CategoriesEverything about the law & motorcycleConversion of the braking system
Conversion of braking systems on motorcycles
What technical changes are allowed on motorcycles in Switzerland? This question is not always easy to answer. What is the Bible for believers are the ASA guidelines 2b for us bikers. In the guidelines, which have been developed by the Federal Office of Roads and Transport, all technical changes to motorcycles are looked at in detail. Among the most important information for hobby screwdrivers and professional bike builders are in particular the necessary documents about a problem-free re-registration of the road. You can find all this and much more information in this biker bible.
Although it deals with all technical changes to motorcycles in Switzerland, we want to go into specific questions in more detail. Important: If you still have unanswered questions despite our comments, you can contact us at any time.
Even better: Use the comment function and help everyone else who is interested in this topic. We are also happy to answer any questions about the comment function.
Your Blackdiamond Motorcycles Team
Replacing brake discs
The braking system is a safety-relevant component, which is why the requirements in Switzerland are very strict.
If you want to replace the brake disc on your motorcycle, it looks like this:
- Replacement of the brake disc with a spare part of the same design, with the same dimensions (punched / slotted, number of holes, one-piece or multi-piece, arrangement of the holes, type of material): In this case, the brake disc may be installed without further documents. A show at the MFK is also not necessary. Nevertheless, we recommend that you bring a corresponding document from the manufacturer (e.g. Brembo).
- Replacement of the original brake disc with different products: In this case, a DTC reportis always required, which certifies that the newly installed brake discs meet at least the requirements for the original products. The test is carried out in a costly hot test procedure, which costs approx. 5,000 CHF.
Conversion to punched or larger brake discs
If you want to replace the brake discs of your motorcycle with larger or perforated products, you can only do so with a DTC report. Evidence must be provided by an GSP that the replacement products are suitable for your vehicle and can withstand the loads.
However, the whole thing is spared for example with our DTC report front conversion for the BMW K75, K100, K1100 and K1 – we have already had this checked. The only thing you have to do is buy our expert opinion.
Other brake cylinder on the handlebars
If you want to replace the original brake cylinder on the handlebars, you can do so without further expert opinion if the design (axial / radial, piston diameter and mounting point) remains unchanged compared to the original.
In the case of the BMW R-Series (R60, R80, R100, etc.) you cannot simply change the brake cylinder because it was originally mounted under the tank (at least with the early models). In this case, you change the attachment point and you need a DTC report. But here, too, we are happy to help you. With our DTC expert opinion for the BMW R80 / R100 etc., you can easily install the Brembo PS-16 brake cylinder and have it entered on the MFK.
Steel flex brake lines
There are several advantages to replacing the original brake lines with steel flex brake lines. Among other things, you can build up a higher braking pressure, which has a positive effect on the braking behavior of your motorcycle. Apart from that, the durability is of course also much higher.
Compared to our neighbors in Germany, you can replace the stahlflex lines without further expert opinion. You don’t have to show your motorcycle either. Excluded from this rule are motorcycles with an ABS system. In this case, you will need a declaration of suitability from the importer of the products.
Modifications to the steering device - Handlebars - Fork bridges - Speedometer - Rearview mirror
Are you interested in technical changes to the steering device (handlebars, fork bridges, speedometer, rear-view mirror) of your motorcycle? No problem. You’ll find helpful information in our next blog post Modification of the steering device.
Image sources
Cover blog post: Black Diamond Motorcycles
Contribution image BMW K100 Front: Black Diamond Motorcycles
