Brake Pad Buying Guide

Motorcycle Brake Pad Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Brake Pads

Brake pads are not a priority when it comes to motorcycle parts for most riders.

Most riders would rather upgrade their tyres, exhaust, gears, lights, mirrors or levers than spend money on brake pads.

While the motorcycle brake pads seem simple and not something many people would think about on a regular basis, they tend to be hidden until the point when the rider realizes that they should have taken notice a while back.

At this point there is an inclination to find out what to do, and most will think that the problem lies only in the brake pads, but that is not always the case.

Brake pads are one of the most important safety components of a motorcycle. The right pair will allow the rider to have good control of it, its power and its stopping ability, while the wrong ones can affect braking performance.

Here is some advice regarding the motorcycle brake pad buying guide.

Brake Pads Buying Guide: Why Are Brake Pads Important

Every time the rider brakes, they are using the brake pads to press against the disc, which slows down the bike via friction.

While it sounds simple and it is, there are a large number of factors that contribute to a brake pad's ability to perform that task and do so safely.

As such, they cannot be ignored, for having a good quality pair of brake pads enables the rider to have good control of the power of their motorcycle as well as knowing when to stop, and it gives them the braking performance they need when the need arises.

Do not buy the cheapest or the most expensive brake pads, for most riders make the mistake of buying either of the two.

It would be better to avoid the extremes and to research instead, as it is not always obvious just how much research is required to buy the best brake pads for the individual needs of the rider, as there are a number of considerations when it comes to choosing the right brake pad.

For instance, it is important for the rider to understand that what is required out of the motorcycle is important, as there is no single best brake pad for every motorcycle and rider.

Different brake pads can offer different levels of feel, friction, durability, noise and heat resistance, so the right choice will depend on the motorcycle and how it is used.

A rider buying more expensive, but ill-fitting, brake pads will still be in for a disappointment with their purchase.

First: Check The Fitment

When looking for brake pads, it should be a top priority to look for the fitment requirements.

Some pads are made for different motorcycles, so it goes without saying that the individual is required to find out exactly what they need.

While browsing through the options, it is important to check the following:

• Motorcycle brand/model

• Year/variant

• Front/Rear

• Part number

• Manufacturer recommendations

It is rare to find that the front and rear require the same pads, and a given model may require different brake pads depending on its year or variant, so it is vital that the person checking out the requirements for their motorcycle is thorough and that they verify what fits their own specific requirements.

It is also vital to understand that the pictures on the sites may be misleading, which is why a person should not assume anything when they are browsing the options, as it is easy to make the mistake of not double-checking the requirements.

Know your riding style

Not every rider is the same, and neither is what they require.

Some will spend more of their time on the open highway, while others will be more aggressive with their riding.

Some riders may want to commute to their jobs on the motorcycle every day, while others may take it up only on the weekends.

It is important to understand the specific needs and requirements of every rider, as certain needs will require specific types of brake pads. Riders who spend the majority of their time on the highway may benefit from a brake pad that offers consistent braking performance, while aggressive riders may find that they are better off with brake pads designed for more demanding riding.

Owners of sports bikes and premium motorcycles may require performance-specific brake pads, depending on the motorcycle and how it is used. Know your riding style in order to buy the best brake pad.

Brakes - GPFAX296HH Grand Prix - EBC (1 Set) at Baycity Powerparts

Types of Motorcycle Brake Pads

There are a number of different types of motorcycle brake pads, with each featuring varying degrees of friction material.

Some are softer and can offer more progressive feel, whereas others are designed to offer a stronger initial bite and better heat resistance.

Each offers a number of pros and cons and it is important to know what they are in order to understand what to look for and what to avoid when looking for the best brake pad.

The most common types of brake pads are:

Organic Brake Pads

These are pads that are made out of organic friction materials and tend to offer fairly good feedback and feel, although some riders find it harder to get used to the feeling.

They tend to be suitable for many street and city applications, as they can be quieter than some other types of pads, and some organic compounds can be easier on the disc than more abrasive compounds.

