Good vibrations? (Brakes)

[chickenlegs]

Good or bad? I can't decide and I'm not sure if I should be rushing off to the BMW dealership to check it out. Is it normal (yes, another new boy), to experience vibrations from the front brake? Under normal, gentle braking and having only done about 1000 miles, I get a vibration that feels like a warped brake disc, but it seems unlikely as I haven't got out of third gear yet! (Just joking). I understand that the sometimes rather startling brake delay that occurs, is due to the servo taking a split second to remember what it's for, but the vibration is becoming a bit of an annoyance. Anyone felt this vibration under normal braking?
Chris

 

[Mouse]

Haven't had any vibes from mine, although it can be alittle snatchy at low speeds.

As for the "delay" - BMW claim that the servos are to decrease brake response time, as I remember. So this sounds BAD! Do the servos start whining as soon as you pull the lever? If not, I'd get the switches on the brake levers checked out.

 

[chickenlegs]

The servo does whine as soon as the brakes are applied and the braking is good, but snatchy as you say. I think it's one of those "get used to it" things. I'm already comfortable with the tiny delay that occurs and it has made me think ahead but it was, when I first got the bike, cause for some fast breathing for a while as I got used to the BMW brakes and the pads wore in. Nothing seems to happen for a worrying length of time! Quite a shock from a Faser which responded immediately. I think I might contact BMW if the vibration appears to be an uncommon issue.

 

[Mouse]

Cool, I previously rode a Fazer too

 

[GSmonkey]

Cool, I previously rode a Fazer too

As did I!!!(bike before last) I agree, they can be a bit snatchy, which can give a bumpy ride at low speeds, coupled with the engine become a bit lumpy sub 2k. Still rather have this brake system on the GS rather than anything else. Its the first bike I've owned that you know you really can 'grab a handfull' and just stop rather than getting thrown on your arse. Not saying its good technique before the IAM mob start to comment

 

[laughingBob]

Chris,

There shouldn't be any vibration. I'd go back to the dealer and get it sorted pronto, especially with the brake faults reported elsewhere on the site.

 

[airborne]

Mine did it

but not any more. At least it sounds similar to the slight "grabbing" feeling under light brake pressure.

Took it to Vines to see if they thought it was a problem - warped disc was in my mind.

One of the techs (Gary?) took it out for a ride and "gave it a good test" and then handed it back reporting no problems with the brakes. I rode home and found the brakes were nice and smooth!!

I suspect he gave the brakes a good pounding (that I hadn't done!) and they've been fine since.

 

[TheJoker]

If you have warped discs you should (on normal brakes, not fancy-pants-BMW-malarkey-ones) feel pulsating in the lever. The stopping might also be a bit jerky (less-more-less-more).

The BMW servo/ABS brakes might dillute this feeling or completely make it disappear.
If it's the ABS you're experiencing then the feeling is a bit similar, but the stopping action should be much bigger and you should hear the ABS malarkey doohickeys do their "thang".

To test for warped discs, I'd take it beyond 3rd gear, and then apply brakes slowly - you should feel the pulsating at pretty much all braking forces. So, take her up to say, 70mph, and slowly start squeezing the brakes and increase more and more until you stop.

Also, as mentioned; it might be a good idea to give the whole system some proper aknowledgement - do 100mph (on closed test track ), and brakes as hard and much as you can, say 3 to 5 times... If it goes away, be happy. If it doesn't take it to the dealer immediately.

Disclaimer; brakes are important things, don't mess with them without knowing what you're doing, and don't sue me if something happens...

 

[Mouse]

I have found that giving my brakes "a good pounding" stops them squealing for a short time. But then it comes back after a bit of normal use. The front brake is so powerful that you don't need to use it very hard normally!

 

[chickenlegs]

Vibrations at Christmas

Many thanks to all who offered advice on this subject. I will, after Christmas is out of the way explore those suggestions and have a chat to the nice chaps at Bath Road Motorcycles.

Merry Christmas to you all.....here's hoping Santa's brought a new Satelite Navigation system, a complete exhaust system, an MP3 player and a spare GS, for rainy days!! Come on Santa, it's not much to ask.

Merry Christmas and thanks again.
Chris

 

[Gog yn y De]

Many thanks to all who offered advice on this subject. I will, after Christmas is out of the way explore those suggestions and have a chat to the nice chaps at Bath Road Motorcycles.

Merry Christmas to you all.....here's hoping Santa's brought a new Satelite Navigation system, a complete exhaust system, an MP3 player and a spare GS, for rainy days!! Come on Santa, it's not much to ask.

Merry Christmas and thanks again.
Chris

Did you get your brakes sorted in the end?