geoffm
16th March 2008, 19:22
Wear and tear caught up with the BMW K100 RS with the brake bobbins for the floating disks being knackered - I could hear the disks rattling as I was riding a long and it sounded like the cymbals section of the orchestra. The disks also measured 3mm min (service limit 4.5mm). I looked at replacing the bike, but there was a financial shortfall.
After asking on the BMW-tech list, it came down to Gianelli stainless disks (from Motorbins.co.uk) or PFM disks (From motorworks.co.uk). The PFM ones were slightly cheaper, and I wanted to see if the castiron improved braking performance, so ordered them I did - came in arond $260-280/disk with bobbins landed. Not cheap, but 1/5 BMW price, and less than the guy in Waihi.
Installation was pretty easy. The OEM disks have a C clip that is a mission to move, and 3 of the bobbins have a spring clip to stop the rattles. This wears out..
The PFM ones used a wavy washer under each bobbin, and a conventional circlip. Much easier to install, as long as you have circlip pliers and a small screwdriver and socket to push the washer down.
Fitted new Galfer pads ex-trademe and all good.
Pros: Cheaper than OEM. Braking seems to be better, but it is hard to tell definitively with different brand brake pads and new vs stuffed disks. Supposed to last longer than SS, as they are not drilled and don't need to be due to the cast iron. Braking performance in the wet seems good.
Cons. They rust, like instantly. The area where the pads touch gets swept clean the first time you use the brakes, so your wheel gets dirty as well. The rest really needs a bit of high temp paint to keep them looking sharp, although it doesn't bother me. Be interesting to see how long the pads last.
Overall, I am pleased with them and would use them again.
After asking on the BMW-tech list, it came down to Gianelli stainless disks (from Motorbins.co.uk) or PFM disks (From motorworks.co.uk). The PFM ones were slightly cheaper, and I wanted to see if the castiron improved braking performance, so ordered them I did - came in arond $260-280/disk with bobbins landed. Not cheap, but 1/5 BMW price, and less than the guy in Waihi.
Installation was pretty easy. The OEM disks have a C clip that is a mission to move, and 3 of the bobbins have a spring clip to stop the rattles. This wears out..
The PFM ones used a wavy washer under each bobbin, and a conventional circlip. Much easier to install, as long as you have circlip pliers and a small screwdriver and socket to push the washer down.
Fitted new Galfer pads ex-trademe and all good.
Pros: Cheaper than OEM. Braking seems to be better, but it is hard to tell definitively with different brand brake pads and new vs stuffed disks. Supposed to last longer than SS, as they are not drilled and don't need to be due to the cast iron. Braking performance in the wet seems good.
Cons. They rust, like instantly. The area where the pads touch gets swept clean the first time you use the brakes, so your wheel gets dirty as well. The rest really needs a bit of high temp paint to keep them looking sharp, although it doesn't bother me. Be interesting to see how long the pads last.
Overall, I am pleased with them and would use them again.