Brake pads (cost, performance & rotor wear)

I need to install new brake pads and wanted to tap the WOTL on this. I have searched and read the archives but am still not clear on what would be best for me. The OEM pads seem fine in terms of braking power and feel to me but are a bit pricey IMO and I am sort of surprised the rears are virtually gone in slightly less than 17K miles. However, going to something like the EBC HH+ pads that have more braking power could actually be a liability for me in a panic situation where I might well grab too much brake with the stickier pads. I also want to be kind to my rotors since Honda thinks so highly of them$.

So, what is the best balance when price, performance and rotor wear is balanced? Any recommendations on where to buy pads would also be appreciated.

Cheers,
Vic




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On 10/22/06, vic5491@xxxxxx wrote:
>
> I need to install new brake pads and wanted to tap the WOTL on
> this. I have searched and read the archives but am still not clear on what
> would be best for me. The OEM pads seem fine in terms of braking power and
> feel to me but are a bit pricey IMO and I am sort of surprised the rears are
> virtually gone in slightly less than 17K miles. However, going to something
> like the EBC HH+ pads that have more braking power could actually be a
> liability for me in a panic situation where I might well grab too much brake
> with the stickier pads.
>

[Vic, with no disrespect, one shouldn't be in a 'panic situation'. If you're
reluctant to put high performance pads on your bike for the reason
indicated, perhaps you might want to do a whole bunch of "emergency stop"
practicing. After reading Lee Parks (I think it was his book) I did a bunch
of practicing with the EBC-HH's.
I even managed to get the opportunity to "hear" the front wheel "talking to
me" via a "howling sound" made just before the front wheel stops or skids.
With much practice, I've even been able to do stoppies! NO this is not the
thing to be practicing. I even goofed once and had to "let her down real
gently" so as not to cause any scratching while being a wise guy.
The point is to not find one's self in a position of a panic situation.
I can only speak for myself, but all the practicing I've done has paid off
so many times I've lost count. Knowing what your bike is capable of doing
under "very heavy braking" is extremely important information.
For me, like the book said, first you squeeze just enough to load the front
end and get a bunch of traction, then you continue a quick but smooooooth
squeez-even-more! You'll be surprised at how much quicker you can stop if
you need or want to.

One rider's opinion with a cash value of <$0.02.

Cheers,

Ron
LandRocket]

I also want to be kind to my rotors since Honda thinks so highly of
> them$.
>

[Have been using EBC-HH's front and rear for the last 30,000 miles and the
only reason I ever had to change a rotor is because I messed it up during a
tire change.]


> So, what is the best balance when price, performance and rotor wear is
> balanced? Any recommendations on where to buy pads would also be
> appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
> Vic
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call
> rates.
>
>
>
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>


--
Ron - Southern NH - USA
2001 Interceptor VFR800Fi1 "Land Rocket" (tm)
(aka) "Rural Assault Vehicle" (tm)


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