R1200GS 2006 caliper paint

[jacksdad63]

Hi there, my brake calipers are looking a little worn, I'm going to fit new EBC HH pads and want to restore the bodies. I've done dozens of japanese caliper rebuilds over the years, and a good few Brembo car ones. This time I want to respray them in the correct colour, rather than using a 'close anthracite' paint...so does anyone know the RAL code, or an exact match automotive colour?
Thanks, Mike

 

[jacksdad63]

Anyone?
Still trying to find some paint, it's not pure black or any dark grey shade, might have to paint them silver titanium instead....

 

[Pukmeister]

The factory finish is anodised.

Surely they would come up like new in an ultrasonic cleaning tank ??

 

[jacksdad63]

Thats a good idea, my ultrasonic tank isn't big enough! Don't want to split the calipers either: if I remove the calipers, is it just a matter of bleeding the brake lines same as a 'normal' brake? I can't pinch off a hose as the lines are solid or braided steel.

 

[Steptoe]

if I remove the calipers, is it just a matter of bleeding the brake lines same as a 'normal' brake? I can't pinch off a hose as the lines are solid or braided steel.

depends if you have ABS. 2006 models have servo/abs. The brake fluid reservoirs that supply the calipers are contained in the ABS/servo modulator

 

[jacksdad63]

I've found out that my bike was made in January 2007 and registered in the UK in March, didn't hang around!
I don't think its the servo version, but I'm still not 100% certain as to which system this bike has
It has the 'normal' brake fluid master cylinders front and rear if that makes any difference

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

I've found out that my bike was made in January 2007 and registered in the UK in March, didn't hang around!
I don't think its the servo version, but I'm still not 100% certain as to which system this bike has
It has the 'normal' brake fluid master cylinders front and rear if that makes any difference

With the ignition on but the engine not running you will be able to hear the servo whine when you pull the front brake lever or apply rear brake. If you still can't work it out I suggest you trust servicing the brake callipers to someone else. A 2007 bike would have a servo if it's fitted with (optional at the time) ABS. I had my servo removed so maybe yours has too

 

[Pukmeister]

To clarify a little, the ServoABS bikes (early models 2004-2007) have external reservoirs as normal for the brake lever and foot pedal just the same as other bikes BUT they also have a large hydraulic pump under the tank that contains its own internal reservoirs.

When operating the front brake lever, the Servo pump makes an obvious loud whining noise under the tank.

When operating the rear brake, the pump will whine and then cut in/out intermittently to maintain rear brake pressure eg hill hold on the footbrake with out draining the battery by continuously running the Servo pump.

The SevoABS runs two circuits:

A pilot hydraulic circuit from the handlbar/footpedal to trigger the pump and also to provide "residual braking" in the event of pump failure (about as good as having no brakes).

A main hydraulic circuit from the electric ServoABS pump to the brake calipers.

If you ever bleed fluid from the calipers on a ServoABS bike thinking its like normal brakes, you have just entered a world of pain...... Instead you have just drained the internal reservoirs in the ABS pump under the tank and probably fucked the (very expensive) hydraulic pump in the process.

Around 2007/2008 BMW ditched the ServoABS for a better system:

The much better later ABS system without a Servo unit has a small ABS modulator block (valve block) fitted with its own small electric booster motor under the tank, and runs a single system from handlebars/footpedal to the modulator then onwards to the calipers. This can be bled from the calipers in the normal way but the ABS pump needs to be cycled using diagnostic kit (eg a GS911 device) to ensure the entire system is flushed during a brake fluid change.

Make sure you know EXACTLY which braking system you have before diving in.

 

[jacksdad63]

With the ignition on but the engine not running you will be able to hear the servo whine when you pull the front brake lever or apply rear brake. If you still can't work it out I suggest you trust servicing the brake callipers to someone else. A 2007 bike would have a servo if it's fitted with (optional at the time) ABS. I had my servo removed so maybe yours has too

Its a 2007 but not servo...the ABS rotor has large slots, not the 100 or so small slots found on the servo version. I restore old japanese bikes for a living, working on brakes isn't a problem, unless its the servo abs type

 

[jacksdad63]

Just remebered, I found the build sheet!
its X0630, I-ABS generation 2