How to change the brake pads on a BMW motorcycle step by step

June 16, 2025

If you're a trail rider, adventurer, or a fan of basic mechanics, knowing how to change your motorcycle's brake pads is an essential skill. Not only will you save money at the shop, but you'll also gain confidence and knowledge about your own machine.

Why is it important to change brake pads?

Brake pads are one of the most important components of a motorcycle's safety system. Their natural wear, especially if you combine on- and off-road riding as we do in our courses and tours, can significantly reduce braking performance.

Worn pads don't just brake worse: they can damage the brake discs, reduce the bike's overall performance, and put your safety at risk.

How often should they be changed?

There is no magic number, as wear depends on many factors:

• Type of driving

• Usual load and weight of the motorcycle

• Intensive use of the front or rear brake

• Weather and terrain conditions

As a general guide, if the pads have less than 2 mm of material, it's time to replace them. Also, if you hear metallic noises or notice a loss of braking efficiency.

Necessary tools

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A set of brake pads compatible with your BMW model (e.g. F850GS, R1300GS, etc.)

• A suitable Allen or Torx key

• Flathead screwdriver

• Torque wrench (recommended)

• Copper or ceramic grease (optional)

• Wire brush or brake cleaner

• Nitrile or mechanic gloves

Step by step to change the brake pads

1. Park the motorcycle safely

Place the motorcycle on a flat, stable surface. If you have a center stand, use it. If not, make sure you securely chock the wheel to prevent it from moving.

RM Motos Trail School Council : Never work with the motorcycle on the side stand if you are going to remove the wheel or apply significant force.

2. Remove the pin from the pads

Locate the brake caliper (front or rear) and find the pin that holds the pads. On most BMW models, it can be removed with an Allen or Torx wrench.

Using the screwdriver, gently push the pads inward to free up space. This also helps return the pistons to their original position.

3. Remove the old pads

Once the pin is removed, the pads should come out easily. If they're stuck, you can use a flathead screwdriver to help you pry them off, being careful not to damage anything.

Look at the wear: if one is more worn than the other, it could be a sign of a problem with the pistons or improper caliper movement.

4. Clean the brake caliper

Use a soft wire brush and a little brake cleaner to remove dirt, brake dust, and built-up grease.

Important! Never use greasy or abrasive products. And avoid touching the discs or pads with your bare fingers.

5. Check the pistons

Using a lined screwdriver or other special tool, gently push the pistons back so they can accommodate the new pads.

If any of them are stuck, they may need further inspection. In our courses, we also cover how to check the condition of the pistons to prevent unpleasant surprises on the road.

6. Install the new pads

Insert the new pads into the caliper, making sure they fit properly in the guide. Replace the pin that holds them in place.

Here you can apply a dab of copper or ceramic grease to the back of the pads (where they touch the piston), but never to the braking surface.

7. Tighten to the correct torque

Reinstall the pin and, if removed, the caliper bolts with the torque wrench, applying the torque recommended by the manufacturer.

This is vital to keep everything safe and functional.

8. Pump the brake lever

Before you go out and test drive the bike, pump the brake lever (or pedal) several times so that the pistons push the new pads against the disc.

You'll see how it builds pressure until it's ready to brake safely.

9. Stationary test

Do a quick test while stationary to check that the lever is providing adequate pressure and that the disc isn't rubbing excessively. You can also roll the bike a few meters and apply the brake to check for proper brake response.

10. Breaking in the pills

It's essential to properly break in new pads. Avoid heavy braking for the first 200-300 km. The pads should adapt to the disc and reach operating temperature gradually.

What if I have Brembo, Hayes or Tokico calipers?

BMW installs different brands of brake calipers depending on the year and model. Although the procedure is very similar in all cases, some models may require specific tools.

Special cases: rear brake and off-road

On trail bikes like the BMW F850GS, the rear brake can experience more wear than on road bikes. This is because, off-road, it's used much more to control traction on loose terrain.

Here are some extra tips:

• Check the rear brake more often

• Apply progressive braking techniques on tracks

• Avoid contaminating the rear disc with mud or oils

What type of pills should you choose?

There are three main types:

1. Organic : Soft, quiet, and comfortable to the touch. Recommended for mixed and urban use.

2. Sintered : More durable and effective in extreme conditions. These are the most common tires on trail bikes.

3. Ceramics : High durability and thermal resistance, but more expensive.

Do it yourself, but do it right

Changing your BMW's brake pads isn't just possible: it's recommended. It allows you to get to know your bike, save on repair costs, and be prepared for any unexpected events during a trail ride.

Of course, never underestimate the importance of doing it right. Improper assembly can compromise your safety.

Frequently asked questions about changing brake pads on trail bikes

How many kilometers should brake pads be changed every?

As a general rule, brake pads are changed between 10,000 and 20,000 km , although this interval may vary depending on several factors:

• Your driving style (more aggressive = more wear)

• The type of pads you use (organic, sintered, ceramic)

• The type of motorcycle (weight, whether it has an integral braking system, etc.)

Practical advice : Always consult your motorcycle's maintenance manual. Also, if you notice that the brake fluid is very dark , it could be an indirect sign of excessive wear on the brake pads.

Is it necessary to drain or bleed the brake fluid when changing brake pads?

It's not mandatory if you're only changing the pads. However:

• Yes, you should check the fluid level after installing the new ones.

• If the fluid is more than 2 years old , it is advisable to do a complete purge .

• If the fluid level is still low after changing it, it could indicate a leak in the circuit , and you should have it checked thoroughly.

Do you have to change the front and rear pads at the same time?

Not necessarily . You can only replace the worn axle (front or rear). In fact, on trail bikes like the BMW F850GS, the rear brake tends to wear out faster due to track use.

Of course, check both systems frequently and never neglect either of them .

How do I know if my pads are worn out?

These are the clearest signs:

• The thickness of the friction material is less than 2 mm .

• You hear metallic noises when braking .

• You notice a longer braking distance or a loss of efficiency .

• The brake reacts more spongy or progressively than normal.

In our Trail maintenance courses, we teach you how to detect these signs early to avoid problems on the road.

Should I change the pads in pairs?

Yes, you should always replace both pads on the same caliper at the same time . This ensures:

• Balanced braking

• That there is no uneven wear

• Optimal system operation

Never replace just one pad in a set: you compromise your safety and the condition of the disc.

Where to get the necessary tools and products?

In the EscuelaTrailRMMotos.com online store you will find:

• Brake pad sets for BMW and other trail bikes

• Specific tools for maintenance

• DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 approved brake fluid

• Caliper cleaners and heat-resistant grease

Get everything you need and prepare to be self-sufficient on your trail routes.

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