[Black Diamond Bill]

Hey guys, I've searched on the net as well as this forum, short of brake pads, are their brake system upgrades recommended as it relates to the calibers / discs or does a good set of pads take care of it?? Thanks much

 

[20-100]

Not many GS users complain that the brakes are not powefull enough. With street tires, on clean asphalt, I can do a stoppie with 2 fingers (I have replaced the original levers by short ones, just because I like it that way).

Change your oil, bleed properly (can be tricky because of the ABS)
Check your discs for bluing/discoloration/out of round/out of specs, replace BOTH if necessary.
Put good quality brake pads BOTH sides.

You should be good to go... and to stop.

 

[Black Diamond Bill]

Not many GS users complain that the brakes are not powefull enough. With street tires, on clean asphalt, I can do a stoppie with 2 fingers (I have replaced the original levers by short ones, just because I like it that way).

Change your oil, bleed properly (can be tricky because of the ABS)
Check your discs for bluing/discoloration/out of round/out of specs, replace BOTH if necessary.
Put good quality brake pads BOTH sides.

You should be good to go... and to stop.

Thanks much for the feedback, what about rear shocks, do you have much experience with them? I’ve talked to and strongly considering the Tractive Shock from the Beemer Shop for $1K. Haven’t been able to find good comparisons, unless the Tractive is just that good of a solution. I have a 2009 GSA

 

[20-100]

Hi Bill, sorry but I can't tell much about aftermarket shocks, my 2009 still have the originals at over 60000 miles. I guess that one of these days one of them (or both) will start leaking. I have ESA and want to keep it, that reduce the available options.

At that point I'll send them to Stadium Suspension for a rebuilt They are in Canada but works with US customers too. The have an excellent reputation and are in business since a long time.

My bike is 'old' so, now and then, I look for a pair of aftermarket shocks at a clearance price.

 

[PerazziMx14]

I'll sell you my 2006 R1200GSA with servo assist brakes. Not much else stops better. Truly one finger tip braking.

 

[Krons]

Thanks much for the feedback, what about rear shocks, do you have much experience with them? I’ve talked to and strongly considering the Tractive Shock from the Beemer Shop for $1K. Haven’t been able to find good comparisons, unless the Tractive is just that good of a solution. I have a 2009 GSA

Pretty sure on an 09 GSA you should be able to find options from Ohlins and Wilbers in addition to Tractive...if you have ESA may get more difficult. Some google searching should get you opinions.

I've heard good stuff about Tractive, I'm just too cheap to invest $1000 in my old GSA when stock suspension does what I need it to.

 

[Krons]

Hey guys, I've searched on the net as well as this forum, short of brake pads, are their brake system upgrades recommended as it relates to the calibers / discs or does a good set of pads take care of it?? Thanks much

Oh...and on brakes. You can google reviews on the Galfer rotors and pads but agree with @20-100 that stock are more than adequate when well maintained.

I would make sure you flush and bleed the brake fluid (plus ABS module) before you decide an upgrade is needed.

 

[Pterodactyl]

At twelve years old I suggest you disassemble and clean your calipers. If needed, replace the o'rings and maybe even the pistons.

 

[Black Diamond Bill]

At twelve years old I suggest you disassemble and clean your calipers. If needed, replace the o'rings and maybe even the pistons.

Thanks for the input Kevin, is there a video out there in caliber overhaul? I recently purchased the bike with 11K miles on it from one owner who kept it garaged. After receiving I had local dealer do complete inspection plus the brake flush. Almost 14k on it now -

 

[Pterodactyl]

There probably are some videos on rebuilding calipers but I haven’t looked for them. At such a low mileage I would probably just give them a good cleaning with a toothbrush and clean brake fluid. Great find, by the way.

 

[Black Diamond Bill]

There probably are some videos on rebuilding calipers but I haven’t looked for them. At such a low mileage I would probably just give them a good cleaning with a toothbrush and clean brake fluid. Great find, by the way.

Hey, thanks very much, best bike I’ve owned and the main reason I got it was due to my height at 6’5” with a 38” inseam. Really enjoying it... Can’t find peg lowering kits though, for this year -

 

[Pterodactyl]

Have you contacted Suburban Machinery? They made lowering kits for hexheads (DRF8 I think). Perhaps they still have them. Worth an email.

 

[Krons]

Hey, thanks very much, best bike I’ve owned and the main reason I got it was due to my height at 6’5” with a 38” inseam. Really enjoying it... Can’t find peg lowering kits though, for this year -

Have you contacted Suburban Machinery? They made lowering kits for hexheads (DRF8 I think). Perhaps they still have them. Worth an email.

I'm only 34" inseam, understand the need. Kevin is right, Suburban Machinery is only place I've found with a reliable looking solution aside from chinese adjustable ones...I stand on pegs enough to not try/trust those. Be aware the brake pedal is not adjustable so some modifications may be required to lower it with new pegs.

I've found a bead mat to give almost an extra inch of room, puts me on tips of feet with seat in high position but worth it on longer trips. Could have an upholstery shop add foam if you wanted too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YXC919/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_ajkKTHu8njPbG

Suburban link:

Suburban Machinery Motorcycle Accessory Prices

BMW motorcycle accessories prices from Suburban Machinery.

www.suburban-machinery.com

Chinese option...and still not super cheap...

Pardon Our Interruption...

www.ebay.com