After all the nice things I said...
 

... about my dealer. (B&B Lincoln). It went in for its service yesterday (yes, I'm lazy) and they did a brake service on the rear brake (not sure why). On the ride home I noticed it was now ineffective - I couldn't push the lever hard enough to activate the ABS. I always use both brakes on my SV because, well I need to (I'd love to ride a 2019+ model with the new calipers). The back brake used to be good.

The brake is working (I put it on my stand and checked) but just doesn't slow you down. I'm guessing they contaminated the pads so I've ordered new ones and I've let the dealer know. Bother!


Incidentally, I asked if you can still buy an SV. At the moment Suzuki will only supply a dealership that has an order placed by a customer.

Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

I wonder if you've got air in the system. Does the lever feel spongy?

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Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

Did they change the pads as part of the service?

Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

No, it feels firm.


No, they did not and (the plot thickens) they only did the back brake. Basically cleaned up the pins and (possibly) the piston. I can see some grease (of some type) on the back side of the pads, so they did remove the pads - which weren't badly worn.
I'll fit new pads and see how it goes. I'm back at the dealer on the 9th Oct for the GSX's first service so can I chat to them about it (or get them to sort it if the pads don't fix it).


A classic case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

Maybe clean the pads with some degreaser/clutch brake cleaner?

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Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

I did think about that but rear pads aren't that expensive (and I'd run out of brake cleaner). I did wipe the rotor down with white spirit but haven't ridden it. I would have thought that 35 miles of braking would have burnt off any contaminants but I'm not sure it works like that.

Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

It may have just added a layer of glaze to the pads. Can you get them out and rough them up* a bit with some sandpaper?

*I don't mean give them a kicking behind the bike sheds!

Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

I could give them a stern talking to, or maybe a tut and a heavy sigh (I'm not angry, just disappointed?)

Re: After all the nice things I said...
 

If they're more than a few years old it may be better to just replace the pads. Mine were six years old and despite the low mileage I do they were getting noticeably bad. I removed and scuffed them in case it was a glaze, cleaning the rotors and checking the pistons at the same time, but no joy. Spannerman put new HH pads in for me at my service a few weeks ago and they're night and day better.