the rear brake pedal.
Having changed my rear pedal from a GSA one to the more wider GS plain pedal which also now has an after market wider foot plate fitted to it, which makes the pedal foot plate higher by about 10mm.
Adjusted at rear to allow 2 mm free play, new pedal does feel much better and easier too brake with.
And did you adjust it using the method suggested in the service manual? Any tips appreciated.
 
Mine has the brake with the clip down part that you are supposed to use off road. What I find is that it sits in the right place, but I'm pushing too far down before it engages. I looked online and a few people talk about the binding problem. Buying an adjustable brake pedal seems over the top, as I have to think that it is inherently adjustable. I went and found the service manual and it suggests disconnectig the pedal, pulling down the threaded screw attached to the brake cylinder, attache the rear of the pedal, adjust the pedal so its 1 mil below the frame, tighten up the nut and locktitght it.
This is a known issue with GS back brake

the repeatedly need bleeding
 
And did you adjust it using the method suggested in the service manual? Any tips appreciated.
Yes, for sure, I adjusted according to the manual, the rear brake master cylinder was leaking, blowing bubbles at the bottom of the master, no repair kits available for these I was told, so a sourced used non- Abs one was purchased from Motorworks.
Fitted then brakes bled, and waited for a replacement rear brake lever from Germany before fully fitting, adjusting again to check, then testing, all is well.
 
Mine has the brake with the clip down part that you are supposed to use off road.
The clip down pedal part used on the GSA model, in the down position onto the pedal is for seated road use, making it easier to reach with boot, the clip up and away to the side is for standing on pegs, mainly off-road use. Many sometimes get that wrong.bpp1.jpgbpp2.jpg
 
Last edited:
The clip down pedal part used on the GSA model, in the down position onto the pedal is for seated road use, making it easier to reach with boot, the clip up and away to the side is for standing on pegs, mainly off-road use. Many sometimes get that wrong.View attachment 504348View attachment 504349
That’s odd. The Owners manual for my 2024 GSA states the opposite - Swing the footplate up until it latches in position if you are going to be seated while riding. And - Swing the footplate down until it latches in position if you are going to stand on the footrests while riding. As I never off road with mine, it always stays in the up position.
Page 125 https://manuals.bmw-motorrad.com/manuals/BA-Extern/IN/BA-INTERNET-COM/PDF/R_0M11_RM_0423_01.pdf
 
That’s odd. The Owners manual for my 2024 GSA states the opposite - Swing the footplate up until it latches in position if you are going to be seated while riding. And - Swing the footplate down until it latches in position if you are going to stand on the footrests while riding. As I never off road with mine, it always stays in the up position.
Page 125 https://manuals.bmw-motorrad.com/manuals/BA-Extern/IN/BA-INTERNET-COM/PDF/R_0M11_RM_0423_01.pdf
Very strange they contradict each other, guess we will have to wait until the Gods of wisdom pipe up and explain which is the correct method, I seldom off road ride these days, certainly never on a heavy bike like mine.
Someone will know better. :D Bmw manual script writer seems also to be confused.
 
It might have something to do with wearing thick soled, high, off road style boots, rather than normal riders boots or shoes? The ones motocross riders wear.
 
That’s odd. The Owners manual for my 2024 GSA states the opposite - Swing the footplate up until it latches in position if you are going to be seated while riding. And - Swing the footplate down until it latches in position if you are going to stand on the footrests while riding. As I never off road with mine, it always stays in the up position.
Page 125 https://manuals.bmw-motorrad.com/manuals/BA-Extern/IN/BA-INTERNET-COM/PDF/R_0M11_RM_0423_01.pdf
Just read this....that’s what I thought.

I believe the position of the top of foot rest to the top of pedal should be pretty much a horizontal line when standing. Doesn’t matter what boot.

When sat, your foot naturally points down in a ride position thus the pedal can be lower thus making it more comfortable to brake.
 
Last edited:
Just read this....that’s what I thought.

I believe the position of the top of foot rest to the top of pedal should be pretty much a horizontal line when standing. Doesn’t matter what boot.

When sat, your foot naturally points down in a ride position thus the pedal can be lower thus making it more comfortable to brake.
I agree with both positions, might be why I changed for an 08 brand new GS brake lever, and did away with the GSA lever that was fitted, just thought it looked weird, only bike I know that had one.

My new lever fitted to my 08 GSA below, along side Wunderlich Lowered footrests with rubbers.

WP_20150114_04_07_28_Pro.jpg
 
Just read this....that’s what I thought.

I believe the position of the top of foot rest to the top of pedal should be pretty much a horizontal line when standing. Doesn’t matter what boot.

When sat, your foot naturally points down in a ride position thus the pedal can be lower thus making it more comfortable to brake.
I’ve also fitted standard GS pegs on my GSA. Far better for road riding than the enduro pegs. I find I have more flexibility for gear changes and braking with them.
 


Back
Top Bottom