What type of brake pads do you run?

Wheels, tires, suspension, forks, and brakes.
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Turbojoe
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I ride: 2004 Vulcan 500
Location: Mesa, AZ

What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby Turbojoe » Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:24 pm

I replaced the original front pads on my 2004 with 7400 miles on them and they were gone. I replaced with cheap organic pads because I didn't want to risk accelerated wear on the gawd awful expensive rotor due to using more aggressive pads. While the organics work just OK I'd like see better brake performance and feel. Especially with the way I have to sometimes panic brake for the morons out there that "didn't see me". I now have a little over 14,000 miles and it looks like I have another 1000-2000 miles left on these pads. Just wondering if anyone has used sintered (metallic) pads for a full pad lifespan. If so did they cause any extra wear on the rotor and did they outlast the stock organic pads?

Joe
The nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind.....

2004 Vulcan 500

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Triangles
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Re: What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby Triangles » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:00 pm

I've always used Scandinavian Brake Systems (SBS) ceramic pads. You can get them from the Parts Unlimited catalog. Not endorsing this site, just the first to come up when googling the pads. I believe the SBS part number is 557HF and the parts unlimited part# is 1721-0273 double check before you order, I'm not 100% sure these are the correct numbers. I use the ceramic because I like the way they grip and the lack of having to clean nearly as much brake dust off the front wheel. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. IIRC I've had them on for 6k miles and I see no excessive wear on the rotor.
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Turbojoe
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Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 10:35 pm
I ride: 2004 Vulcan 500
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Re: What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby Turbojoe » Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:41 am

Thanks! The price is within my budget at $24.99. The $9.99 shipping seems a bit high so I'll look around a bit for a better shipping price. Very happy to hear that you're not seeing any rotor wear issues. That's my main concern. You'd think the rotor was made of unobtanium by the crazy replacement price tag.

Joe
The nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind.....

2004 Vulcan 500

burkbuilds
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Re: What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby burkbuilds » Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:24 pm

I tried the Sintered pads once, but they were very noisy and squealed anytime there was any moisture present and it drove me nuts so I took them off. I usually use the Organic with Kevlar in them, which run about $15 delivered and last about 11,000 miles or so.

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Turbojoe
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Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 10:35 pm
I ride: 2004 Vulcan 500
Location: Mesa, AZ

Re: What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby Turbojoe » Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:28 pm

I've seen quite a few posts about squeal problems with the sintered pads. I've had some squeal with my organics as well. Unless it's obnoxious it's not a big problem for me. Don't see many complaints about the ceramics though. The only problem I have is the insane shipping that every motorcycle reseller is charging. I did a lot of searching and I haven't found less than $10.00 shipping anywhere for the good pads. The advertised shipping weight is only 8 oz!!! I realize they're using inflated shipping to increase bottom line but damn! Inflated shipping is a pet peeve of mine that I just can't get past. When I see it that vendor goes on my do not buy from list.

Joe
The nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind.....

2004 Vulcan 500

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Triangles
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Re: What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby Triangles » Thu Mar 01, 2012 3:57 pm

find a local shop, they may charge a couple bucks more, but no shipping.
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Turbojoe
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I ride: 2004 Vulcan 500
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Re: What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby Turbojoe » Sat Apr 21, 2012 11:05 pm

I was just looking around ebay and found these EBC FA85HH http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130684510643&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en sintered pads for $22.00 shipped. Had to jump on it as that's about $10.00 less than anyone else and free shipping. Now I just have to hope they show up........

Joe
The nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind.....

2004 Vulcan 500

User avatar
Turbojoe
Posts: 162
Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 10:35 pm
I ride: 2004 Vulcan 500
Location: Mesa, AZ

Re: What type of brake pads do you run?

Postby Turbojoe » Sat Apr 28, 2012 2:21 pm

Those EBC Double H pads I ordered from ebay showed up earlier this week and I just installed them. Holy crap! After just a few applications at low speed it's already obvious they are far and away better than the organics that were on the bike and they aren't even fully seated yet. Hoping to take a long ride tomorrow and get them fully seated in the process. Too bad they don't make rear shoes as the factory ones absolutely suck. :(

Joe
The nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind.....

2004 Vulcan 500


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