K11 Owners Group

BMW_Mick

Hi,

This is my second LT, so I'm used to the brakes feeling soft and the lever travelling a long way, but the brakes are hopeless. Very little feel and very little power. It's had new pads not long before I got it and the discs are OE and in good condition. It's has Mk1 ABS and has done 119k.

Anyone any ideas?

Thanks

Number 6 · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:37 pm Post subject:

Bleed the brakes.
_________________
I am not a number, I am a free man.

94 K1100LT

BMW_Mick · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:41 pm Post subject:

Oh, should have added that the brakes have been bled as new fluid was also put in.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:56 pm Post subject:

Could also be the pads. If you have a harder pad it won't want to grip the disk as well as a softer set.

I'm also think along the lines of #6....... re-bleed the system. It doesn't take much air to make them soft.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:09 pm Post subject:

MICK!!!

What a strange place to see us both again. (sold the C-14, if you remember)

I agree- bleed the brakes, maybe several times. Frustrating, sure, but likely that you have air somewhere in the lines.

Good luck.
John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Jim · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:33 pm Post subject: front brakes

Hi Mick - welcome to K11!

If the brake lines have not been replaced, it is probably past time to replace them. At 18 years old, the rubber is probably breaking down.

I'd say replace all the rubber brake lines - unless you know they've been changed recently.

Good luck with it!
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

BMGraeme · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 6:15 pm Post subject:

I changed all the old rubber lines to S/S braided lines (from Motobins about £110 all in) and fitted EBC Double HH pads. The braking power now is phenomenal, as good as with my 1200GS Adventure if not better. No significant wear on the disks either.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

granth · Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:44 pm Post subject:

I would suspect air in the system too.I have an 93 k 1100 RS with ABS2, still on the original rubber hoses(which still look in as new condition) and the braking power is awesome with a firm,progressive lever action.
_________________
1993(94 MODEL) K1100RS IN ASTRAL BLUE
2006 URAL 750CC DALESMAN SIDECAR OUTFIT,
RED AND CREAM.