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Brake failure - help or advice please
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 2:36 pm
by MattnLA
Ok, so I just did the super embarrassing low low speed dump in a parking lot. Came to a stop on an angle, got indecisive about which way to go, and slowly tipped over onto my right side.
The good: NO ONE saw me. I was able to pick the bike up no problem. No visible damage. All seemed fine.
The bad: Brake failure. When I turn the key I don't hear it cycle through the brake check (i have the integrated abs). No high pitched whine when I apply the brakes. Brake failure light flashing. No power to the brakes at all.
So...any ideas what this could be and might it be a quick fix? Air in the fluid reservoir that might clear by letting it sit? I inspected the lines and don't see any visible damage or leaks.
I JUST moved to Greenville, SC and don't have any established relationship with a technician. Scared as hell to take it to the dealership.
Anyone have any advice or ideas?
Thanks.
Re: Brake failure - help or advice please
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 4:38 pm
by MattnLA
here's the answer...and I feel almost as stupid as I did a few hours ago when I dropped her...
I called TrophyMoto here in Greenville and spoke to Troy who gave me the fix for free. I have the GS handgrips on my bike and he knew right away that it shifted position when I dropped the bike, causing the hand brake to be depressed barely a millimeter, but enough to cause the system to not go through its test. I took at look and immediately saw that Troy was on the money. I gave the grip a little twist, turned the key, and sure enough, all is right with the world again.
Troy was super honest and could have had me bring the bike in for an expensive fix...So at least now I have my local BMW guy when I need.
Feeling ready for a ride.
Re: Brake failure - help or advice please
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 3:11 am
by riceburner
MattnLA wrote:here's the answer...and I feel almost as stupid as I did a few hours ago when I dropped her...
I called TrophyMoto here in Greenville and spoke to Troy who gave me the fix for free. I have the GS handgrips on my bike and he knew right away that it shifted position when I dropped the bike, causing the hand brake to be depressed barely a millimeter, but enough to cause the system to not go through its test. I took at look and immediately saw that Troy was on the money. I gave the grip a little twist, turned the key, and sure enough, all is right with the world again.
Troy was super honest and could have had me bring the bike in for an expensive fix...So at least now I have my local BMW guy when I need.
Feeling ready for a ride.
Good to know and good to share the knowledge too.
Re: Brake failure - help or advice please
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 12:40 pm
by peels
MattnLA wrote:here's the answer...and I feel almost as stupid as I did a few hours ago when I dropped her...
I called TrophyMoto here in Greenville and spoke to Troy who gave me the fix for free. I have the GS handgrips on my bike and he knew right away that it shifted position when I dropped the bike, causing the hand brake to be depressed barely a millimeter, but enough to cause the system to not go through its test. I took at look and immediately saw that Troy was on the money. I gave the grip a little twist, turned the key, and sure enough, all is right with the world again.
Troy was super honest and could have had me bring the bike in for an expensive fix...So at least now I have my local BMW guy when I need.
Feeling ready for a ride.
when you say handgrips, do you mean GUARDS? that makes sense, guards smashed into the lever.
either way, glad you figured it out.
Re: Brake failure - help or advice please
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 12:46 pm
by sstein
Lucky to find a decent experienced local mechanic. I'd send him a thank you note and a gift certificate to a local pizza joint or something. I've been screwed a few times in the past. He saved you time energy and $$.
Re: Brake failure - help or advice please
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 1:12 pm
by MattnLA
yes, I meant hand GUARDS.
Good idea on the pizza cert.
M
Re: Brake failure - help or advice please
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 2:36 pm
by peels
Indeed, i would reward them. I love when that happens.
I sent the guy who fixed my valve stem a Walmart Gift card. Sounds weird, but he worked there.

in the tire shop, and replaced the stem and didn't even charge me. I was 10+hrs from home having a rough day, and it just started leaking while parked.