G/S footbrake help! Save me from dying!

[solidstate100]

Hi peeps

I am having a real struggle getting my right foot on to my footbrake lever on my 83 G/S.

Of course, to a greater or lesser extent, this is "BMW normal" what with the tight clearances and the fact that some idiot designer seems to have left a carb in the place where your right shin would normally go, but this has got markedly worse since I have now started wearing my more "winter spec" boots (Sidi Courier if you are intrested) which have a fair degree of shin padding, meaning I cant quite get my foot confidently on the pedal.

So the question is, folks, is there a standard mod for this, or has any bright spark here carried out a mod to extend the pedal surface area (which seems to be whats needed), or is there some kind of off the shelf solution around that I have not been able to find (I have had a surfer look on the electric webtube, unsuccessfully - most seem to be for the later GS versions which I think have different pedals).

Any help gratefully received - nearly piled into the back of a cager this morning as I missed the pedal and had to grab a large handful of front brake which then promptly locked and nearly deposited me on the deck (should be on strictly come dancing the amount of foot down action), much to the bus stop queues delight.....and I nearly really did smell of wee then!

 

[Rob Farmer]

You can buy an extension plate that lets you press the brake with your foot pointing further out.

Like this one

 

[solidstate100]

Thanks Rob, i did see those but couldn't find any listed specifically for the G/S, only the later GS's - anyone maybe point me in the direction of one that is known to fit a G/S, or advise if they are common etc etc?

Many thanks

 

[Rob Farmer]

Boxer supplies http://www.bmwboxersupplies.com/brake-lever-enlargment-wunderlich-p-158.html 20 Euros

 

[solidstate100]

Thanks again Rob. Looks like it will do the trick. Cant help thinking that if I could find a bit of plate and a couple of bolts I cold save approx 19.50 euros!

 

[Rob Farmer]

I wouldn't pay 20 euros for one. Home made would be better.

 

[Canuck]

The ST pedal has a larger surface area.... should be able to get one at a breakers cheap enough.

 

[Beemerboff]

If you make one yourself you can make it Z shaped so it is a bit longer too.

But be careful not to wear out the rear drum - 3 stud rears are getting scarce and expensive!

Anyone tried the Lucas / TRW rear shoes, or their ATE front pads?

 

[GSSTEVE]

Pedal extender

Try this, a simple effective pedal extension, this particular one made by Arc Eye Pete.. A blinding welder!!
Piece of 180mm long bar, 30mm deep and appx 2.5mm thick, bent around a suitable bar, cut in some teeth, weld to lever, lick of paint.
Any welder would prob not charge more than 20 sheets for this.
Been on for 20 years now and does the job.....none of that t-tec tat.

 

[ianboydsnr]

Try this, a simple effective pedal extension, this particular one made by Arc Eye Pete.. A blinding welder!!
Piece of 180mm long bar, 30mm deep and appx 2.5mm thick, bent around a suitable bar, cut in some teeth, weld to lever, lick of paint.
Any welder would prob not charge more than 20 sheets for this.
Been on for 20 years now and does the job.....none of that t-tec tat.

When I get a roundtuit, I plan on making mine the same, but I will extend the lever an inch or so, as it's far to short,
Probably get some softer shoe material fitted to the drum, BMW OE is far to hard, lasts forever, but wears the drum out!

 

[solidstate100]

Thanks for the replies gents.

I now have a clear idea of what I will do - in the "airhead spirit" I shall make one myself using nothing more than some scrap steel stock, a hammer, brut force and a welder. Much more satisfying than paying XXXeuros for something readymade thats worth tuppence in materials value. And also, it will look more the part blending in nicely with the general shed engineered look the G/S already has