R1200RT(05) Front Brake Judder

[Big Tel]

Wanted to pick a few brains to see if anyone has suffered similar, and/or can offer a solution.

Just returned from the Black Forest on my 1200RT. I got the bike last year and its not had a huge amount of use, (24k) The front brakes are juddering badly when even slight pressure is applied at the lever.
It's had the 2 recall jobs done in recent months, and when road tested, the BMW mechanic testing the bike commented on break disc wear close to suggested minimum. He commented on a slight judder on the front brakes.

Question 1. Are they prone to warped discs? They don't feel like they are just catching in one or two places, as if warping was present. They have a proper regular judder which on downhill bends is very unnerving.

Question 2. Could it be some irregularity or weird symptom of ABS? My previous Beemers, K1100's and an R1150GSA have never displayed anything like this, and trust me I am an enthusiastic rider and have provoked ABS before.

 

[Schtum]

1. Yes. It's either warped discs or brake dust deposit on the surface. However, the early bikes were especially prone to front disc warping. I had both of them and the pads replaced under warranty on my 2004 R1200GS at 3K miles.

Those brake discs were identical to those on the early Ducati Multistradas and they suffered exactly the same symptoms.

 

[Big Tel]

Hey Schtum, many thanks for that speedy response. I did contact BMW Motorrad to query if any recall ever occurred for brakes but they state no. Obviously one problem they kept quiet and changed where necessary.
The front pads are fairly new and have not had much use by me. I've been up and down the box like a fiddlers elbow on my recent tour and just using the rear to steady the ship at times. Looks like some expensive replacements are required. Any suggestions as to where they might be obtained at a sensible price?

 

[Schtum]

Any suggestions as to where they might be obtained at a sensible price?

The usual advice used to be from Steptoe on this forum. http://www.gsshop.biz/shop/850/1100...rd-r850gs/1100gs/1150gs/1200gs/gsa-front.html His website says they're out of stock but it might be worth contacting him to see if he does have any or if he's getting more in. Failing that, look at one of the suppliers who advertise on here or on eBay. I'd budget for new pads at the same time and inspect the state of the rear disc and pads as well.

 

[Big Tel]

All sound advice thanks. I've emailed Steptoe to see what the score with parts is. Will start looking elsewhere. MOT in a couple of months so best crack on.

Thanks for the response again.

 

[steadysteve]

Got some Hekkane stainless ones from James Sherlock for my '05 RT. Good price and service from JS. Only one of mine was warped, so the other genuine one is for sale in the For Sale section if you want to go for genuine ones.
All Bike Engineering in London do them as well at good prices. Fitted a pair to an old GS, no problems either.

 

[chopper_harris]

And you will need a good heat gun to soften the thread lock on the rotor bolts, else the swiss cheese torx heads will deform before your very eyes

 

[Big Tel]

More good advice, Cheers Steve, checked the website and looking to order some discs.

Thanks Chopper, well worth knowing in advance.