Is a brake bleed neccessary after a pad replacement?

[Boosh63]

I am a new owner of a 1998 VFR800. I noticed that the pads were close to be needing to be replaced so I went ahead and did it. I was very happy with how simple the job was but my brakes still feel soft.

I am also a new rider...just licensed last season. I really don't think I've ridden enough to really tell if the LBS is working. I read about the likes/dislikes about it but I get off my machine after a ride and wonder what LBS "should" feel like because all I know is I use either front or back brake and I slow down/stop. The brakes on this machine don't grab like the ones on the 89 Yamaha FJ600 I had last season. It seems as though I can't lock the rear wheel if I tried.

The bleed process kinda makes me nervous.

[vfr2250]

you should not have to bleed the brakes with a pad change
the only time i would bleed the brakes is when they feel spongy or i opened the bleeder screw. for a basic pad change no need to bleed only when there is a problem
good luck

[monk69]

What VFR2250 said is right.
I might add that You should change the brake fluid at 2 points 1- about once a year(spring preferably) 2- When the fluid gets dirty (fluid not clear)
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