Kawasaki 1400 GTR

1400 GTR - All Models => 1400GTR Discussion => Topic started by: Lonewolf on June 16, 2013, 04:31:35 PM

Title: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Lonewolf on June 16, 2013, 04:31:35 PM

There's quite a few brake related threads running on here at the moment, here's one for you. I fitted some new pads to the front yesterday, I put some copper slip on the pad pins but when I took the GTR out for a test ride this morning to bed the pads in I noticed that there was a very slight judder just before you actually come to a halt when I applied the front brakes. Should I put some copper slip on the back of the pads and also on their sides to ease their movement or just on the backs.

I vaguely remember it doing this back in 2011 when I also changed the front pads on the other GTR and I used the copper slip as mentioned above. Is that the right thing to do?
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: BigAlan on June 16, 2013, 04:51:36 PM
I always apply copper slip both to the back of the pads, along the pin and on the pin threads.

Mind you I applied it to all the bolts I could find on the bike including fairing bolts when I had purchased it from new.

Alan
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: trousersnake01 on June 16, 2013, 10:49:18 PM
Alan, I also put it on everything. mine is apart so often because of the high mileage its good to know nothing with be seized.

Copper grease is fab stuff, everything near the brakes apart from the linings gets covered in it. Worse thing ever trying to get a bolt out thats been attacked by road salt
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Lonewolf on June 16, 2013, 10:59:05 PM
I've copper slipped the rear of the pads this evening so hopefully that'll cure the ever so slight chatter. Another test ride tomorrow.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Boomer on June 17, 2013, 12:17:05 PM
If it doesn't and if you fitted EBC HH pads, you may need to slightly chamfer the leading edge of each pad.
I used a file on mine and it cured the problem immediately.
Don't forget that the leading edge of the pad is what the disk hits first when moving forwards.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Lonewolf on June 17, 2013, 01:47:07 PM
Yes I have used EBC HH pads, (good guess). You filed the actual pad?
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Boomer on June 18, 2013, 11:13:00 AM
Yes, the friction material so that instead of a sharp edge on the leading edge it is now rounded.
You don't need to take much friction material off.
Once you get the pads out you will see what I mean.

(http://www.msa-direct.co.uk/ProdImages/ebc_fa417_4_lrg.jpg)

For pads on the RIGHT side of each caliper you need to smooth the right edge as shown on the above image.
For pads on the LEFT side of each caliper you need to smooth the left edge as shown on the above image.

EBC pads are getting cheaper.
Just found a complete front set for £65 delivered on fleabay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki-GTR1400-GTR-Set-Sintered-EBC-HH-Front-Brake-Pads-FA417-4HH-/360546369698?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item53f23d00a2 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki-GTR1400-GTR-Set-Sintered-EBC-HH-Front-Brake-Pads-FA417-4HH-/360546369698?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item53f23d00a2)
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: aljaxon on June 27, 2013, 06:01:02 PM
are all front pads the same for 08 - 13 models?
some of the pics show square pads and others oblongish ones
I know pics are sometimes wrong on ebay....
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Martin#30 on June 28, 2013, 08:22:14 AM
Quote from: aljaxon on June 27, 2013, 06:01:02 PM
are all front pads the same for 08 - 13 models?
some of the pics show square pads and others oblongish ones
I know pics are sometimes wrong on ebay....

Yes, pads fit all years, but the OEM Kawasaki pads changed part number pre and post 2010 facelift. Personally, I think the post 2010 OEM pads are the cause of the prematurely worn brake discs - my gut feel is they put a harder, cheaper pad compound in to save money - so if buying OEM, I would recommend buying pads for the 08/09 bikes.

Martin.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: PCPeteUK on June 28, 2013, 03:27:44 PM
Quote from: Martin#30 on June 28, 2013, 08:22:14 AM
Yes, pads fit all years, but the OEM Kawasaki pads changed part number pre and post 2010 facelift. Personally, I think the post 2010 OEM pads are the cause of the prematurely worn brake discs - my gut feel is they put a harder, cheaper pad compound in to save money - so if buying OEM, I would recommend buying pads for the 08/09 bikes.

