Brake Pads

[graywolfhd]

I am pre-planning as I am approaching 16k miles on my ride. I am going to be doing tires front and rear and while there do the brake pads.

Anyone using something other than OEM that is really happy or anything I should avoid?

Have read some good things on Kevlar Carbon pads but wanted to reach out and see what you experienced.

Thank you in advance!

 

[hulkss]

I would avoid anything other than OEM. The OEM pads have been tested and used to calibrate the computer control for the linked anti-lock braking system.

 

[Mojo]

I would avoid anything other than OEM. The OEM pads have been tested and used to calibrate the computer control for the linked anti-lock braking system.

Great point Hulkss !

 

[Aviator5456]

I checked my OEM pads and at 15k miles had about 60% wear left....

 

[BluesBelly]

I checked my OEM pads and at 15k miles had about 60% wear left....

In my experience Aviator has average brake pad wear. OEM pads can go to 30k or more depending on riding style and traffic density in your riding area. Check them when you go through the bike at designated maintenance intervals. Don't have to replace if you don't need to.
Hulkss has an excellent point! Harley-Davidson systems work well with OEM parts which are readily available and warranted. I have always used HD pads and they work just fine

 

[rv7garage]

Since the ABS uses sensors to read wheel rotation, I highly doubt that non-OEM pads would effect the ABS function.

I for one would love to hear about other folks' experience with aftermarket pad. Seems like H-D pads just squeeeek.

 

[flhrci]

I for one would love to hear about other folks' experience with aftermarket pad. Seems like H-D pads just squeeeek.

My rear brakes have the squeal most of the time. Very, very annoying.

David

 

[hulkss]

Since the ABS uses sensors to read wheel rotation, I highly doubt that non-OEM pads would effect the ABS function. I for one would love to hear about other folks' experience with aftermarket pad. Seems like H-D pads just squeeeek.

The control system for the ABS has to predict the amount of braking force to apply before the wheel sensors provide any feedback. If the pads do not behave as expected (too much or too little friction), less than optimum braking will result.

Squeek is possibly from contamination. Clean the rotors and lightly sand the pad surfaces. Then re-bed the brakes (search for "brake bedding").

 

[Gunner]

The p/n's for ABS/non-ABS also show different in the parts manual.

 

[Mojo]

I checked my OEM pads and at 15k miles had about 60% wear left....

I have the same mileage with the same results Aviator!

 

[Xtremeroller]

I don't see how not using oem factory pads has anything to do with your abs system function. If that was the case then all automobiles would also have to use factory oem brake pads for the system to function correctly. I could be wrong here but it just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[rv7garage]

That's what I'm thinking. I'm tempted to try a different brand of pads even now, at only 6k miles on the bike... if it'll get rid of the damned squeeeek.

 

[Spazz]

I run Drag Specialties pads ony 14SGS with no issues....

Since you are pre-planning... check out tent sales ( that's what they call them at my Reno dealer) overstocked items at a substantial savings.

I picked up 3 sets for 14SGS at a tent sale for $48 OTD.... couldn't pass it up

Sent from Note4

 

[Aviator5456]

The control system for the ABS has to predict the amount of braking force to apply before the wheel sensors provide any feedback. If the pads do not behave as expected (too much or too little friction), less than optimum braking will result.

Squeek is possibly from contamination. Clean the rotors and lightly sand the pad surfaces. Then re-bed the brakes (search for "brake bedding").

I need to do this to my rears...I have squeal at high braking applications from the rear...I have oem pads on the rear.

 

[Jones]

Lyndall racing brakes. Their pads are the best I've ever used. I use them on all my bikes. Better stopping,No Dust. No break in required.

 

[hulkss]

I don't see how not using oem factory pads has anything to do with your abs system function. If that was the case then all automobiles would also have to use factory oem brake pads for the system to function correctly. I could be wrong here but it just doesn't make sense to me.

Here is a short read on the subject: understand-brake-performance

 

[hulkss]

The USA does not require aftermarket brake pad certification testing but Europe does now: regulation-90-whats-it-all-about
These EBC pads are made for our bikes and are ECE R90 approved: ebc-sintered-brake-pads
We need EBC FA409V available here: denniskirk.com

I'm ok with the stock H-D pads or maybe I'll try the EBC pads.

 

[FLHXSrider]

I've always used H-D pads, except once. In an effort to save some coin I went with a pair of EBC Organic Kevlar pads. IMO they were crap and didn't stop anywhere near what the OEM ones did nor did they last very long. They were about $10 cheaper but not worth the wasted time. I'll stick with the H-D ones from now on.

 

[BluesBelly]

How to stop your brakes from squealing. I've always done this:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GkfmAB-oKaQ

 

[Cornbread]

This is good info, I have 33K on mine and about to change mine also. I am thinkin I will stick with OEM