Brake Discs

[Martin#30]

When buying brake pads the other week, I noticed that the 2008/9 brake pads are a different, more expensive part than those fitted to the 2010 bike. Quite a difference, £70 a caliper for 08/09 and £50 a caliper for 2010.

I wonder if Kawasaki simply fitted cheaper, more abrasive pads in 2010 as us 2010 owners all seem to see pads wearing out in 12k miles. I have had two sets worn down completely, both at that mileage. vfrtom, you are the first I have heard with prematurely worn brake discs though.

Brake discs are the same part number on all years, hence my suggestion that 2010 pads are more abrasive. Maybe Kwak fitted sintered metallic pads to get the same braking force from a cheaper pad.

Martin.

[nogoslow]

20k seems too soon for worn discs too me unless as previously stated brakes have been binding or maybe a previous owner used the brakes far too much. Get a micrometer and check for yourself. The min thickness for the discs is 4.5mm on the 2009 model i presume its the same on the 2010 on, but you will find it stamped in to the centre part of the disc. i personaly wouldn't replace with oem if they are worn. I would use the opportunity to upgrade to good quality aftermarket discs from a reputable manufacturer. I certainly wouldnt trust the cheap ones you can buy on ebay that come from Honk Kong or similar.

[Martin#30]

This thread prompted me to measure my discs on my 2010 23,200 mile bike.

Mine are also worn below (what I assume, at 4.5mm, to be) the minimum thickness. Mine are at 4.42mm both sides, with a very pronounced lip that measures 5mm as I assume the original thickness was.

So, I can only surmise that these bikes (at least the 2010 on) do wear discs fast, and that dealers are simply not checking them - except vfrtom's.

I would recommend 2010 owners at least check their discs more often. Even if you don't posess a micrometer, you will notice a very pronounced lip at the outside edge of the disc.

As for paying £700 to Kwak for another set of discs that only last 23k miles, not a chance. I use Grimeca discs on my racebike, and shall be trying them first for replacements.

@vfrtom, please let me know if Kawasaki replace yours under warranty.

Martin.

[2kwacks]

the last set of brake discs I fitted was to my zrx1200, I used armstrong wavy discs "front and rear" which are also supplied with armstrong brake pads. also fitted braided hoses and found a vast improvement from the initial bite, and under hard braking. I bought them of my mates brother, he bought them for his zrx1100 but traded in the bike before he had the chance to swap them over. If I remember correctly he paid £350.00 for the front and rear discs including pads all round, but that was 5 years ago! I gave him £150.00 for the lot, so got a dam good bargain there I found them to be excellent quality and they also looked dam good too! just a thought, if kawasaki say and you need to buy after market discs. p.s good luck with the result from Mr kawasaki..!

[shaggs147]

Cheers Tom, I'll look forward to reading your findings.

[vfrtom]

Decided to go with OE as I am in correspondence with Big K
Initial response was that they are wear and tear items and could wear in 20k miles. Bike was purchased new and serviced regularly
I responded very politely alluding to b******s
This is their flagship tourer and should not go through discs in 20k miles
Also quoted feedback from this site. Will use info on pads in next salvo
Awaiting response
Tom

[Kwikasfuki]

Decided to go with OE as I am in correspondence with Big K
Initial response was that they are wear and tear items and could wear in 20k miles. Bike was purchased new and serviced regularly
I responded very politely alluding to b******s
This is their flagship tourer and should not go through discs in 20k miles
Also quoted feedback from this site. Will use info on pads in next salvo
Awaiting response
Tom

Pads I agree with. Disc at 20k? No way

[Rusty]

For what it's worth ... just been in the garage for a feel ... !! .... 11 plate,  12500 miles and the discs look and feel fine. 

[Lonewolf]

And I'll be checking mine tomorrow.

[coman37]

For what it's worth ... just been in the garage for a feel ... !! .... 11 plate,  12500 miles and the discs look and feel fine. 

For what it's worth ... just been in the garage for a feel ... !! Deluxe model,with real hair, 30 psi and I  feel fine. 

Coman

[vfrtom]

Still no joy from Big K. They maintain it is fair wear and tear. I fitted OE as I still intend to get something back.
Will keep you appraised.
Tom

[barnyardsavage]

When buying brake pads the other week, I noticed that the 2008/9 brake pads are a different, more expensive part than those fitted to the 2010 bike. Quite a difference, £70 a caliper for 08/09 and £50 a caliper for 2010.

I wonder if Kawasaki simply fitted cheaper, more abrasive pads in 2010 as us 2010 owners all seem to see pads wearing out in 12k miles. I have had two sets worn down completely, both at that mileage. vfrtom, you are the first I have heard with prematurely worn brake discs though.

Brake discs are the same part number on all years, hence my suggestion that 2010 pads are more abrasive. Maybe Kwak fitted sintered metallic pads to get the same braking force from a cheaper pad.

Martin.

would not surprise me if the pads were more harsh on later bikes the early discs on some 2007 bikes had what they said were hot spots where the disk had more friction in places than other parts of the disk  causing pulsing and same efect as warped disc maybe a corser pad would stop this happening and the disk would wear even. i remember years ago i think it was ferodo put a coating on the start of new car disc pads to try and clear imperfections on discs which took so much metal off in the first so many miles. still got my old gtr discs in shed that pulsed when braking and to the eye they look fine.

[O.C.]

good point....