Martin.
Hi Martin,
would you know the part number for the 08/09 pads? I will save it to my noticeboard in readiness for my 11 plate  :smiley:
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Kwikasfuki on June 28, 2013, 09:24:30 PM
I think they are Part No 430820071

I used to have a GTR once  :cry:
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: PCPeteUK on June 28, 2013, 10:28:11 PM
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on June 28, 2013, 09:24:30 PM
I think they are Part No 430820071

I used to have a GTR once  :cry:
Thanks  :smiley:
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: aljaxon on March 16, 2014, 01:52:44 PM
i need new front pads for my 2010 model and would like some nice soft pads - non sintered to give my discs an easy life
can anyone recommend any?
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: shaggs147 on March 16, 2014, 05:02:26 PM
Hi Al,
I know you want non sintered, but just wanted to let you know I bought a full set of Gold Fren from Busters on ebay. They were cheap as chips but thought I'd give them a try. Not fitted the front ones yet, but will do shortly. Fitted the rear ones last year and was really impressed with them - no noise, no judder, they just gave a really good feel through the brake pedal and stopped superbly. No problems with the rear disc as yet.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Burchy on March 16, 2014, 05:32:57 PM
I've fitted GoldFren before to my Zx9r, but wasn't impressed with the stopping power.  Went back to EBS
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Lonewolf on March 16, 2014, 08:30:03 PM
I do use sintered pads, always have done with the GTR. My bikes over 3 years old and I measured the discs recently and they are just fine.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Andy on March 17, 2014, 01:45:15 PM
Quote from: The Wolf on June 16, 2013, 10:59:05 PM
I've copper slipped the rear of the pads this evening so hopefully that'll cure the ever so slight chatter. Another test ride tomorrow.

Are you still on test ride ? :-)
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Lonewolf on March 17, 2014, 01:47:03 PM
Quote from: Andy on March 17, 2014, 01:45:15 PM
Are you still on test ride ? :-)

Regrettably no.  :mfr_lol:  All was ok in the end.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Andy on March 17, 2014, 01:56:51 PM
Quote from: Boomer on June 18, 2013, 11:13:00 AM
Yes, the friction material so that instead of a sharp edge on the leading edge it is now rounded.
You don't need to take much friction material off.
Once you get the pads out you will see what I mean.

(http://www.msa-direct.co.uk/ProdImages/ebc_fa417_4_lrg.jpg)

For pads on the RIGHT side of each caliper you need to smooth the right edge as shown on the above image.
For pads on the LEFT side of each caliper you need to smooth the left edge as shown on the above image.

EBC pads are getting cheaper.
Just found a complete front set for £65 delivered on fleabay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki-GTR1400-GTR-Set-Sintered-EBC-HH-Front-Brake-Pads-FA417-4HH-/360546369698?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item53f23d00a2 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki-GTR1400-GTR-Set-Sintered-EBC-HH-Front-Brake-Pads-FA417-4HH-/360546369698?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item53f23d00a2)

About $90 for 2 sets delivered to a USA address. HH version is made in US. http://www.ebay.com/itm/EBC-Front-Brake-Pads-Kawasaki-Z1000-ZG-1400-ZX6R-ZX14-R-Ninja-FA417-4HH-/131115351963?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e87157f9b&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/EBC-Front-Brake-Pads-Kawasaki-Z1000-ZG-1400-ZX6R-ZX14-R-Ninja-FA417-4HH-/131115351963?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e87157f9b&vxp=mtr)
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Boomer on March 17, 2014, 06:05:28 PM
I've always used sintered metal HH pads and my OEM disks lasted 50k miles. Were down to 4.1mm when i replaced them. Tried Goldfren pads on my GTR1000 and took them out after 500 miles. Tried Armstrong and they were rubbish too. Currently have Ferodo HH on the 1400 but will be going back to EBC HH when they wear out. EBCs have better feel IMHO. Kawasaki recommend HH pads so I would be loathe to fit "softer" pads. I value my life higher than that.

Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: zedmeister on March 17, 2014, 08:25:18 PM
I have always used carbone lorraine in all my GTR's, excellent pads HH sintered got loads of bite in all circumstances, and a reasonable price, have used other more popular brands but over priced and over rated.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: SirToU on March 17, 2014, 11:17:00 PM
have you made sure your disks are still floating?  make sure you can rotate the buttons.....  I know it hasn't been the worst winter, but I have still seen the salt trucks out.....

