New front disc and pads; scoring already?

[Bru]

Hi. Back to the NTV brake saga. I fitted an EBC Pro-lite to the front, and a set of Honda pads from the dealers. The bike stops now. Question is, after a couple of rides, should the discs be scored already? I don't think so.. the surface feels as though it has been sandpapered, and there is a sound associated with braking which suits the disc's appearance. I fitted a similar disc to the rear, with 'organic' EBC pads, and there is no significant wear at all (apart from the little problem with the calipers I mentioned earlier.. ).

I suspect that the wear is not part of the bedding-in process, but was wondering if anyone has had experience either with EBC discs, or knows of compatibility problems with pad types.

Thank you.

[finpos]

Shouldn't be making any noise. Is this just on one side of one disk (maybe you got some grit in there) or on each side of both disks (maybe just incompatible materials)?

Normal pads or fancy ones?

finpos.

[Bru]

Hi. The disc shows this wear on both sides. The front discs are the sintered copper type (HH I believe - I confess I discarded the packaging). Not race stuff or anything bling, but handed to me over the counter. I specially selected the rear pads to be softer, the reasoning being that harder pads up front were more suitable, given motorcycle braking dynamics, and I could just feather the rear. Am I being punished for thinking too much?

[finpos]

I suspect so. Not being the racing kind, I always buy bog standard pads, I've never had any trouble. You'll have to wait for someone who knows more about pad ratings to chip in.

finpos.

[BanditsHigh]

HH pads give you better braking (more friction) and won't fade (as fast) as the 'normal' types of pads.

The pads will make a slight grating noise if they are still partially in contact with the disc ... that's one of the things you notice with HH pads.

With regards wear ... I'd say that this sounds normal ... the pads have hard/soft (relative to each other) components which make up the pad material ... this will mean that some parts of the disc will wear quicker than others.

As long as there are no deep groves appearing already I'd say you are 100% ok ... it's just normal behaviour from a new disc and new HH pads.

All the best ... Barry

P.S. Been using HH pads for years and wouldn't use anything else now.

[Bru]

Now that's what I like to hear! I have been having so much trouble with the brakes, images of a bonfire on Feltham Common have been playing in my mind..

The symptoms in use are exactly as you describe. Having said that, does the wear pattern mean that I will be consuming more disc than 'normal'? I would prefer to avoid changing discs with pads, if you get me. I have only had shiny stainless discs before, and they perform in a completely different manner.

Thank you for your advice.

[BanditsHigh]

The HH pads will wear out discs quicker ... but that is more than offset by the knowledge that you can stop quicker.

My GSX1400 has done nearly 35k and the discs are still ok ... I'm quite heavy on the brakes and tend to leave it quite late as well.

Just keep an eye on them ... try and ride for a mile or so without using the front brakes and then check their temp ... they shouldn't be more than luke warm (caused by the slight brushing of the pads against the disc) ... if they are really hot then it may be your calipers need cleaned to ensure the pistons are retracting correctly (usually the dust seal gets crap in behind it and jams the piston partially).

Have fun ... Barry

[Bru]

Excellent. I will try that disc test. Not to worry about braking too much though, the NTV has back-pressure enough.

Thanks again.

[owdamer]