2004 BMW MOTORRAD K 1200 GT brake pads

22
29
Safety check
2
For this reason, check the
details in the following sections
before you start the journey:
– Fuel level
– Positions of the handlebar levers
–Brakes
–Brake fluid level
– Clutch fluid level
– Coolant level
– Shock-absorber setting and spring preload
– Wheel rim and tyre condition, tread depth and tyre
pressures
– Load, gross weight
–Lights
– Warning lights and indicator lights with ignition switched
on – Check regularly (every time
you stop for fuel), on the basis
of the following section:
– Engine oil level (every sec- ond/third stop for fuel):
– Brake pads
If you encounter any problems
or difficulties, it is always best to
contact your authorised BMW
motorcycle dealer.
He will provide the necessary
advice and assistance.
Checklist
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22
37
Safety check
2
Checking brake pads
 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 motorcycle dealer. Brake pad wear depends on
your personal style of riding.
To ensure reliable operation of
the brakes: do not allow the
pads to wear past the minimum
specified thickness (

Mainte-
nance Instructions, Chapter 2).
Brake system - general
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38
Safety check
2
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
Checking brake fluid level
 Warning:
On a motorcycle equipped
with BMW Integral ABS, the
brake fluid level in the reser-
voir (

40) does NOT drop as
the brake pads wear.
 Warning:
Have the brake system
checked immediately by a
specialist workshop, prefera-
bly an authorised BMW mo-
torcycle dealer, if the brake
fluid level in the reservoir of
the brake system (

40) drops
below the MIN mark.
Changing the brake fluid
 Warning:
Brake fluid is exposed to
severe thermal loads, and
absorbs moisture from the
atmosphere.
Consequently, the brake fluid
must be changed regularly
(

Maintenance Instruc-
tions, Chapter 1) by a special-
ist workshop, preferably an
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
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40
Safety check
2
Checking front brake fluid
level
 Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the mini-
mum level (MIN mark).
• Place motorcycle on main
(centre) stand
– Make sure the ground is level and firm • Turn the handlebars fully to
the left
• Check brake fluid level in
sight glass
MIN Minimum level
(top of marking ring)

Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
MIN
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22
41
Safety check
2
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
Brake fluid level, rear
brake
• Warning lights 1 and 2
(

81) in the array of telltale
and warning lights flash alter-
nately if the fluid in the reser-
voir drops below the minimum
permissible level
*n depending on national-market
specification

Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
1*2
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3
65
Starting – Riding – Parking
Running in
Running in new brake
pads
 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.
 Attention:
Comply with the notes on BMW
Integral ABS (
74-81).
Running in new tyres
 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
reach their maximum level of
grip.
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72
Starting – Riding – Parking
3
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.
 Warning:
The brakes should always be
applied first to dry them.
Salt on brakesThe full braking effect can be
delayed if the motorcycle is rid-
den on salt-covered roads and
the brakes are not applied for
some time.
 Warning:
The layer of salt on the brake
discs and pads must first be
worn away.
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3
73
Starting – Riding – Parking
Brake system - general
Oil and grease on brakes
 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.
 Warning:
The brakes must first be
applied until the discs and
pads are clean.
Dirt on the brakes increases
the rate of pad wear.
 Warning:
If the brake lever can be moved
right to the limit of its travel, this
indicates a mechanical or hy-
draulic fault. The brake system
is defective.
Immediately consult a special-
ist workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
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