K11 Owners Group

mnb · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 3:03 am Post subject: touchy brakes

So I've got new pads on the front. I had the shop put em on while putting on the new BT45s and doing a regular service.

If I move the lever a millimeter, they grab It takes very little pressure to exert a significant amount of braking force. This is much too sensitive for my preferences.

Any ideas what would cause this? Is there anything I can do to loosen up the feel some?
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

BMGraeme · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 4:53 am Post subject:

What type of pads did they fit? I just switched to double H sintered pads which pull very strongly with a small amount of movement. Personally I like it that way but may not be everyone's choice. They also may need a little settling in time to fit the rotors like the old ones did.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Al. · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:02 am Post subject: brakes

I have the opposite- new ones taking time to bed in.
You will get used to the sensitivity.

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:16 am Post subject:

Had new pads installed front and back a few weeks ago. I agree that the front brake lever became a two finger operation for a week or so. The lever also engages sooner- that is I don't have to pull it back very far at all to get them engaged.

The brakes have decreased somewhat in sensitivity in the past couple of weeks, I think(?)

Also, some fluid was probably taken out of the system when the new pads were installed, and that may have bled any remaining air out that was softening the lever. You may have just become accustomed to the brakes with a bit of air in the lines and now have a very well bled front brake system. Just my 2 cents....
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

hockeyshifter · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject:

keep this in mind and this goes for all pad on all vehicles.
the first 100 to 200 miles you should make long medium pressure stops.. avoid the panic/ short stopping distances
The reason for this is the pads are not even and flat to the surface of the rotor. they must be worn down to conform to the rotor surface

as for the grippness if you have switched to a new compound that could explain alot if you have upgraded from stock pads.
_________________
fix the problem not the blame ; fix what is messed up ; NO one is to blame.

beemeerr11 · Flying Brick Rider Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Posts: 168

mnb · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:21 am Post subject: Re: touchy brakes

Ragman · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 97

Just had a simular problem on my '95K11LT, no clearence at the lever and the front brake sometimes dragged.

Tech at the dealership adjusted the plunger pin in the front master cylinder to provide more play in the bake lever.

I must add that they installed a new front master cylinder a couple of K ago. And adjusted the plunger at no charge. Only took 10 minunts.

This may or may not be your problem.

Ragman
_________________
"When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."
~Thomas Jefferson

1995 K1100LT
1980 Hadley Giggleson FLHC

BMGraeme · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:22 pm Post subject: Re: touchy brakes

mnb · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject:

These are stock pads. SJ BMW stopped carrying EBC a while back after an "issue" with them. I have no idea what that issue was. They worked fine for me for years...

I have noticed that something about reinstalling the front wheel can affect the pressure required. I recently had the front tire replaced on my Harley, but I accidentaly bought a rear tire (right size for the front, though). So they reinstalled the tire and when I rode off, I noticed the force required to brake was much less. Given that quite a bit was required before, I liked this.

However, when I returned with the right tire and rode off, it was back to 'normal.' I have no idea what caused this difference.

The new pads on the beemer are working really well, almost too well. I could kill myself with one finger. This is much more sensitive than it used to be. I can understand a change with new pads, but this is a HUGE difference and borders on dangerous.
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:48 pm Post subject:

They probably stopped using EBC pads due to squeal - OEM pads have a spring in them to reduce squeal.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

BMGraeme · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:13 am Post subject:

Maybe the US versions of EBC pads are different but mine have the springs fitted and are silent in operation. Mind you, I do put a smear of copperslip onto the backs of the pads before fitting which is also to prevent any squeal.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

rover759 · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

God this is the $1M dollar question and without seeing its hard to know-
Perhaps you could start by taking it back and having a grumble!!
It could be new fluid has improved the pressure
It could be the master cylinder
Or it could just be that your old pads were knackered!! Shocked

mnb · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:59 pm Post subject:

rover759 · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 6:47 pm Post subject:

are you getting the matching wilbers fork springs too?

mnb · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:10 pm Post subject: