When it comes to maintaining your Suzuki Burgman 650, one of the most critical aspects you’ll have to deal with is the brake system. A well-functioning brake system guarantees not just the smooth running of your motorcycle, but your safety as well. A key component of this system is the brake disc. Over time, wear and tear can cause your brake discs to deteriorate, requiring a replacement. While this task may seem daunting, with the right tools and instructions, it’s entirely achievable to perform this maintenance task yourself.
Identifying the Necessary Tools
Before you get your hands dirty, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary tools at hand. Working on your Suzuki Burgman 650’s brake system without the correct tools can not only make the job tougher but also risk damaging your motorcycle. Here are the essential tools you’ll need for replacing the brake discs on your Suzuki Burgman 650:
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Socket set: This set is crucial for loosening and tightening bolts on your brake system. You’ll specifically need a 12mm socket for the caliper bolts and a 5mm Allen key for the disc bolts.
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Torque wrench: Essential for ensuring the correct tightness of bolts, a torque wrench prevents overtightening, which could lead to stripped threads.
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Brake cleaner: This liquid helps to remove dirt, grime and brake dust from the brake system components. It’s a necessary tool to ensure a clean work environment and optimal function of your new brake discs.
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Thread-lock compound: It helps to secure the bolts and prevent them from loosening due to vibrations while riding.
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Pliers: Specifically, you’ll need needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clips from the brake pad pins.
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Wire brush: This tool is used to clean the caliper mount and remove any rust or debris.
Removing the Old Brake Discs
Having gathered all the necessary tools, the next step involves removing the old brake discs from your Suzuki Burgman 650.
Start by using your 12mm socket to loosen the caliper bolts. You can then slide the caliper off the disc. At this point, remember to hang the caliper securely to avoid straining the brake hose.
With the caliper out of the way, the brake disc is now accessible. Use your 5mm Allen key to remove the disc bolts. Be aware that these bolts could be pretty tight, so some force may be required to turn them.
Remember to work in a pattern, loosening each bolt a little at a time. This ensures that the disc is removed evenly, reducing the risk of warping.
Cleaning and Preparing the New Brake Discs
Before you install your new brake discs, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. Despite being new, brake discs often have a layer of protective oil applied by the manufacturer to prevent rust during storage. This oil can interfere with the proper functioning of your brakes, so it must be removed.
Apply the brake cleaner liberally to both sides of the disc, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the cloth no longer picks up any oil residue.
At this point, it’s also a good idea to clean the caliper mount on your Suzuki Burgman 650 using the wire brush. This prevents any rust or debris from interfering with the installation of the new brake disc.
Installing the New Brake Discs
Now that your new brake discs are clean and ready, it’s time to install them on your Suzuki Burgman 650.
Align the holes on the disc with the holes on the wheel hub, then insert the disc bolts. Apply a small amount of the thread-lock compound to each bolt before tightening them with your 5mm Allen key. Using your torque wrench, tighten each bolt to the manufacturer’s recommended torque (in this case, 23 Nm for the Suzuki Burgman 650).
Remember to work in a pattern, tightening each bolt a little at a time to ensure the disc is installed evenly.
Finally, reattach the caliper using the 12mm socket, making sure to tighten the bolts to the correct torque (in this case, 39 Nm for the Suzuki Burgman 650).
Verifying the Job Done
After installing the new brake discs, it’s important to verify that everything is working correctly. Check that the disc rotates freely when the wheel is turned, and there is no contact with the caliper.
Perform a short, slow-speed test ride to check the braking performance. You should notice a significant improvement in braking power with the new discs. If not, or if you notice any unusual noises, it’s advisable to check your work and ensure everything has been installed correctly.
Remember, safety is paramount when dealing with your Suzuki Burgman 650’s brake system. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you’re unsure about any part of the process. With the right tools and careful attention to detail, replacing the brake discs on your Suzuki Burgman 650 is a task you can accomplish, thus ensuring your ride is as safe and smooth as possible.
Checking and Replacing the Brake Pads
Just as important as the brake disc on your Suzuki Burgman 650 are the brake pads. The friction between the brake pads and the disc is what ultimately brings your scooter to a stop. However, heavy usage or poor quality pads can accelerate the wear on your brake disc.
Start by inspecting the brake pads. If they appear thin or worn out, it’s time to replace them. Remember, using worn-out pads can cause excessive wear on your brake disc, compromising your safety and that of others on the road.
When choosing replacement brake pads, it’s crucial to consider quality. High-quality sintered brake pads are recommended for the Suzuki Burgman 650 thanks to their high level of craftsmanship and strict compliance with stringent industry standards. These sintered brake pads are made using a fusion of well-balanced design and high-quality materials, offering durability and excellent performance.
To replace the brake pads, first, remove the brake pad pins using needle-nose pliers. This will allow you to slide out the old pads and replace them with new ones.
Reinsert the pins and use your pliers to secure the retaining clips. Ensure the brake pads are seated correctly and that there is no unnecessary movement.
Conclusion
Maintaining your Suzuki Burgman 650’s brake system is not just about ensuring a smooth ride but also about guaranteeing your safety. Regular inspection of your brake discs and brake pads is crucial, as is replacing them when necessary.
Remember, the key to successful DIY maintenance lies in using the correct tools and following the recommended steps. The tools you’ll need for this task include a socket set, torque wrench, brake cleaner, thread-lock compound, pliers, and a wire brush. Use a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship in your work, just like the sintered brake pads that are suitable for your scooter.
While replacing the brake discs or pads on your Suzuki Burgman 650 may seem daunting, it’s entirely achievable with a little patience and attention to detail. Always ensure to verify your work after the job is done to ensure everything is functioning as it should.
Remember, while you can do most of this task yourself, don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you’re unsure about any part of the process. Safety should always be your number one priority. By regularly maintaining your Suzuki Burgman 650’s brake system, you’re ensuring not just a comfortable ride but also a safe journey every time you take your scooter out for a spin.