Rear pads

[Russ]

Replaced the rear pads this weekend, having memorised the highlights of HMarc's guide, but it was a very easy job to tackle and took about 20 minutes to do.

I contemplated removing the rear wheel, but couldn't be bothered in the end it wasn't necessary.

4800 miles and there was no more material on either pad, they were worn to the backplate

Check 'em pads if you commute in town on the GS!

 

[Mouse]

I replaced mine with EBC pads, and in the 3000 miles since, they haven't worn noticably.

Someone commented that this might cause extra rear disc wear, but I'll worry about that if and when it happens. Also I suspect the money I save in pads (15 quid every 20k probably for EBC over 20 quid every 5k for BMW) will probably pay for a new disc if I really end up needing one.

 

[shedracer]

You old boys are braking far too hard , my bikes done 9000 miles and still has about 1/3 pad material left.

Concerning changing pads to a different make, be careful cos if they score you disc`s like a guy I know, bmw will refuse a wrranty claim, so could cost you alot more in the long run

 

[Schtum]

I wonder if, in changing to a different friction material on the rear pads, you run the risk of upsetting the balance of the linked brakes.

 

[Russ]

I replaced mine with EBC pads, and in the 3000 miles since, they haven't worn noticably.

Someone commented that this might cause extra rear disc wear, but I'll worry about that if and when it happens. Also I suspect the money I save in pads (15 quid every 20k probably for EBC over 20 quid every 5k for BMW) will probably pay for a new disc if I really end up needing one.

Buy the time i'd got the EBC pads delivered etc... It was £2 or £3 difference, and given the grief i'm having with the EBC pads on my Freelander (which now squeals like a London Bus), for the money i get the right pads, with the right friction material, that work properly and won't affect warranty.

Interesting point Schtum, but that same rule would apply to the VFR surely?

 

[Schtum]

Interesting point Schtum, but that same rule would apply to the VFR surely?

Indeed it would, which is why I fitted EBC HH pads front and rear on my VFR when I needed to change the front ones.

 

[JayGee]

B...

Interesting point Schtum, but that same rule would apply to the VFR surely?

I think the VFR linked brakes are the same as the Blackbird which are very different to the BMW version. The Honda system is quite crude with a fixed linkage whilst the BMW is supposed to be intelligent and vary the front/rear bias to achieve optimum braking. Nothing wrong with the Honda system but I don't think you can assume the same rules apply on the BMW.
As far as increasing disc wear, I've been told that many times but it never was a problem in 40,000 miles on the Honda so I think it's a theoretical risk (but if you get through pads evry 400miles that will exagerate the effect).
These GS12s seem very heavy on the rear pads, I've had bikes that wear the front quick, but never the back. but then I rarely use the pedal. I suppose the beemers linkage will mean the rears wear quicker than on most bikes.

 

[JayGee]

oops, that should have been if you get through pads every 4000 miles, even the GS doesn't need them replacing after 400!

 

[Schtum]

I think the VFR linked brakes are the same as the Blackbird which are very different to the BMW version. The Honda system is quite crude with a fixed linkage whilst the BMW is supposed to be intelligent and vary the front/rear bias to achieve optimum braking. Nothing wrong with the Honda system but I don't think you can assume the same rules apply on the BMW.

However, having different friction materials front and rear will doubtless change the primary brake bias. Wether or not BMW's clever brakes can compensate for that is another matter. Even if they can, I suspect that there may be certain circumstances which lie outside the parameters of that ability.