They generally offer less heat resistance than many sintered brake pads. They can also have poorer heat performance during prolonged or high-temperature riding, depending on the specific compound.

Organic brake pads can be a good option for city use and everyday street riding, but the manufacturer's recommendations should always be followed.

Sintered Brake Pads

These types of pads are made by bonding metallic materials together at high pressure and temperature in order to make a sintered friction material.

They are known for their durability, strong friction performance and ability to withstand higher temperatures, although the exact performance depends on the compound.

They tend to be a preferred choice among aggressive riders, and their strong friction performance can make them suitable for touring, adventure, superbike and heavy motorcycle use, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation.

However, they can be somewhat different in feel from organic pads, and some compounds can produce more noise or disc wear.

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Some of the best brake pads on the market are semi-metallic, as they offer a combination of materials without having to sacrifice one over the other and without having to endure all the drawbacks that other materials can present.

They tend to offer a good balance of response, feel, durability and friction performance, although the exact characteristics depend on the compound.

They do not necessarily offer the maximum performance that sintered brake pads do, nor are they always the best choice for high-temperature riding.

Semi-metallic are a great all-rounder option, but it is important to note that they will not be the best option for every rider.

Match Brake Pads To Your Motorcycle

Not every motorcycle is built the same way, and as such, they will require different requirements when it comes to things like the brake pads.

A small city bike will not have the same requirements as a litre superbike, and a touring bike will not have the same requirements as an adventure bike.

The two will also have different requirements from a city motorcycle, as will the premium bike compared to the standard.

It is important to understand what type of motorcycle the rider has, in order to choose the right one, as attempting to mix and match rarely yields satisfactory results.

Another consideration is the disc, for the disc plays a huge role in determining the performance of the brake pads, and new brake pads will rarely deliver their expected performance when the disc is in bad condition, so it is important to inspect its condition before buying the new brake pads.

Sometimes the rider may overlook the problems presented by the disc and assume that the brake pads are to blame, but this is not always the case.

The disc and brake pads are part of a system and, as such, must be maintained and taken care of in order to ensure optimal performance.

Check For Noise And Dust

Some brake pads tend to create more noise and dust than others, and as such, it is important to choose the ones that will bring the least amount of inconveniences for the individual.

Some amount of noise is normal, and certain performance compounds may naturally create more noise or dust than others.

Loudness and dust are not the most important aspects when it comes to choosing new brake pads, but performance and safety should be.

Heat Resistance Is Important Too

Heat is one of the main factors affecting brake performance, as whenever the brakes are applied they generate heat, which then needs to dissipate through the braking system.

Under normal riding conditions, heat is rarely an issue. However, during aggressive riding, mountain descents or repeated hard braking, excessive heat can reduce braking performance.

It is important to have good heat resistant brake pads that are suitable for the type of riding the motorcycle is being used for. Performance brake pads may be designed to maintain consistent braking performance at higher temperatures, but they are not automatically the safest option for every rider.

Wet Weather Performance Is Important Too

Wet weather is not the same as dry weather, and every rider will encounter these conditions at some point, mainly on open highways.

When these conditions occur, the roads tend to be more slippery, visibility tends to decrease, and stopping distances tend to be longer, which is why it is important for the rider to take extra care when braking.

There are some pads that perform better in these conditions than others, but it will mostly depend on the rider and the motorcycle, and it is important that they choose the ones that perform best according to their needs and the manufacturer's recommendations.

The sintered ones can be a good option for demanding riding, but this is not always the case.

If the rider spends a lot of time on the roads in wet conditions or when riding on tours, it is best that they choose a brake pad that is suitable for their motorcycle and intended riding conditions rather than choosing a pad simply because it is marketed for wet weather.

Brakes - EPFA388HH Extreme Pro - EBC (Per Rotor) - One Set

Brake Feel Is A Personal Preference

Every single rider is different, and some will prefer a stronger initial bite, whereas others will prefer one that is more linear and smooth.

Some riders will prefer the feeling of their motorcycle brakes to be responsive, whereas others will not place as much value on this aspect.

