Front Brake Vibration Fix

BMW's fix for vibrating/pulsing front brakes on the 1200 boxer

03/07/2008

Background:

Problems with the front brakes on the 1200 boxer machines isnt exactly unknown. Several people have reported recurring problems with vibration and pulsating of the front brake lever. If this was reported earlier as a warranty issue, new brake discs might have been fitted, but the problem could easily reoccur with the new discs.

Fix 1:

June 2007 BMW Motorrad America issued Service Information Bulletin Ref 34 003 07 (34) Under 'Details' is the follow comment:

A combination of unfavourable tolerances of brake disc, front wheel and ABS sensor ring and/or incorrect assembly can result in an increase in runout of the front brake discs. When the motorcycle has covered a considerable distance (empirical data indicates approximately 5,000 to 12,500 miles), very shallow recesses are worn into the brake discs. The effect is perceptible to the customer as pulsating brakes, and is particularly noticeable under gentle braking.

It then advises dealers to fit new discs to the front wheel, then check them for run-out. If the new discs are found out of tolerance then a new wheel would be fitted along with the discs to correct the problem.

Fix 2:

May 2008 BMW Motorrad USA issued Service Information Bulletin Ref 34 006 08 (028) There is now a new type of brake disc available with riveted on floating mounts. No longer is there need to measure run out or fit a replacement front wheel, just fit the new type of discs.

My problem:

Even from new the front brake of my 1200RT suffered from snatch at low speed making town riding challenging and low speed U turns very interesting indeed. At around 4000 miles I started to notice mild vibration on the front brake lever during high speed braking which became steadily worse as the mileage increased. At around 8000 miles my discs were replaced by the new riveted type (Fix 2). This has transformed the front brake, gone is the vibration that had become pretty bad and gone too was the brake snatch, my front brake is now as sweet as a nut, I just hope it stays that way.

Fix 2 Detailed pictures of the new discs and mounts, the first thing you might notice is the larger fitting under the Torx screw.

Fix 2 Side view showing how the disc has been machined away to allow fitment of the floating mount

Fix 2 View from the inside showing the serrated spring washer.

The new disc mounts (shown below) are of a more complex construction than first appears, containing both rubberized and spring washers.

Fitment guide and part numbers.

New mounting screws are needed for the GS machine, check with your dealer.

This information is provided as a guide only

If you think you have a problem with the front brake, I recommend you see your dealer and discuss the above with him

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