R1200 Front brake pulses

[jono]

A frequent problem with the R1200GS is pulsing of the front brakes. This can occur at an early mileage, on mine it started around 30,000km and by 35,000km is bad enough that its time to get it sorted.
I have a second set of wheels which has been handy as switching out the front wheel confirms that the brake discs are the problem not the braking system.
I inspected the Tyre for damage or abnormal wear but it was ok and was therefore ruled out.

Having removed the disks from the problematic front wheel I am going to see if I can get them inspected to find out what exactly is making them cause the pulsing. A quick measure with digital vernier calipers shows they are still well above the minimum thickness. In fact by measuring the disk at a point where it is not in contact with the brake pads and comparing it to the sections where it is in contact with the brake pads I can say that the wear appears to be no more 0.1mm.

New disks are not cheap even those sourced from after market suppliers, so I would like to verify that they are U/S before forking out for new ones.
I will update this post with results in due course.

[_Wilks]

BMW changed the rotor bolt mount system on the 2008 model onwards. I think they called the new system Rivet mount (or similar) and IIRC there are differences in mount bolts between cast and cross spoked wheels.

Check the origins of your rotors and bolts match up with your rims.

A mis-match will cause the pulse feel you speak (of course there are other possible causes)

I had this pulse problem years ago until after studying parts fiches I worked out I had rotors & bolts from cast wheels fitted to my spare cross spoked wheels.

My memory of precise details is a little hazy these days so please cut me some slack if something has been described wrongly.

[spacey1]

My front brakes started this pulsing at about 125K km on the trip home from Phillip Island.

A new set of front disks were fitted around 115K km.

I swapped the new disks back to the old worn set. The braking was smooth for a couple of thousand kms. Now back to pulsing...

Will replace the new'ish pads next.

Auto Classic bled the brake system properly before the Kennedy Ranges trip.

I don't want to dismantle the calipers unless I absolutely have to...

[Cookie]

Hello Jon

My F650GS failed licensing inspection due to this issue, he said the disc was warped, a quick trip to Munich's $280.00 for a replacement disc and pad set - problem solved and bike passed second inspection with ease.