Any suggestions for upgrading my brakes please?

[ProdigalGS]

I'm just back from a long trip round Europe on my 2017 R1200GS. The bike ran perfectly but the brakes require a big squeeze when you want to stop in a hurry. It's done 20,000 miles on the original discs and pads, so they are due a change soon anyway. I'd love to fit more responsive brakes and was wondering who has tried what.

The simple option would be aftermarket pads, like EBC or Brembo, and new BMW discs. EBC seem to get the best reviews, does anyone have any relevant experience to share?

Option 2 is to fit some floating discs like these from Sunstar in Japan as well. I have bought Sunstar floaters before for a Kawasaki special and I thought they were excellent. Bit more expensive than OE discs but not too excessive. I think they look great too, but maybe not with the orange pins!

Option 3 is to fit Brembo Stylema calipers too. They are simple bolt-on replacement, although I would have to remove the locating dowels that BMW uses. You can get new ones on ebay for about £400 a pair.

Any constructive suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Neil W]

R1200/1250RT front discs , set of 7.5mm spacers for the calipers and uprated pads (did it on my 2015 GSA and it worked ) , or alternatively Galfer or Braking do a kit which includes larger discs, spacers and upgraded pads

https://calsport.co.uk/bmw-r-1200-gs-lc-13-18-2015/galfer-brakinggalfer-oversize-front-brake-kit-increase-to-320mm-includes-discs-sintered-pads-caliper-brackets/kg702wfs

 

[siddo]

I'd start by bleeding the system and servicing the calipers and replacing the pads.
Take a look at the way it is yt channel. He has a good video on pads and servicing calipers.

 

[ProdigalGS]

The bike was serviced with new brake fluid a few months ago, but the calipers weren't touched as far as I know.

 

[ProdigalGS]

R1200/1250RT front discs , set of 7.5mm spacers for the calipers and uprated pads (did it on my 2015 GSA and it worked ) , or alternatively Galfer or Braking do a kit which includes larger discs, spacers and upgraded pads

https://calsport.co.uk/bmw-r-1200-gs-lc-13-18-2015/galfer-brakinggalfer-oversize-front-brake-kit-increase-to-320mm-includes-discs-sintered-pads-caliper-brackets/kg702wfs

Thanks Neil, what pads did you use with the RT discs? I saw the Braking 320mm disc conversion, which looked like a possible option. Honda did something similar on the Fireblade many years ago, bigger discs with caliper spacers.

 

[Spook1969]

2017 R1200GS
I use the original discs and EBC EPFA pads, much better

 

[Neil W]

Thanks Neil, what pads did you use with the RT discs? I saw the Braking 320mm disc conversion, which looked like a possible option. Honda did something similar on the Fireblade many years ago, bigger discs with caliper spacers.

EBC HH were more than enough for two up in the Alps , no brake fade and it did make a difference with the bigger discs

 

[squibb34]

The OE braking system should be perfectly adequate so, before you go raiding your credit card for an upgrade, surely it's best to have a detailed overhaul your existing system.

The usual issue is the rear brake not sliding smoothly on the pins, leading to the disc overheating, which shows up as long pedal travel &/or brake fade. If you were experiencing this issue in the mountain switchbacks, but not so much elsewhere, it points to brake fade & the need to overhaul all 3 calipers & the master, whilst checking the discs for discoloration, high spots & run-out & the pads for glazing. There are plenty of pad options, so just check using 'search' - EBC HH seem popular.

A fluid change & ABS bleed is due every 2 years IIRC, but the dealer won't be looking deeper unless an issue is reported or something is obviously amiss.

