Parallel Twin Commuter Bike - Which Brake Pads?

[b422063]

Any recommendations for my winter hack's front brake pads? Organic, HH, GG, etc; all academic for me, what's the real world usage recommendation? Used in all weathers, all temperatures, etc.

[stinkwheel]

What bike exactly?

I ask because there are subtelties at play that may not be immediately apparent, especially with regard to what you order and from whom. Manufacturers application lists can work against you with some of the bigger suppliers.

For example. I liked to use EBC HH gold sintered pads on my Kawasaki twins BUT if you order sintered pads for a KLE500, the big wholesalers like M&P will send you "red stuff" sintered pads designed for crossers (which is what EBC recommend for that bike). They are utter bilge with poor initial bite and fade quickly. The only way to get the ones you want is to lie about the make and model of your bike.

I make a point now of never admitting to the make and model of the bike when I order stuff from M&P or Busters now. Just part numbers.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[b422063]

GS500e K....something. 3? Maybe 4.

[stinkwheel]

Well in that case, no specific recommendation because I've not had one.

However, sintered pads are pretty much unaffected by water on the disc. As such, they make a good choice for year round use. They do however, wear the discs out more quickly. I've always found the EBC HH ones acceptable. I quite liked the Armstrong sintered pads too but that's not a popular oppinion.

If you're feeling spendy, brembo pads are superb.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[pdg]

Different bike, but still...

I got a set of random chinese HH pads off ebay, they came in a blue packet, cost was about 6 quid a pair (so under 20quid to replace all the pads on the bike).

Honestly, I can't fault them. They work in all weathers (snow through to sun and everything in between) and I haven't noticed any real fade or other nasties.

My discs were a 'bit' scored, and it passed the MOT brake test (on proper rollers and everything) after the new pads had been 'bedded in' for 4 miles.

Can't say I've noticed them wearing the discs amazingly quickly either. But from the prices - if I manage to get through, let's say, 10 sets of pads before the discs need replacing from new, then the new discs work out to be effectively 'free' compared to buying the OEM brembo pads.
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Any and all advice given should not be followed - if you have to ask it means you don't know so get a man in to do it for you.

[stevo as b4]

I'm in agreement with Stinkwheel over the spectacular shiteness of EBC red stuff pads. I had Red stuff pads in my KMX125 that had ok initial bite, but no braking power at all even after 200miles.

EBC HH sintered or any other make of quality H rated sintered pads would be on all my bikes, and I think they work well in the wet and dry. Disc life is a bit of a non event IMO, and hard stainless discs don't wear as much as other materials, but then they also don't give the most braking friction either.

I'd chose Billet steel or cast iron discs if I had a choice, and these combined with good sintered pads and good high boiling point fluid will max out any std braking system.

[talkToTheHat]

What is it running at the moment and how does it feel?

For winter commuting the last thing you want is a grabby pad, or one that does nothing then suddenly comes in as it comes up to temperature.

You may find HH pads too grabby in suboptimal conditions.

Conversely I hate the feeling of some organics in the rain, when I squeeze the lever and nothing happens, and then they dry out and the bike stops hard.

Carbon ceramic pads are reasonably consistent in their rubbishness. I'm running some blue brembos on the front of mine and they are reassuringly predictable in the cold and wet. Not very aggressive though.
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Bandit. does. everything.