Brake Pad question
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
This blows me away. I had an 08 Street Glide that I had 61K miles on and did not need to change the front pads. I replaced the rear pads at about 15K. I do hit the rears first and then modulate the fronts depending on how quick I need to start. I can't believe the fronts would be wore out that quick.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
I have 51,000 on my original brake pads. No grinding yet. Just to be safe I have new pads on the bench waiting to be installed. Most of my riding is on the open road so I don't have to contend with stop signs much.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
As for the original thickness of the pads, The '09 and newer Brembo's are .15 new. Not sure what the '08 and earlier are.
On my Duece with a single disc up front, the front roter is thicker than the rear.
Even though the rear rotor is not as thick as the front, as the case on single front discs, or also the case on dual disc fronts by virtue of two discs, this does not mean the rear will overheat and fade faster. The rear does not have the same loads upon it as the front. Therefore it can be engineered to work just as efficiently as the front even though it is smaller (thinner) because of the lower loads it will see in operation.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Actually, on models with dual discs up front the front rotors are thinner than the rear. Approximately .275 rear, .200 front. But there are two of them.
The rear does not have the same loads upon it as the front. Therefore it can be engineered to work just as efficiently as the front even though it is smaller (thinner) because of the lower loads it will see in operation.
The rear does not have the same loads upon it as the front. Therefore it can be engineered to work just as efficiently as the front even though it is smaller (thinner) because of the lower loads it will see in operation.
B/c of the lower loads the rear brakes do a much smaller % of your braking. As such, if mostly using rear brakes you have to apply them harder, hence making them hotter, hence causing fade.
It sounds as if you are defending a guy that primarily uses his rear brake. I was trying to suggest to the guy that for his safety and for better stopping distance he should use his front brakes more.
I'm no engineer and cannot as effectively explain what I know to be true.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 551
Likes: 17
From: japan
When slowing and braking the cycle load shifts to the front, if you use the less loaded rear wheel for primary braking, it could break loose and lose traction which could cause a handling problem and you could loose control. I try to use the front for primary and rear as secondary brake.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
With either thinner duel or single thicker you have the same effect relating to the rear brakes.
B/c of the lower loads the rear brakes do a much smaller % of your braking. As such, if mostly using rear brakes you have to apply them harder, hence making them hotter, hence causing fade.
It sounds as if you are defending a guy that primarily uses his rear brake. I was trying to suggest to the guy that for his safety and for better stopping distance he should use his front brakes more.
I'm no engineer and cannot as effectively explain what I know to be true.
B/c of the lower loads the rear brakes do a much smaller % of your braking. As such, if mostly using rear brakes you have to apply them harder, hence making them hotter, hence causing fade.
It sounds as if you are defending a guy that primarily uses his rear brake. I was trying to suggest to the guy that for his safety and for better stopping distance he should use his front brakes more.
I'm no engineer and cannot as effectively explain what I know to be true.
Last edited by 2black1s; Jun 22, 2012 at 12:00 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Sorry I didn't explain myself better the first time around.When slowing and braking the cycle load shifts to the front, if you use the less loaded rear wheel for primary braking, it could break loose and lose traction which could cause a handling problem and you could loose control. I try to use the front for primary and rear as secondary brake.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 4
From: Canada
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
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Another factor (don't know about newer bikes) is that the rear rotor on my bike is cast iron but the fronts are stainless.
I would think this has some bearing on wear. I am at ~30 on my rears, and they are ready to be changed.
I would think this has some bearing on wear. I am at ~30 on my rears, and they are ready to be changed.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 9
From: Southern Illinois
I change mine everytime i change the tires, regardless of miles. Just for my own piece of mind knowing i'm on a trip and won't have to swing into the stealer to get a rotor or pads replaced.