 

[Bem]

R1200/1250RT front discs , set of 7.5mm spacers for the calipers and uprated pads (did it on my 2015 GSA and it worked ) , or alternatively Galfer or Braking do a kit which includes larger discs, spacers and upgraded pads

https://calsport.co.uk/bmw-r-1200-g...crease-to-320mm-includes-discs-sintered-pads-

I fitted the Galfer RT kit as I ch... in seat height Fantastic feedback at turn-in

 

[theoneandonly]

strip and reseal the calipers , clean everything to within an inch of its life .
pistons if it needs them . bleed them properly , for pads i would choose Ferodo ST pads ( if still available. )
lube your pivot pin at the lever.

https://brake-masters.com/motorcycle-brake-caliper-seal-kits/

ask for Paul. he is a most helpful chap .
if your discs are worn out at 20k , i would be surprised .
the thickness marked on the disc is NOT the wear limit , that is for guidance if you are refinishing them.
( bmw owners are suckers for letting shops tell them it is the wear limit ) if in doubt , measure a new disc.

i changed my discs at 80k miles on my 1150 , cos the MOT tester thought they were thin. ( i did it 11 months later )

 

[ProdigalGS]

Thanks for all the helpful replies, much appreciated. The front discs are 4.2mm, the wear limit is 4.0mm; I don't mind replacing them early if it's an upgrade. It may be perfectly safe to go below this but I would prefer not to.

For now I am going to fit some EBC pads and give the calipers a really good clean and service. If that doesn't give me the results I want, I'll consider larger discs. I'm a bit nervous about removing the pistons as I don't fancy having to bleed the brakes with all the ABS plumbing. I don't have a vacuum bleeder.

I'll report back.

 

[siddo]

Thanks for all the helpful replies, much appreciated. The front discs are 4.2mm, the wear limit is 4.0mm; I don't mind replacing them early if it's an upgrade. It may be perfectly safe to go below this but I would prefer not to.

For now I am going to fit some EBC pads and give the calipers a really good clean and service. If that doesn't give me the results I want, I'll consider larger discs. I'm a bit nervous about removing the pistons as I don't fancy having to bleed the brakes with all the ABS plumbing. I don't have a vacuum bleeder.

I'll report back.

I wouldn't remove the pistons. Just lube them with the paste until they operate freely.

 

[Barnoe]

I have the same year bike and my brakes are good even with 2 up and camping gear on mountain passes.

Are you sure it just doesn't need adjusting before spending your wonga?
Might be worth mentioning it next service, see if they can improve things.

 

[theoneandonly]

Thanks for all the helpful replies, much appreciated. The front discs are 4.2mm, the wear limit is 4.0mm; I don't mind replacing them early if it's an upgrade. It may be perfectly safe to go below this but I would prefer not to.

go back and read what i wrote .
if you have worn out the discs in 20k miles , what are you doing something wrong .

 

[Santa-2512]

Not reading the road ahead, and late heavy braking

Its the rider that needs changing, not the brakes

 

[Barnoe]

Not reading the road ahead, and late heavy braking

Its the rider that needs changing, not the brakes

To be fair, you do stop a lot quicker when you hit something

 

[er-minio]

If that doesn't give me the results I want, I'll consider larger discs.

Do no take this as a gratuitous dig at you but:

We (riders) are the problem/limit on the bike in 99% of the cases.

I'd look at my own riding (especially when we talk about road riding) before doing any heavy modification to the bike.
As suggested: clean the calipers, service the brakes, check everything is in working order. But I severely doubt the brakes (power of the system) of the GS are the issue here.

 

[zerax9]

Do no take this as a gratuitous dig at you but:

We (riders) are the problem/limit on the bike in 99% of the cases.

I'd look at my own riding (especially when we talk about road riding) before doing any heavy modification to the bike.
As suggested: clean the calipers, service the brakes, check everything is in working order. But I severely doubt the brakes (power of the system) of the GS are the issue here.

Agreed... I think the YouTube guy 'boxflyer' did a good video on servicing the brakes... defo the most complete and detailed that I've seen.

 

[er-minio]

To add to that: my GSA (older 2007 bike) has less than optimal braking at the moment (still within perfectly normal rideability), but the front calipers will need a very thorough cleanup and rebuild I suspect.
I have two set of wheels. The knobblies' front rim is using the older disc brakes (below minimum thickness) and you can really feel the braking difference (each set of discs has its own set of brake pads).

Another thing I'd look into is potentially "vitrified" brake pads. Especially given the abnormal wear on your discs.

Lots of things to check.

 

[BillWright]

Just a thought, but have you tried moving the span adjuster on the brake lever? That may give you a different feel, and best of all its free.