2002 BMW MOTORRAD R 1150 RT brake pads

2
19
Safety check
For this reason, check the
details in the following sections
before you start the journey:
–Fuel level
– Positions of the handlebar-
lever fittings
– Brake fluid level
– Clutch fluid level
– Brakes
– Warning lights and telltale
lights
– Lights
– shock absorber settings
and spring preload
– condition of wheels and tyres,
tread depth and tyre pres-
sures
– Load, gross weight –
Check at regular intervals as
described in the following
sections
(each time you stop for refuel-
ling):
– Engine oil level
(every second or third time
you stop for refuelling):
– Brake pads
If you encounter any problems
or difficulties, it is always best to
contact your authorised BMW
Motorrad dealer.
He will provide the necessary
advice and assistance.
Checklist
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2
27
Safety check
Checking brake pads
d Warning:
Have the brake pads replaced
before they wear to the mini-
mum permissible thickness:
have the work performed
by a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer. Brake pad wear depends on
your personal style of riding.
To ensure reliable operation of
the brakes: do not allow lining
thickness to fall below minimum
value (
b Maintenance Instruc-
tions, Chapter 2).
Brake system - general
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2
28
Safety check
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
Checking brake fluid level
d Warning:
On a motorcycle equipped
with BMW Integral ABS, the
brake fluid level in the reser-
voir (
b 30, 31) does NOT drop
as the brake pads wear.
d Warning:
If brake fluid level in the fluid
reservoir (
b 30, 31) has
dropped below the MIN mark,
have the brake system
checked without delay by a
specialist workshop, prefera-
bly an authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer!
Changing brake fluid
d Warning:
Brake fluid is subject to
severe thermal loads and
absorbs moisture from the
atmosphere.
Consequently, the brake fluid
must be changed regularly
(see the Maintenance Instruc-
tions
b\bChapter 1) by a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably
an authorised BMW Motorrad
dealer.
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2
30
Safety check
Checking front brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the mini-
mum level (MIN mark)
 Place motorcycle on centre
stand
– Make sure the ground is
level and firm 
Place the handlebars in full
left lock.
 Check brake fluid level in
sight glass
MIN Minimum level
(top of
marking ring)
\f Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
MIN
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
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2
31
Safety check
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
Checking rear brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the
MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir
 Place motorcycle on centre
stand
–Make sure the ground is
level and firm 
Slacken off screw 1
 Take off cover 2 and check
brake fluid level
MIN Minimum level
\f Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
MIN
1
2
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3
51
Starting – Riding – Parking
Running in
Running in new brake
pads
d Warning:
New brake pads must “bed
down ” and therefore do not
achieve their optimum friction
levels during the first 500 km
(300 miles).
This slight initial reduction in
braking efficiency can be
compensated for by exerting
greater pressure on the lever.
Try to avoid all unnecessary
hard braking applications
during this initial period.
e Attention:
Comply with the notes on BMW
Integral ABS (b 64-71).
Running in new tyres
d Warning:
New tyres have a smooth sur-
face. This must be roughened
by riding in a restrained man-
ner at various heel angles
until the tyres are run in.
This running in procedure is
essential if the tyres are to
achieve maximum grip.
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3
62
Starting – Riding – Parking
Brake system - general
Wet bra kesAfter the motorcycle has been
washed, ridden through water
or ridden in the rain, the brake
discs and pads may be wet
(or iced-over in winter), and may
not take effect immediately.
d Warning:
The brakes have to dry before
they start to bite.
Salt on brakesThe full breaking effect can be
delayed if the motorcycle is rid-
den on salt-covered roads and
the brakes are not applied for
some time.
d Warning:
The layer of salt on the brake
discs and pads must first be
worn away.
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3
63
Starting – Riding – Parking
Brake system - general
Oil and grease on brakes
d Warning:
Brake discs and pads must be
free from oil or grease.
Dirt or mud on brakesWhen riding on loose surfaces
or muddy roads, the brakes
may fail to take effect immedi-
ately because of dirt or mois-
ture on the discs or brake pads.
d Warning:
The brakes must first be
applied until the discs and
pads are clean.
Dirt on the brakes increases
the rate of pad wear.
d Warning:
If the brake lever can be moved
right to the limit of its travel, this
indicates a mechanical or
hydraulic fault. The brake sys-
tem is defective.
Immediately consult a specialist
workshop, preferably an autho-
rised BMW Motorrad dealer.
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