SELF-SERVICE

My brake pads are almost finished and I want to replace them myself. I have a lot of experience working on cars and I suppose the principles are the same. Also my chain and sprockets will need replacement in the near future.

Trying not to ask too many questions at once, can anyone please give advice on the following:

1. Brand of brake pads (I suspect brembo would be best?)
2. Type of chain? And make?
3. Make of sprockets?
4. Where to buy?

I want to replace the above myself for two reasons. One: To gain experience for when I might need it in future. And two: To save some money in process…

Any feedback will be appreciated!

Your bike still under warrantee?

If so, think twice about undertaking the job yourself.

We just had a case on BMWSuperbikesdotcom of a Brazilian guy changing his 4 month old bike’s oil at a non-authorized dealer and a month later, his crank shaft broke. BMW Germany is now refusing to fix the bike.

In Brazil he paid $55 000 (US) for the bike.

Fully agree with Jamie here - your bike should be under gaurantee for 2 years - use that. Personally speaking - yes the principles might be the same - but i would rather have it done by the professionals - you can fall back on that if something else crops up.

Also the best to always buy the spares from the correct dealer - pirate parts might be cheaper in the short term but will cost you dearly in the long term. Not worth the trouble.

Thank you for the advice! Yes my bike is till under warranty so I would have all repairs and replacements done by the professionals for as long as I need to.

I wouldn’t dream of fitting my bike with pirate parts of less quality than original parts. Was actually pondering if there aren’t better quality parts (with specific reference to the chain and sprockets) which, if I fitted them myself, would cost the same or even less than BMW (fitted) parts… But anyway, I will experiment with this after my warranty expired.