This is why some will prefer organic brake pads over sintered ones, while others will not consider the organic as an option.

It all depends on the rider, as some will want a specific feeling.

A performance brake pad with a stronger initial bite will not be as desirable to the rider that only uses the motorcycle to commute to work, while another rider may prefer that response.

The important thing is that the brake pad is suitable for the motorcycle and the type of riding being done.

When To Replace Motorcycle Brake Pads?

As with almost anything, it is best to avoid replacing the motorcycle brake pads as soon as they start to show any sign of damage, but it is also not advisable to wait until they are completely worn out.

It is best to replace the pads when they reach the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, or if they are damaged, contaminated or wearing unevenly.

Most signs are very obvious and will suggest that the distance between the motorcycle and the point when the rider has come to a full stop is beginning to increase, but some riders may find it harder to notice these changes.

The best time to replace the motorcycle brake pads is when they reach the manufacturer's wear limit or when there are clear signs of damage or abnormal wear. Changes in braking feel, unusual noises or reduced braking performance should also be checked.

It is always best to inspect them more often when riding aggressively, in heavy traffic, or on long tours, as riding under these circumstances tends to wear the pads quicker than riding under other conditions, like on the open highway**.**

It is best to always inspect the brake pads before they begin to damage the disc as they are likely to lose their effectiveness when they begin to be worn out.

Bedding-In New Brake Pads

New brake pads need to be bedded in before they can be used to their full potential, which means that the rider should follow the manufacturer's bedding-in instructions after installation rather than immediately subjecting the new pads to repeated hard braking.

It is important that the new brake pads are given the opportunity to bed-in before they are pushed too hard, as proper bedding-in helps the pads and disc establish consistent contact and braking performance.

Always read the instructions from the manufacturer, if any are provided.

Do Not Forget About The Other Components

Brake pads are only a part of the greater whole, and the performance of every other component is also important and must be taken into consideration when it comes to improving the performance of the motorcycle.

Old and poorly maintained brake fluid can affect the effectiveness of the braking system, so it is important to take it and the other components, like dirty or old calipers and worn out or damaged brake lines, into consideration when attempting to enhance the performance of the braking system.

Worn out components will hinder the performance of the new brake pads, so it is important to inspect them when working on the braking system in order to ensure that the pads do not fail to perform, especially when the rider is working on the braking system for the first time.

Buying Brake Pads Online

Buying motorcycle brake pads online can be a good way to find a good deal on them, but it is essential to make sure that the proper information is taken into consideration as there are a number of things that need to be taken into account when buying brake pads online.

It is essential to read the description carefully and also pay attention to the titles as some will say that this or that part fits specific makes and models while others will not.

Always pay special attention to the front and rear fitments as well as the manufacturer and the part number.

Never assume that the brake pad fits the motorcycle unless it has been said explicitly, and it is best to double check things if there is any doubt at all, as the wrong ones will not only be disappointing but an unnecessary expense.

If the rider is in need of motorcycle brake pads, sintered brake pads, discs, oil, filters, chains, sprockets and more, it is best that they visit Baycity Powerparts.

It is an online motorcycle spare parts store that offers a wide variety of parts that are compatible with most premium motorcycles.

Riders can explore the motorcycle brake pad collection at Baycity Powerparts when looking for brake pads for their motorcycle.

Final Thoughts

Brake pads are an essential part of the motorcycle, and the rider should never dismiss them. Having a good quality pair of brake pads allows the rider to have good control of the power of their motorcycle and, therefore, their safety.

It is important to choose the right brake pads for the motorcycle, as the wrong ones will not only be a disappointment to the rider but can also affect the performance of the motorcycle. It is essential to take into account a number of considerations.

The right brake pads depend on your motorcycle, riding style, road conditions, brake disc condition and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Do not buy only by price.
Do not copy another rider blindly.
Do not wait until the pads are completely gone.

Choose the right fitment. Understand the compound. Check the brake disc. Think about your riding style.

Good brake pads make the motorcycle feel safer and more predictable.

And that matters on every ride.