Brake Pads for 2011 Model

[1ka]

Since the manual is useless and assumes brake pads are dealer fit, I'm trying to source some replacements.

EBC Direct quote the FA417, but don't explicitly mention the 2011 model.  They look like this

Whereas the ones I've taken off have shoulders that are more angular and not squared off, more like these.

Question is, will the EBC ones fit?

And to all those getting 20K+ out of pads, wow.  Mine lasted 6.5K miles, and I thought I hardly used them since 90% of my journeys are motorways!

[Kwikasfuki]

I think they will. The shoulders don't matter. As long as the groove is there for the pin and associated housing to sit in.

[O.C.]

One set shown is sintered  (08-10model)...... and the other very expensive set (07 model) isn't, as far as I can see.

[Dive1082]

Not too keen on EBC ones myself.  I put a set on my Trumper and they ruined my discs!!

Although I am not keen on dealer prices either! lol  I like to shop around for the best quality for what I can afford...At the moment I am on baked beans tins! lolol

[O.C.]

I was just thinking a bit more about your post 1Ka....I'm sure you are already aware, but I would recommend that you use Copper slip on the reverse of your replacement pads when installing them.

Also a quick check of your disc rotor 'buttons' just to make sure there is no sign of them seizing is advisable.

I've attached this link which might be of interest 

http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com/?source=googleebc&keyword=EBC%20HH%20pads&gclid=CMWA36vPpK4CFcwjfAod2mtvTA

[Martin#30]

I have the GTR calipers on my ZX10R race bike, and over the years of trying various brake pads (EBC HH, Brembo, SBS and original Kawasaki), I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the Kawasaki OEM pads are worth the money.

They all (except the SBS which fade horribly) perform admirably on track, as much braking power and full race consistency as any man could want, but the OEM Kawasaki pads last 4 times as long as the Brembos, and 2-3 times as long as the EBC. I binned the SBS early so cannot comment on their wear rate. The comment above about the sintered EBC HH pads is also true, they do seem to wear disks faster in my experience.

Yes they are expensive, relative to the other pads, but in my experience, they are easily worth the extra money. Whether this wear rate translates to road use on the GTR, I don't know, but I would expect so. Personally, I will be continuing to buy OEM pads for the GTR. If you do want to experiment and try and save a little money, the second best of the ones I have tried are http://www.bikehps.com/acatalog/Brembo_Brake_Pads_for_Kawasaki_motorcycles.html at a little under half the price of the OEM.

6,500 miles seems very low to me too. Most others I have seen post on here (including my own GTR experiences) is that front pads last 12-15k, though of course how hard you ride the bike and work the brakes will affect this hugely.

Martin.

[nogoslow]

MJJ. interesting that you dont rate SBS. I Had a ZX10 on track aswell and the best pads i found were the SBS. I tried OEM, EBC, Bendix and SBS. I thought EBC wore really quickly without any improvement in braking and less feel than OEM. I found Bendix (MRR compund) pretty good with an improvement over OEM braking force but a little wooden in feel. The SBS pads in RS compound on the track were fantastic with better braking force, better feel and no fade at all, although i also used DOT 5 fluid. On the road i have used SBS in HS compound on my last few bikes which perform just as well but do not need warming up to perform at their best. I would think on track they may fade with heavy abuse, i guess thats why SBS do several compounds of pad. I'm about to replace my pads in the GTR and will definitely be going for SBS (HS). I guess Brake pads can be like tyres what suits one person may not suit another.

[O.C.]

A bikes brakes are obviously a major safety related area, and whilst there are many aftermarket replacement options out there I think that good advice is to use OEM. Kawasaki R & D probably got it right 

I also agree that 6.5 K miles on a set of OEM pads is quite low

[Kwikasfuki]

I prefer the OEM pads. They are expensive, but work really well.
The next upgrade I want to do is braided lines (if I can get them in the UK)

[O.C.]

I prefer the OEM pads. They are expensive, but work really well.
The next upgrade I want to do is braided lines (if I can get them in the UK)

here Asif... you measure ...they make

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/brakes

[Kwikasfuki]

here Asif... you measure ...they make

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/brakes

Thanks for that. Just rang them and they don't make them 

[Lonewolf]

Try HEL or GOODRIDGE. I've used both in the past, very easy to install yourself.

[1ka]

Thanks for the replies folks.

I'm off to Bike Treads in Swindon to pick up an set.  Not sure what they are yet.  The OEM ones I'm replacing are Nissin, marked TT2501HH but a quick Google shows many variants have that code, so I think it's just a 'spec' code rather than a part number. 

Used EBC HH on the FJR for years.  Dics were looking a little worn after 60K miles and would need replacing in another 10K or so.

I didn't think I was a heavy braker at all.  Most mileage is motorway and A-road, where I usually only touch the things when I get to the slip road.  Probably to the annoyance of the folks behind me who rely on a brake light to tell them when to stop.  Still, they keep their distance once they realise I just slow down.  (Pet gripe that people drive/ride too close and are constantly on the brakes causing the old domino effect and a complete standstill 1/2 mile back up the road)

I don't recall any issues; it rolled off the drive in the mornings OK.  They did rust to the discs once after riding 6 hours in solid rain and leaving it in the garage for a couple of nights.

Whilst we're talking about brakes.  I notice that my front brake lever doesn't activate the brake light until the brakes are just starting to bite.  Anyone else have that problem?  The dealer said he'll replace the switch at the next service as "it's not adjustable".

[Hans]

I have the GTR calipers on my ZX10R race bike, and over the years of trying various brake pads (EBC HH, Brembo, SBS and original Kawasaki), I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the Kawasaki OEM pads are worth the money.

They all (except the SBS which fade horribly) perform admirably on track, as much braking power and full race consistency as any man could want, but the OEM Kawasaki pads last 4 times as long as the Brembos, and 2-3 times as long as the EBC. I binned the SBS early so cannot comment on their wear rate. The comment above about the sintered EBC HH pads is also true, they do seem to wear disks faster in my experience.

Yes they are expensive, relative to the other pads, but in my experience, they are easily worth the extra money. Whether this wear rate translates to road use on the GTR, I don't know, but I would expect so. Personally, I will be continuing to buy OEM pads for the GTR. If you do want to experiment and try and save a little money, the second best of the ones I have tried are http://www.bikehps.com/acatalog/Brembo_Brake_Pads_for_Kawasaki_motorcycles.html at a little under half the price of the OEM.

6,500 miles seems very low to me too. Most others I have seen post on here (including my own GTR experiences) is that front pads last 12-15k, though of course how hard you ride the bike and work the brakes will affect this hugely.

Martin.

What kind of SBS have you fitted? I can't trust your statement on that...... sorry!
First thing I do - on every bike - is to swap to SBS R type - they can't be any better - keep constant pressure and steady breaking - even when really really warm.....

/Hans