BMW Motorrad R 18, Rider'S Manual, Page: 70 / 158

66 RIDING
Brake pads
New brake pads have to be broken in before
they can achieve their optimum frictional
force. This initial reduction in braking effect
can be compensated for by exerting greater
pressure on the brake levers.
WARNING
New brake pads
Extension of the braking distance, acci-
dent hazard
Brake early.
Tires
New tires have a smooth surface. They
must be roughened by riding in a restrained
manner at varying lean angles until the tires
are run in. Only once the surface has been
roughened can the tires achieve maximum
grip.
WARNING
Loss of adhesion of new tires on wet
roads and at extreme angles
Accident hazard
Always think well ahead and avoid ex-
treme angles.
BRAKES
How do you achieve the shortest braking
distance?
The dynamic load distribution between the
front and rear wheel changes during brak-
ing. The heavier you brake, the greater the
weight transfer to the front wheel. Increases
in the load on an individual wheel are ac-
companied by a rise in the effective brake
force that the wheel can provide.
To achieve the shortest possible braking dis-
tance, the front wheel brake must be ap-
plied quickly and with progressively greater
levels of force. This procedure provides
ideal utilization of the extra weight transfer
to the front wheel. The clutch should also
be engaged at the same time. When the
rider uses the (frequently practiced) extreme
method of braking in which the brake pres-
sure is generated as quickly as possible and
with great force, dynamic load distribution
lags behind the progressive increase in de-
celeration rate and the brake force cannot
be completely transferred to the road.
Locking up of the front wheel is prevented
by BMW Motorrad Integral ABS.
WARNING
Lifting off of the rear wheel due to
heavy braking
Accident hazard
When braking heavily, bear in mind that
the ABS control cannot always be relied
on to prevent the rear wheel from lifting
off the ground.
Descending mountain passes
WARNING
Braking should be done predominantly
using the rear wheel brake when riding
on downhill routes
Loss of braking effect, destruction of the
brakes due to overheating
Apply the front and rear wheel brake
and use the engine brake.
DANGER
Driving with overheated brakes
Risk of accident due to brake failure
Adapt driving style.
Use the engine brake to avoid frequent
braking.
WARNING
Failure to observe maintenance intervals
Accident hazard
Comply with the maintenance intervals
applicable for the brakes.