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I replaced my rotors and pads with EBC units about 2 years ago. It took awhile as the rotors weren't flat. In the end Ireturned four (4) times until I got a pair that were within specifications for flatness.
That said, any recommendations for replacement rotors and pads, other than stock BMW parts?
I appreciate the input as it's getting time to replace the EBC units.
Best.
Brook.
Wow! I own a 1978 R100S, a 1990 K1 and a 1999 R1100RT. All still have the original brake rotors. I have replaced the pucks for the floating rotors on the RT but I have not been able to wear out a set of rotors in 2 years, nor have a heard of anyone doing it. Just curious, what kind of mileage are you putting on a bike and what kind of brake pads are you using??
My 94 RS has 170,000 miles on it, on the original rotors. I have used three sets of front brake pads and two sets of rear pads in those miles. The rotors are not warpped, but they are scored some from use. I never "turn" rotors down as that reduces the mass that the rotor can handle in heat that the braking produces. I know the rotors are getting close to their wear thickness limit (4mm) but I can still use them for now. So I am suprised you are replacing rotors in only 30,000 miles.
[QUOTE=ANDYVH;852504]My 94 RS has 170,000 miles on it, on the original rotors. I have used three sets of front brake pads and two sets of rear pads in those miles. [/QUOTE]
What pads have you been using?
Now that I think back, it may have been that I just changed to the fourth set of front brake pads this past summber before my two up trip around lake Superior. The first set was BMW OEM, sets two and three were SBS standard brake pads, good feel in both dry and wet. The set I just installed are EBC. Good feel again and no squealling. So if you average that out I'm getting 42,500 miles per pad set on the front.
The rear is on the third set, first being OEM and the next two were SBS.
My rotors have very little "grooving" if you want to call it that. When I install new rotors I don't resurface the rotors other than to scruff them up with a rough 3M pad and brake cleaner or acetone.
[QUOTE=ANDYVH;852552]Now that I think back, it may have been that I just changed to the fourth set of front brake pads this past summber before my two up trip around lake Superior. The first set was BMW OEM, sets two and three were SBS standard brake pads, good feel in both dry and wet.[/QUOTE]
Follow up: What friction rating? HH? GG? Sintered? Organic?
On my 2000 RT, I get 20,000 miles out of a set of Kevlar brake pads from EBC.
137,000 on the bike, rotors still good. Just replaced the buttons.
I think with kevlar, the rotors will last forever. Bike stops great wet or dry one up or two.
I am not a track racer or anything.
I have the same kevlar pads on my /6 and they stop better than anything I have put on it. Front was converted to twin disc a LONG time ago.
David
for clarification purposes brook, when you say that the "EBC units" need replacing... are you talking about your EBC pads, or your EBC rotors?
if rotors.. something is wrong (either with your style of usage or the rotors themselves), as they should last well more than 2 years. if pads.. there are numrous aftermarket pads that people are happy with, along with the OEM units.
148,000 miles on my fronts and they are at 4.6mm 2 sets of OE pads sintered
Replaced one rear rotor so far and 6 sets OE pads, some OE,EBC,SBS
[QUOTE=bikerfish1100;852637]for clarification purposes brook, when you say that the "EBC units" need replacing... are you talking about your EBC pads, or your EBC rotors?
if rotors.. something is wrong (either with your style of usage or the rotors themselves), as they should last well more than 2 years. if pads.. there are numrous aftermarket pads that people are happy with, along with the OEM units.[/QUOTE]
In the first sentence he states the plural "I replaced my rotors and pads with EBC units" so pretty sure he means both. In fact the whole post is about both "units". I agree with your assessment though. Something is very wrong about wearing out rotors and pads that fast. I am an old school rider so my back brake gets used a fair bit whenever I stop and if I get into a corner a little too hot.
I replaced the rear pads only at 19.5K miles with EBC-FA363-HH sintered pads and still waiting for the original front pads to get done at 25K miles now. They are pretty much there and will get replaced before spring. Just trying out the HH pads and think I will go back to organic as they are easier on rotors. Never heard of Kevlar pads before. Sounds interesting though. Rotors are pricey!
I'm currently using Galfer Greens (similar to EBC Green), EBC HH, and Vesrah HH+ on various different bikes.
The Vesrah pads works really well on one sport bike but the Galfer Green, which is a kevlar pad, bites REALLY hard while being gentle on the discs on another bike. Lots of brake dust from them, though, and they take a moment or two longer than the others to start to work in the rain. I think I'm going to try them on the BMW.
Gosh, can't say I really recall what specific "mix" of brake pads I have used. Best to say they were just the run of the mill generic OEM replacement pads.
My riding style is "go with a flow" meaning I don't use a lot of brakes in the twisties. I prefer to set up for corners using the throttle and gearing, and then power through. I have had people ride behind me and comment "do you ever use your brakes?" So perhaps I am a little easy on the brakes. But from some other responses and mileage on their brakes I don't think I'm much different.
Now, terrain in my riding area tends to be fairly flat (meaning not mountainous) so that has a bit of bearing on it too.
[QUOTE=ANDYVH;853259]
My riding style is "go with a flow" meaning I don't use a lot of brakes in the twisties. I prefer to set up for corners using the throttle and gearing, and then power through. I have had people ride behind me and comment "do you ever use your brakes?" So perhaps I am a little easy on the brakes.
[/QUOTE]
A lot less work that way, eh?
it's The Pace, my Canuckistanian friend. "The Pace" is the way to ride.
fwiw- 95K miles, on my 3rd set of pads, front & rear (tho they were not changed out at same times). A mix of OEM, Galfer and EBC HH. Original rotors both ends.
Brakes are for stopping, or dramatic slowdowns. Running the twities on a big-bore twin? that's all about the motor and being smooth. Like Andy, i have been accussed of having non-functioning brake lights. I let new riding mates know beforehand that if they ever see my brake lights, it's for a very good reason.
+1 on not lighting the brake light.