I know there are numerous older threads about this, but I'm hoping that someone could help me see through the latest options, as I don't feel right blindly picking a manufacturer from a list of manufacturers that I've never heard of.

This left me wondering if I should I spend the extra money on OEM pads for my Sportster and call it a day.

About me: I'm an older rider who doesn't put a lot of miles on the odometer nor do I mind spending extra money on factory parts.

So, should I...go cheap because I don't ride a lot, spend the extra $$ on OEM because the cheap pads suck, or?

Suggestions and words of experience requested please!

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Lyndall, Galfer, and EBC are all high quality aftermarket pads. The best way I improved my braking was a Wilwood GP310 front caliper

John

 

Ferodo are also an excellent brake pade brand. I have used Ferodo pads on many of my motorcycles over the years with great braking results. Ferodo are used in competetive racing.

 

Two critical factors when riding a motorcycle:

1. Tires and wheels in good shape.
2. Being able to stop.
3. Having good brakes, rotors, pads and flushed brake fluid makes for being able to stop when needed. Although panic stopping is not a common occurrence it can happen to prevent an accident when/if a car, child, animal, road hazard happens in front of you.

You bike, your life and maybe safety of others.

Decide what is best - cheap may work but will it be worth it.

OEM will set you back $100.00 for both front & rear and you will have no issues.

42831-04A
PAD KIT FRONT W/ RETAINER CLIP
Price: $49.95

42029-07
PAD KIT REAR W/ RETAINER CLIP
Price: $49.95

NOTE:
The above information, while credible, is worth what you paid for it and should not be considered gospel.
Do due diligence, research and have a H-D Field Service Manual before working on your bike.
You will probably have many opinions and suggestions presented; make sure you research the person providing the helpful information as there are some who provide good information that is useful and some who speak out of other orifices with gibberish. You will figure out this quickly.

 

My vote: OEM

You do not ride much.
OEM cost is $100 for both wheels as stated above, what's the "cheap" or even name-brand aftermarket cost?
OEM would be an exact fit, and typically no squeak/ rattle issues.

Is rain performance a consideration?
OEM gives all-around weather braking performance and long pad life without destroying the rotor.
Is hard or consistent braking generating a heat build-up and heat retention, such as a Sunday morning race to the cafe, an issue?
With your Iron, can you or do you brake hard enough to lift the rear tire or lock the front wheel?
I too liked Ferodo, an available soft pad offering excellent "feel", yet quicker wear.
As for reducing stopping distance, is there a braking distance chart/ test of different pads?
Good luck with your decision.

 

OEM are very good pads, so are EBC. You cant go wrong with either of them.

 

Good Brakes are usually cheaper than caskets!

 

'Looks like it'll be OEM pads to go along with the brake service/flush/inspection that I plan on performing in the near future; the bike's inspection is due in October so I'm leaving myself plenty of time to procrastinate

Thanks everyone, I greatly appreciate the replies!