2000 R1100RT- Front Brakes not releasing

[Bmandiego]

I was on the bike just now, sitting in the garage, bike turned off.
Recently, I had all brakes bled and fluid changed.
While sitting on the bike, I was testing the front brake lever. It would fade (move closer to the throttle) as I held it for a while under continuous, but not extreme, grip pressure.
After releasing the front lever, the front brake pads would not release.
... after about 10 minutes, I went to check. Bike rolls now, brakes are free.
BUT, Lever fades quicker now.
Brake fluid is 1/2 way in window with bike straight.
No fluid is being leaked as far as I can tell so far. reservoir, lines, fairings, calipers are all dry.
Don't want this to happen on the street.
Questions for you...
1. Why is this happening, and apparently getting worse.
2. How are they sticking/locking?
3. How can they fade and not have fluid escape?
4. Would new, braided lines fix this?
(How screwed am I?)
5. Are BMW Brakes ok or Dangerous?

 

[NI5L]

Sounds like air in the system to me.
I would bleed the front brakes.

As for the safety question, BMW brakes rock! Best I've ever ridden. You just have a small issue with yours that's fixable.

No worries, mate.

 

[bikerfish1100]

if you still have the original rubber lines, you should replace them with SS lines.
could be part of the isse, but just on age alone they should go. those are now 12 years old, and they have been known to fail. do a search- andyvh has commnted extensively upon the issue- i trust him on this, as ss lines are what he has done as his job for the last umpteen years.

 

[69ZEFF65]

Plus 1 on the replace of lines

Its pretty simple to do, Spiegler has the kit for your bike and bleeding them is a snap if you have any mechanical ability. I think they are actually less $$$ than OEM stuff

Now you may or may not still have an issue if your M/C is allowing fluid to bypass its seals so keep that in mind and be ready to replace that as well.

I would hold off riding the bike until you at the very least replace your brake lines and if your not comfortable with doing the job by all means pay a professional and save a gray hair or two.

 

[Bmandiego]

@#$%^&***!!!
I found the fluid. The front brakes are shot. The lever goes to the throttle now. The fluid was going down the front of the alt cover and pooling in the bottom of the fairing. It looks like the line split at the front junction.
Stupid bike has been broke more than I've run it.
I'm going to call tomorrow, order some Spieglers and have the lines replaced.

 

[NI5L]

Ouch! At least you found it.

 

[ANDYVH]

Glad you found it with some diligent investigation. At least if you bring it to a dealer to repair you can at least tell them what you found rather than say, "Uh,....like, the brakes don't work."

To your other questions:
1. Why is this happening, and apparently getting worse. You found it!
2. How are they sticking/locking? Air is sucking into the system, and air is compressible. Even after releasing the brake, the air in the system is expanded due to heat, and keeps the brake applied.
3. How can they fade and not have fluid escape? Well, as you found, they can fade. And this can happen even if fluid IS not lost, but air in the system will do much the same.
4. Would new, braided lines fix this? Had there not been a leak, I would have said braided lines "may" have fixed it. But given the age of your bike, just replace the brake lines anyway. Stock rubber brake hoses are some of the cheapest hoses to apply for braking.
(How screwed am I?) I dunno, how do you feel? Need a ciggy? Couldn't resist, sorry.
5. Are BMW Brakes ok or Dangerous? Generally, BMW brakes are some of the best overall on the market, but improvements like braided hoses and better brake pads are certainly worth the bucks!

 

[Bmandiego]

Thanks, guys. Making a drink now, going to call the shop tomorrow and suggest they come and get it since I cannot muscle it around without front brakes, and since it was there about a week ago for $XXXX.XX dollars.
Glad I found it in the garage instead of running (and not stopping) on the road.

 

[JDOCKERY132445]

Do it yourself

I had a similar problem and found all the parts I needed on ebay. Used stainless lines for $9.00, Used front master cylinder for $35.00. Brake pads on Amazon for $19.95.

It is an easy job. You do not need to remove the gas tank, only move it back a few inches.

 

[NavyDad]

I understand your frustration been there done that many times The fact that I always buy used bikes makes it even worse sometimes. You must realize this bike is twelve years old. Most folks donÔÇÖt own anything that is twelve years old. Bikes, cars, TVs, blenders, even homes. In twelve years things wear out and break down, especially rubber based things. When you buy an older low mileage bike you must realize it is low mileage because it has spent a lot of time sitting, sitting isnÔÇÖt a good thing. After all of your repairs you will still have less money in it than a new one would cost. Ride it like you stole it

 

[Bmandiego]

Ride it like you stole it

Lol.
It really is not in that bad of shape, overall. I figured I was taking on a lot of deferred maintenance issues.
All the rubber seems degraded on this bike. Valve stems and tires were no good, had the alt belt replaces, a couple of fuel lines, now the brake lines. It's another thing to take care of, another thing to pay for.... It's a pain. The reason I took it to the dealer last week was so that they could look it over and tell me if was safe. Now, one week later, the brakes blow. I'll see what they say today.

 

[NavyDad]

My 04 RT is due for it's two year brake bleed this winter. New brake lines are going to be part of that little job. I plan on riding this 04 until I can't hold it up and then I will put a sidecar on it and ride it some more.

 

[Bmandiego]

I like that idea. Mine is a police run-out. I think it sat for a while. I'm using it as a trainer until I can get something new(er) and hopefully lighter.

 

[Bmandiego]

The dealer picked it up for me.
He confirmed that the line blew. They are a vendor for Spiegler, so they ordered the kit, It'll be a couple of weeks, then I'll get the bike back.
Gheez.
The idle was a little low as well, I asked them to bump it up about 100 rpm.