Brakes - BMW R 1200 GS Rider's Manual

Ensure proper tire inflation
pressure.

Brakes

When the motorcycle is
ridden on loose surfaces
or muddy roads, the brakes may
fail to take effect immediately
because of dirt or moisture on
the disks or brake pads.
Brake early until the brakes are
braked clean.
Driving on unpaved or dirty
roads leads to increased
brake pad wear.
Check the brake pad thickness
more often and replace the brake
pads sooner.
Spring preload and damping
Spring preload and damp-
ing values that have been
changed for offroad use reduce
handling characteristics on paved
surfaces.
Before returning to on-road use,
reset correct spring preload and
correct damping.
Rims
BMW Motorrad recommends
checking the rims for possible
damage after riding offroad.
Air filter insert
Engine damage due to
soiled air filter insert.
When driving in dusty terrain,
check air filter insert for soiling
at short intervals and clean or re-
place if necessary.
Use under very dusty conditions
(deserts, savannas, etc.) requires
the use air filter inserts special-
ly developed for these kinds of
applications.

Brakes

How is the shortest
braking distance
achieved?
The dynamic load distribution
between the front and rear wheel
changes during braking. The
heavier you brake, the more
the front wheel is loaded. The
greater the wheel load, the more
braking force can be transferred.
To achieve the shortest possible
braking distance, the front brake
must be applied quickly and with
increasing force. This optimal-
ly utilizes the dynamic load in-
crease on the front wheel. At the
same time, the clutch should al-
so be actuated. With the "forced
braking" often practiced in which
the brake pressure is generat-
ed as quickly as possible and
with great force, the dynamic
load distribution cannot follow
the increased deceleration and
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