There was a time when HD actually included a plastic mask that you would put on the backplate and when put on the backplate correctly it would leave two exposed circles that were exactly where your Pistons would contact the back plates. They even gave you the anti seize to put right in those piston circles and a cardboard application wipe to put the stuff onto the mask in those circles.

You would even use a dash of that stuff to put on the pad retainer pin.

Now I don't see the mask or the antiseize anymore in the brake pad box.
But I do see the cardboard applicatiors in the package.

Has anyone bought brakes from HD recently and seen this stuff or did they stop altogether including it?

 

I just bought a set for front none included

 

I just bought a pair for front none included

 

Picking up rear brakes tomorrow to install, I can tell you tomorrow!
2012 FLHTK

 

it wasn't included in the front brake application, only the rear. that's why the rear pads cost about $6 more than the front, even though the pads themselves are the same.

it says 'in the box' on the website:

1 set of pads
1 packet of paste

 

For the record my Lyndall brakes I put on this week didn't come with the stuff. I went with gold plus. I opened the packet and was surprised. Pretty sure every set of brakes I bought for cars and motorcycles had it.

 

Lots of automotive parts manufacturers don't include it, they expect you to buy your own.
I like the paste. Look at the back of your old pads, notice the wear points, apply the paste to those locations on the backs of the new pads. I like to let it dry a little before I install. I have known of some people to improvise and use spray paint.
Cutting cost in sneaky little ways if you ask me.

 

I just replaced mine with OEM pads, front and back, this spring. The fronts don't have paste to start with. The back pads come with a template, plastic applicator card and paste. Bike stops really good again and absolutely no squealing or noise from the brakes.

 

Just confirming, finished my brakes and template and paste was included, I think someone got into your box before you did and took the paste.

I got 30'000 miles out of mine riding 2up 95% of the time, fyi.

 

Thanks guys.
Must have been the rear only as Scratch and ultra zac said where I saw it in the box.
The service manual for 09 doesn't mention it for the front...I wonder why.
Hell it don't even say clean your calipers with brake cleaner, don't push the cruddy Pistons back into the seal before cleaning them. It's like HD wants you to screw up the seals. Lol

Have a great weekend fellas. Thanks