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FRT BRAKE PULSE AND HILL HOLD DOESN’T ALWAYS

2.9K views 12 replies 5 participants last post by  Barab42  
#1 ·
On a 2020 R1250GS, with Brembo mod, after about 4000 miles from new, started getting pulsing from front brakes when coming to a stop. Dealer sd runout was within spec, test rode and noticed it, calling it “mild”. Sd ride more and report back. I’ve brought it up to the dealer at each service since with same response. Now at about 33K, the pulsing still occurs and dealer says probably needs rotors, which I suggested early in the discussions. Additionally, the “Hill Hold” feature doesn’t always stay engaged with clutch lever in and no brake contact. Seems to disengage when sitting on a slight as opposed to a steep downhill?

1- Has anyone else had or have these issues?
2- Could ABS system be a root cause?
3- Is the Hill Hold somehow tied to the ABS system?

I realize that I probably don’t have the best dealer service to work with, but the next nearest is about 70 miles away. It would be helpful to know more before forking over >$1000 in case that doesn’t solve the problem(s).
 
#2 ·
Unfortunate they’ll likely label your rotors as a wear item, which given many last 50k+ miles isn’t entirely true. Maybe BMW may cover them?
 
#3 ·
The only times I've had Hill Hold not hold is when i don't get it a firm quick squeeze. A more gradual or less full squeeze seems to not trigger it quite right.

I noticed the same pulsing on mine, and on my car too. The rotors are either warped or have some contaminates on the surface. My car got that way after some aggressive driving in the mountains...got them too hot I suppose and the result was warping.
 
#4 ·
Dealer says both frt rotors have “heat marks”, and replacements not warranty item. Wondering if other owners have had the pulsing issue and replaced OEM’s with EBC or other aftermarket components? Which one(s) would be a good quality replacement?
 
#5 ·
Had the pulsing problem on a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST the solution was changing the from stock to EBC sintered HH, Ferodo is also good and of course aftermarket Brembo pads. As you apply the brakes the pads deposit material on the rotors and then wipe that material off as the wheel rotates, sometimes this does happen as intended and you get pulsing when you apply the brakes.
As for the the hill assist not staying applied, I noticed on my '19 1250GS that the rear brake pedal was getting spongy and my hill assist did not hold. Bled the rear brake and everything worked as expected. Just anecdotal evidence from my side.
 
#7 ·
Had the pulsing problem on a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST the solution was changing the from stock to EBC sintered HH, Ferodo is also good and of course aftermarket Brembo pads.
Had a 2015 Triumph Trophy also with pulsing frt brakes, but much worse than the GS. The solution then was to replace with OEM, but dealer did it under warranty. I forget the mileage, but the issue started up again before the bike got totaled at 42,000 miles. At the time, according to the Trophy forum, the pulsing problem was fairly common on that bike.
 
#12 ·
I did wonder to be honest the wife has just had a 1250 and her Hill start doesn't work at all unless in neutral soo bizarre I have flushed the system even took to dealer for software update but still no joy, literally she pulls up in gear and tryies to squeeze the brake to apply the hill start it initially comes on then no more than 1 second it turns back off. Bmw say the onky way it can turn itself back off is if the bike sees wheels speed or recognises engine load unless of course ur manually turn it back off. Really frustrating as I can not get to the bottom of it. Any recommendations greatly appreciated lol
Thanks