Front brake question...

[seangd]

I recently drove a friend of mine's R12GS and the front brakes felt MUCH better than mine. His lever engaged a lot sooner and overall had a better feel. The lever on my bike pulls quite far before any resistance, and I guess I've just gotten used to it. Now I want my lever to engage like my friends GS. Is there a way I can make this adjustment instead of dealer charges? Any help is appreciated.

[Rocketair]

Has yours always been like that? I'm about to get my 12k service, and was really hoping it was a sign of the brakes needing service. I don't remember it being like that, but from 9-11.5k miles it seemed to have become exactly as you described.

[boxermoose]

What year was the GS - '05 & '06 had the servo brakes which will feel different then the non-servo

The trade off being ...well there is much discussion

[deilenberger]

This is one of those "they all do that.." - as the pads wear - the pistons extend, and the dust shield rubber tends to pull them back in just a tiny bit more the further they move out of their bores - giving more freeplay in the brake. Fix is new pads, but as they wear they'll start to gradually feel the same way. I thought something was wrong - bleeding does nothing much. Replacing the master cylinder (under warranty) did nothing much. New pads do help.

[seangd]

I have a 2009 R12R. ABS, ESA, etc. 7000 miles

The GS is a 2009 and has 2200 miles.

With those 2 pieces of info it does sound like that's just how it is; normal brake wear. And honestly, I'm okay with it if it really just means that's how the brakes feel over time. That being said, does anyone have an idea of what it would cost to have the dealership swap out my front brake pads? Is this something I could do myself?

(it sucks being a noob)

[ipokebadgers]

While I have not replaced the pads on my R1200R yet I have done the job on several other bikes. Two of which were BMW. I don't have the procedure in front of me but it is a fairly easy job just requiring removing a couple of pins and making sure all parts go back the same way they came off. Just be sure your rotors are in good shape. You usually don't want to put a new set of pads on a scored rotor. I am sure some of the other folks here can give better details.

Sean

[boxermoose]

At 7k miles your pads shouldn't need replacement - there is a wear indicator built into the pads and the checking of should be in the owners manual

Pad wear shouldn't have a major influence on lever feedback tho - but your 2009 is probably due for fluid replacement if not already done

[deilenberger]

At 7k miles your pads shouldn't need replacement - there is a wear indicator built into the pads and the checking of should be in the owners manual

Pad wear shouldn't have a major influence on lever feedback tho - but your 2009 is probably due for fluid replacement if not already done

I agree with "shouldn't" in both statements - but - the wear on the pads has a definite effect on the lever feel.. mebbe it shouldn't - but it does. Just how it is.