2003 BMW MOTORRAD F 650 GS DAKAR brake pads

1
23
Safety check
2
Checklist
For this reason, check the
details in the following sections
before you start the journey:
– Fuel level
– Clutch-lever play
–Brake pressure
– Brake fluid levels (front and rear)
– Operation of the ABS warning
light
–Drive chain
– Shock-absorber setting and
spring preload
– Wheel rim and tyre condition,
spokes, tread depth and tyre
pressures
–Loading
– Coolant level
–Lights – Check regularly (every time
you stop for fuel), on the basis
of the following section:
– Engine oil level
(every second stop for fuel)
– Brake pads
If you encounter any problems
or difficulties, please contact
your BMW motorcycle dealer.
He will provide the necessary
advice and assistance.
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1
31
Safety check
2
Brakes
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, prefera-
bly an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer. Brake pad wear depends on
your personal style of riding.
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32
Safety check
2
Brakes
Checking brake fluid levelGradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to drop.
d Warning:
If brake fluid level in the fluid
reservoirs for the front or rear
brakes has dropped below
the MIN mark (
b 33, 34) have
the brake system checked
without delay by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
Changing the brake fluid
d Warning:
Brake fluid is exposed to
severe thermal loads, and
absorbs moisture from the
atmosphere.
Consequently, the brake fluid
must be changed regularly by
a specialist workshop, prefer-
ably an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer.
10R13bkg4.book Seite 32 Montag, 22. September 2003 4:26 16

1
33
Safety check
2
Brakes
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 main (centre) stand or hold it
upright
– Make sure the ground is
level and firm.  Move the handlebars to the
straight-ahead position
 Check brake fluid level at sight glass:
MIN Minimum level
Halfway up sight glass
L Note:
Gradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to drop.
MIN
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34
Safety check
2
Checking rear brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the MIN
mark on the brake fluid reser-
voir
 Place motorcycle on main (centre) stand or hold it verti-
cal
– Make sure the ground is
level and firm.  Check the brake fluid level:
MAX Maximum level
MIN Minimum level
L Note:
Gradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to drop.
Brakes
MAX
MIN
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3
55
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 during this initial
period.
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
Brakes
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 brakes may fail to take
effect immediately if the motor-
cycle was ridden on salt-cov-
ered roads and the brakes were
not applied for some time.
d Warning:
The layer of salt on the brake
discs and pads has to be
worn off before the brakes
start to bite.
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3
63
Starting – Riding – Parking
Brakes
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 have to clean
themselves before they start
to bite.
Dirt on the brakes increases
the rate of pad wear.
Oil and grease on brakes
d Warning:
Brake discs and pads must be
free from oil and grease.
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
system is defective.
Immediately consult a special-
ist workshop, preferably an
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
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