brake pads BMW MOTORRAD R 850 R 2003 Rider's Manual (in English)

21
Safety check
2
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 setting and
spring preload
– Wheel rim and tyre condition,
tread depth and tyre
pressures
– Load, gross weight –
Check regularly (every time
you stop for fuel), on the basis
of the following section:
– Engine-oil level
(every 2nd/3rd 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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29
Safety check
2
Brake system - general
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 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 (
b Mainte-
nance Instructions Chapter 2).
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30
Safety check
2
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS
Checking brake fluid levelGradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to sink.
d Warning:
If brake fluid level in the fluid
reservoirs for the front or rear
brakes has dropped below
the MIN mark (
b 31, 32) have
the brake system checked
without delay by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
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
(
b Maintenance Instructions,
Chapter 1) by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
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31
Safety check
2
Checking front brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the mini-
mum level (MIN mark)
 Place the motorcycle on the
centre stand
–Make sure the ground is
level and firm 
Turn the handlebars all the
way to the left.
 Check the brake fluid level in
the sight glass
MIN minimum level
(top edge of
marking ring)
\f Note:
Gradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to sink.
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS
MIN
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32
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 the motorcycle on the
centre stand
– Make sure the ground is
level and firm 
Check the brake fluid level
MAX maximum level
MIN minimum level
\f Note:
Gradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to sink.
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS
MAX
MIN
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33
Safety check
2
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS2(
Checking brake fluid level
d Warning:
On a motorcycle equipped
with BMW Integral ABS, the
brake fluid level in the reser-
voir does NOT drop as the
brake pads wear (b 35, 36).
d Warning:
If the brake fluid level in the
reservoir (
b 35, 36) has
dropped below the specified
MIN mark, have the brake
system checked without de-
lay by a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer.
2(Optional extra
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
(
b Maintenance Instructions,
Chapter 1) by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
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35
Safety check
2
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS2(
Checking front brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the mini-
mum level (MIN mark)
 Place the motorcycle on the
centre stand
–Make sure the ground is
level and firm
2(Optional extra
Turn the handlebars all the
way to the left.
 Check the brake fluid level in
the sight glass
MIN minimum level
(top edge of
marking ring)
\f Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
MIN
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36
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
reservoir
2(Optional extra
 Place the motorcycle on the
centre stand
–Make sure the ground is
level and firm
 Check the 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.
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS2(
MIN
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57
Starting - Riding - Parking
3
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.
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.
e Attention:
Comply with the notes on BMW
Integral ABSOE (b 68-75).
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.
OEOptional extra
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66
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.
d Warning:
The brakes have to dry before
they start to bite.
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.
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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