The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: montmil on February 18, 2014, 11:22:24 AM
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This post is not completely R65 specific. However, several R65 owners also have other model Airheads so thought it might be helpful
When initially acquired, the front ATE brake pads on the R100S were in continuous contact with the discs and were, to put it mildly, a real drag. Glanced at the Clyner manual then spoke with a local Airhead familiar with the ATE eccentric pin adjustment procedure. Also worked a lengthy spell with forum member Mike Valenti while fighting the bad piston/bore issue.
First issue was a badly corroded piston and cylinder bore on one side. Tried two other on-hand pistons and attempted to clean up the bore but finally located a good used ATE caliper in Denver. Better, but...
Cleaned out the under-tank MC and reservoir. Cleared SS brakes lines and adjusted the cable from bars to MC. Previously bled the brakes but did another round.
Still not happy with the slight drag. Did the entire black Sharpie stripe on both sides of the disc. Rotated the eccentric pin -BMW calls in a bolt- getting pads aligned with the discs. Better, better, but...
Went back to the Clymer and began re-reading, including those slightly off-topic sections and tripped across the "key" element I had evidently missed.
Bike on centerstand and remove both ATE caliper's screw plug and spring. Take bike off stand and roll forward, then apply brakes. Repeat a few times and replace the spring and screw without disturbing the eccentric "bolt".
Magic! The front wheel now spins like a Vegas roulette wheel with me the winner. BTW, I applied just a dab of anti-sieze on the adjust pin.
I've been messing with this brake drag issue ever since I rode the bike home. I'm sure all the previous fettling was helpful but I'm now a happy camper. Better, better, Good.
"Sweet as a nut", as Lucky Lou would say. Perhaps this technique will help someone else.
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"Bike on centerstand and remove both ATE caliper's screw plug and spring. Take bike off stand and roll forward, then apply brakes. Repeat a few times and replace the spring and screw without disturbing the eccentric "bolt"."
Monty, I have the same problem with my bike and tried everything but still there is very slight drag at one point and I can hear the rub while rotating the wheel by hand.
Not sure what spring and screw you are referring to? A picture would help if possible. Mine are Brembos though. Do they work the same? Thanks!!
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"Bike on centerstand and remove both ATE caliper's screw plug and spring. Take bike off stand and roll forward, then apply brakes. Repeat a few times and replace the spring and screw without disturbing the eccentric "bolt"."
Monty, I have the same problem with my bike and tried everything but still there is very slight drag at one point and I can hear the rub while rotating the wheel by hand.
Not sure what spring and screw you are referring to? A picture would help if possible. Mine are Brembos though. Do they work the same? Thanks!!
Are you talking about your /6 or your R65?
If you are talking about the R65, forget this thread exists.
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Gentlemen, please. Here's the first two sentences in the post:
This post is not completely R65 specific. However, several R65 owners also have other model Airheads so thought it might be helpful. When initially acquired, the front ATE brake pads on the R100S...
And no, R65Singh, The 'floating caliper' ATE brakes on the R100S are different animals than your Brembos. There are many photos and diagrams of the brake parts assemblies illustrated in the available Airhead shop manuals including info on correcting your Brembo issues.
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Rob, it is regarding my 65LS. Thanks for clarifying Monty, I will try to look for some more info on R65LS calipers. Thanks guys!!
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Rob, it is regarding my 65LS. Thanks for clarifying Monty, I will try to look for some more info on R65LS calipers. Thanks guys!!
LS calipers are no different than R65 calipers, wheather they are ATE or Brembo. Rebuilding is straightforward. There is no adjusting. As long as the pistons/pads retract when the brake lever is released, all is good.
Your master cylinder may need some attention.
If you don't know the history, you may want to think about a rebuild.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F75975722%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=59ee6bea3d8234792428b1ab11d8a7e386a78988)
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... excepting the fact that the ATE brake calipers mounted on early model R65, standard or LS, were hard mounted to the fork legs -which is entirely different than the ATE floating caliper brakes and their pivot bolt adjustment requirements.
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"Sweet as a nut", as Lucky Lou would say. Perhaps this technique will help someone else.
Ah, you are a fellow sufferer of the dreaded ATE swinging calipers.
When the 1980 models came out with Brembos I made myself a mental note to get me the front end of one of them.
Then I discovered that the 1981 on forks were truly crapulous compared to the earlier ones and decided to wait until BMW fixed them.
By the time later model front ends were easily available I had learnt to live with the ATEs and I didn't go anywhere near as hard as I once did. Now I would never change because i would lose "originality". Besides as I slide further and further into easy wins of the "oldest bike and rider combination" at rallys, they have become a "you young fellas don't know how easy you have it" talking point.
Out of interest, yesterday I put a offer on an R75 that only has one ATE, I remember when they fiurst came out and there was an outcry as the single ATE brake was less effective than the drum it replaced. BMW's initial response was to simply fit two ATE brakes.
I've always wanted an R75, hope I end up with this one. I actually contacted the guy selling it because he also has a complete R80G/S rolling frame for sale, it is mising engine, gearbox, instruments, brakes and wiring, that will be a long term project providing the seller becomes a bit more realistic on price - he wants $1500AU, I reckon he is about $600 off the mark. We are negotiating.
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....Then I discovered that the 1981 on forks were truly crapulous compared to the earlier ones
Definitely a case of 1 step forward and 2 steps back. And you would have thought they'd learn from the R65 forks which they were based on.