Front brake pads are due for replacement, and I'm also looking to increase brake performance. In my opinion, my brakes suck. I'll also flush the fluid when I change pads. Can't anyone recommend a good brake pad? Is OEM the way to go, or SBS or EBC??? Can anyone offer advice on what will help my bike stop?

The bike is an '03 Softail Classic

 

Lyndall or EBC...get the rotor friendly high performance if you're budget allows.

 

I like the EBC Extreme.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...uspension.html

Brake pads alone can only give you a marginal improvement, .... for something significant you'll need to look at callipers and rotors.

 

I've tried many different brands of pads over the years. It's been my experience that although some aftermarket pads may provide a longer life span, Harley OEM pads are equal in stopping power for Normal riding. Having said that, if you are are rider that pushes the bike hard, (braking hard and often), it may be advisable to purchase pads with a High Heat Coefficient Rating.

Since you have an 03 I recommend rebuilding the calipers to insure that the pistons move freely a equally. Also measure the rotors. Stamped on the rotors is a minimum thickness. Replace them if necessary. Don't forget that your 03 uses DOT 5 fluid.

 

Sintered pads always seem best for my riding. I just rebuilt the front master and caliper and replaced pads. Bled with a vac bleeder lever is solid when braking not spongy at all but I like more brake. Might try a double brake setup.

 

<p>I like the EBC V-Pad. I'll re-order them when I'm due.</p>

 

Lyndall Gold Plus

 

whats difference Lyndall's gold plus vs Z plus ?

 

This is directly from the Lyndall website

http://www.lyndallbrakes.com/faqs/

2. What is the difference between the Z-Plus, Gold-Plus, and Xtreme brake pads?

a. All of our pads are noise and dust free. They will not gouge your rotors.
b. The Z-Plus offers about 20% more stopping power than stock pads.
c. The Gold-Plus offers about 30% more stopping power than stock pads. We recommend the Gold-Plus under heavier weight situations, hard braking conditions, and extreme weather. The Gold-Plus pads will also work with our compound rotors and still provide better stopping power than stock pads, but the Xtreme pads provide the most stopping power on composite rotors.
d. The Xtreme pads are designed solely to work with our composite rotors.

 

EBC Sintered or Lyndall's...