Neil
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: aljaxon on March 18, 2014, 11:32:27 PM
i have used almnost every brand/type of pad on my zx6r and have simply found to do stoppies  on softer pads all you do is pull the brake lever harder. :gunsmilie:
also with the sintered it is very easy for them to overheat to get fade if pushing the bike hard
so what do i want?
a pad that will stop me quicker with a small pull but wear my discs down or pull a bit harder and get the same stopping power and be nicer to your discs?
no brainer.

i fancied the carbone lorraine but will try the goldfren.
i tried sbs on my zx10 and 6 and really liked them.
on my zx6r i ride with mostly litre bikes plus ive ridden with  all the fast/insane lads in my area and none of them can outbrake me, that is the one thing i seem to be good at. even though i sometimes end up coming to a rest in fields . . .
i set my lever so it is about 5 mm from the grip at full braking as i have small hands.
severe braking without abs is almost a black art.
i dont even know how to set up the abs/ktc? on my gtr  . . yet

Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Kwikasfuki on March 21, 2014, 01:16:50 PM
The OEM pads very good.

I'll be putting on EBC HH once the current set has worn out.

Brakes and tyres I don't skimp on.
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Andy on March 21, 2014, 01:31:33 PM
"This year's Darwin award goes to the rider who cured his binding front brakes by removing the caliper bolts and using bungees to lash the brakes to the bottom of the yoke, what could possibly go wrong? No seriously its true......"

© Rapid Training 2014 Spring update

http://rapidtraining.co.uk/ (http://rapidtraining.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: nogoslow on March 21, 2014, 04:22:36 PM
I personally wouldn't touch EBC for use in heavy bikes. I've always found them to be good for light weight (upto 600cc) bikes but not in big heavy bikes.

I had used EBC for years in my road and race bikes. I converted to SBS a few years ago after they were recommended to me for use in my 2005 ZX10. They were well known for having crap brakes (lever to the bar brown trouser moments were commonplace) and most people seemed to fit a Brembo M'cyl to cure it. I did exactly the same (with EBC pads fitted) and the brakes were much better. But once i tried the SBS (in RS compound on that bike) they were so good, with better stopping power and less fade than any pad i had ever used before i ended up putting the standard M'cyl back on and selling the Brembo. I've used SBS ever since.

Dual carbon are race only as they only work when really hot.
RS are good for fast road/track
HS or street excel as they are often called are good for normal road riding but fine if you want to give the bike a bit of stick.

easy enough to find on fleabay. Around £60 for the full set for the front.

Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: Andy on March 21, 2014, 09:12:38 PM
Quote from: nogoslow on March 21, 2014, 04:22:36 PM
I personally wouldn't touch EBC for use in heavy bikes. I've always found them to be good for light weight (upto 600cc) bikes but not in big heavy bikes.

I had used EBC for years in my road and race bikes. I converted to SBS a few years ago after they were recommended to me for use in my 2005 ZX10. They were well known for having crap brakes (lever to the bar brown trouser moments were commonplace) and most people seemed to fit a Brembo M'cyl to cure it. I did exactly the same (with EBC pads fitted) and the brakes were much better. But once i tried the SBS (in RS compound on that bike) they were so good, with better stopping power and less fade than any pad i had ever used before i ended up putting the standard M'cyl back on and selling the Brembo. I've used SBS ever since.

Dual carbon are race only as they only work when really hot.
RS are good for fast road/track
HS or street excel as they are often called are good for normal road riding but fine if you want to give the bike a bit of stick.

easy enough to find on fleabay. Around £60 for the full set for the front.

The prices on ebay are suspiciously low...http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=sbs+806+HS&_sop=15 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=sbs+806+HS&_sop=15)

http://uk.sbs.dk/media/63025/sbs_01680982201_2014.pdf (http://uk.sbs.dk/media/63025/sbs_01680982201_2014.pdf)

I've got EBC Extreme Pro Race on my GSXR1000 K8 and are fine for road and track days. made in USA, Concours 14 forums have riders using EBC
Title: Re: Fitting of new front brake pads, advice please.
Post by: aljaxon on March 23, 2014, 10:29:10 AM
loads of different opinions but i think i will take more notice of the techy backed replies
ta for your input.