I have about 15,500 miles on my 2011 Super Glide Custom. At 11,000 miles I had a license harley repair shop replace the front and rear brake pads. They used Ferodo brake pads. 4500 miles later I needed to replace my rear tire. I take it in. The shop calls me and says I need front and rear pads and front rotor. I went down to the shop and to see for myself. Sure enough the pads were practically down to metal. I asked if the calipers were sticking. They said no.

My question is: Does Ferodo make that crappy a brake pad product or was this the result of poor installation?

 

Brake pads are like tyres, different brands have different service criteria and different service lives. Ferodo is a well known brand, but it may just be they don't last as long as stock pads and has nothing to do with installation. If each pad in a pair has worn down the same amount then the caliper is fine. If you don't like them try a different brand of pads next time, there are plenty to chose from!

 

I now only use Lyndall Gold pads on my FXR. Best stopping I have come accross and no brake dust at all.

 

I replace the stock pads with Lyndal Gold pads, at least as good stopping power as stock, but I really noticed a reduction in brake dust. It is the only pad I have used other than OEM, but I see no reason to change. They worked on my previous Softail and both my Roadkings. I can't speak as to longevity, as bikes were sold before another brake change was necessary, and it's a bit irrelevant as some are harder on brakes than others, I'm pretty easy on brakes. That said I think I put 8000 miles on the Lyndal pads on the RK and they didn't require changing.