Newbie Question on Installed Brakes

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Jan 29, 2015 | 10:36 PM

MNtadpole

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Tourer

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 402

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From: Lake Bluff, Illinois

Newbie Question on Installed Brakes

While I was out in the garage eyeing the fit of some saddlebags to place on my 2015 Slim, I noticed the rear brake pads seemed to be touching the discs. I was curious to know what might be causing this? I just recently received the bike and it literally has one mile on the odometer. Would pressing on the foot control brake without the ignition on cause these brakes to stay this close to the disc? ABS is installed on this bike. Any insight would be appreciated. I have included a picture.

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Newbie Question on Installed Brakes-img_20150129_210036.jpg

Jan 29, 2015 | 10:45 PM

Skeezmachine

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,054

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNtadpole

Brake pads touching the disc is normal. Still, you can test to make sure by lifting the rear up enough to turn the rear wheel with your hand. Put the transmission in neutral and try spinning the rear wheel. Even with the brake pads touching the disc the wheel should spin rather freely but you should also hear the brake pads rubbing against the disc. Even as your pads wear down they will continue to touch the disc. As the wear, the caliper will adjust via the sliding pins that it's mounted on and draw closer to the disc.

If you don't have a jack to lift the bike you can simply sit on it and put it in neutral and if you can push it around easily without it feeling like the brakes are applied then you are probably fine.

Jan 29, 2015 | 10:48 PM

jtarter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 802

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From: Oregon

That is the way they are supposed to be. If your front doesn't look that way I would be concerned. There is always a little friction on all brake pads to the rotors.