I Need Help

[Professor]

I need to take the wheels off my 07 1200RT to have some new tires mounted. I looked at the DIY section in this forum and it looked doable. I bought almost $100 worth of tools (including a small, but really cool 2 ton hydraulic jack for $28), and started the first step - removing the front fender tip - or whatever you call it - AND I"M ALREADY STUCK!!!:banghead

The DIY said remove the four screws, then spread the back "SLIGHTLY" to clear the tab. I spread, wiggled, pushed, pulled, and did everything I could think of. I was afraid if I spread it any further, I would break it.

Is there a trick to it? Can I get the wheel off without removing the fender? I don't have a lot of experience, but this looks like something I can do - if I can get the darned fender off.

Or am I fooling myself and it's harder than it looks and should I just give the dealer $120 to do the whole job? All suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[Semper_Fi]

Professor - I just rechecked what i wrote.

You do need to remove the front peice so you can roll the wheel out once you take the axle out.

That being said it should come right out.

It might be stuck with road stuff underneath who know.

You may want to look underneath on both sides as you are pulling to see if you see something holding it back.

Take your time.

Luis

[CDNBKR]

Its easy. I have a 2008 RT, and after removing the fender to pull the tire wondered why it had to be removed in the first place. My guess is the tire will come off without removing the fender. Either way, once you have removed the screws you need to know that the fender is still held in place by a tab located on the top centre of the back of the fender. Reach your fingers under the fender and pull back (towards the bike) slightly and you should clear the tab. For more info www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34977

[Professor]

Mission accomplished. I had to use a thin flat-bladed screwdriver to raise the fender just a little while I wiggled the fender. That got the tab out of the slot and the fender slid off easily. I had no problem with the rest of the job.

Thanks for your help.

I will need brake pads soon. The dealer wants almost $350 for two front sets and one rear. Can I get good pads that fit my RT for less money?

[MPMARTY]

Yes, and No. Check with Beemer boneyard but you need to stay with OEM pads as the computer for the ABS is calibrated for their specific friction characteristics. Be sure to mike the discs for proper thickness as they wear too.

[Professor]

I thought ABS kicked in when the sensor sees that the wheel has stopped turning. I don't understand how the pad friction enters into it.

Cycle Gear pads - $34. BMW pads - $106. 3X34=$102 3X106=$318

Others have contacted me who use other brand pads without a problem. Are you sure about the calibration thing? :confused:

[BernieEcht]

I am using a set of Galfers pads from Cyclebrakes.com.
They work fine, no difference, except when braking hard, they will squeal a little when getting to a stop. And lots of brake dust on the front wheel.
I have not tried any other brands.

[Semper_Fi]

Mission accomplished. I had to use a thin flat-bladed screwdriver to raise the fender just a little while I wiggled the fender. That got the tab out of the slot and the fender slid off easily. I had no problem with the rest of the job.

Thanks for your help.

I will need brake pads soon. The dealer wants almost $350 for two front sets and one rear. Can I get good pads that fit my RT for less money?


Great news - glad things went well.

I have used EBC brake Pads and they have been very good, the Double H style

Link here (http://www.ebcbrakes.com/motorcycle_brake/sintered_brake_pads/double_h_superbike_pads/index.shtml)

Not impressed with the website.

The part numbers are:


For the Front FA335; $37 per set, need 2 sets $74
For the Rear FA363; $37 per set, need 1 set
Total = $111.00

[Professor]

I want to thank everyone - especially Semper Fi. His DIY section on wheel removal and installation are superb. It allowed even me to do the job. I put the wheels back on, took it for a test ride, and nothing fell off!!

Also, I went to the parts man at my local dealer and told him I wanted to support the dealership, but I just couldn't pay over $300 for pads when I can get them at 1/3 that price. He said "Let me see what I can do". and dug into his computer. He had after market rear pads in stock and ordered the front ones - $40 per set for a total of $120. I can live with that.

By the way, my RT is loving the new Michelin PR2's.