BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

David. wrote: Are there any thoughts on, or reasons why, Wethead rear pads do seem to wear out as they do.

Suspect linked brakes  fit into the equation somewhere ??

My recently acquired (from a non franchised dealer) Twincam came with newly fitted EBC front pads. I find them to be excellent. Plenty of initial bite and stopping power.
For a Dealer to fit new pads before releasing a used bike for sale I'm guessing that they must have been just about shot. And that was with a verified mileage of less than 13,000. The rear pads (original BMW) are fine.
Crikey, wait a minute, Iv'e just realised. I now have EBC on the front and BMW on the back. Do I need to tell my insurer !! (Joke).

Our Gee wrote: My recently acquired (from a non franchised dealer) Twincam came with newly fitted EBC front pads. I find them to be excellent. Plenty of initial bite and stopping power.

I feel the brakes on my 11 RT with EBC Double H pads fitted out perform the brakes on my 16 GS with standard issue Brembo pads, and after a recent service and health check on the GS at Williams Motorrad they informed me that the rear pads were two thirds worn after 10'500 miles. EBC's will be fitted when the Brembo's need replacing. 

On my 2012 Camhead, at 21,500 miles, the front pads were 50% worn as per Cooper Sunderland. After 23,000 miles, (under warranty),  the pads were changed at the same time as the calipers. The replacement pads have now done 9,000 miles and are 10% worn as per Allan Jefferies.

The original rear pads are 20% worn after 32,000 miles, as per Allan Jefferies.

Wetheads do seem to eat rear pads.

Both of my K1200 LT's used to go through rear pads. I put it down to Reversing when of course the Rears become the Fronts.

David. wrote: On my 2012 Camhead, at 21,500 miles, the front pads were 50% worn

On my 2012, the front pads will need to be replaced around 18,000 miles I'm told.

My experience is that the front pads can wear unevenly. When cleaning the calipers/pads, if necessary, I swap the pads around within the same caliper from inside to outside & vice versa. This obviously extends the service life (mileage) of the pads as a pair.

Here are a couple of examples uneven pad wear.

 

Exactly the same on mine David.  My mechanic swapped mine around last week.  It's a common issue apparently.

Sullivj wrote:My mechanic swapped mine around last week.

I bet the BMW dealers wouldn't do that, they'll wait until one of the two pads is down to, or near to, the service limit & sell you 2 new pairs for £100.

Just replaced the rear brake pads on my 2012 Camhead for the first time at 36,500 miles, fitted OEM again. The originals were still serviceable but getting near the wear limit.

The replaced OEM front pads have now done 13,500 miles, they are in good condition. Just switched them around on the same caliper to even out the pad wear inside/outside.