Sintered metal pads for early VF1K

Hey guys,

Quick question for ya... I have an '86 VF1000R and I'm restoring it. I have the F2 front wheel and a rear from a cbr900rr. I'm looking up brake pads for the front (I'll be using the stock calipers) and there are warnings everywhere about not using sintered pads in calipers that weren't designed for them.

Why is that?? I know my rear brake will take them, but what about the front? My rotors are stock F2 and the front calipers are '86 vintage.

If I can't use sintered pads (I was looking at the HH rated ebc pads) what else can I use that will make this 600lb bike stop well?

Thanks!

Chuck

 

A good question. Still reading but it sounds like an issue with premature wear with the older rotors and the new pads. Could be wrong but like I said, still reading.

 

The thing is- my front rotors are from a '94 cbr600f2, and those came with sintered pads. So if its a question about the rotors, I'll be okay. The warnings I see in the catalogs (IE Dennis Kirk) say not to use them in CALIPERS that weren't designed for them. My only guess is that it has to do with the amount of heat transferred into the caliper.

If the above is true, then using DOT 5 or better might solve the problem. I don't want to be guessing at this though... they ARE the brakes, which is something you don't want to be guessing about

Thanks Toe Cutter!


Chuck

 

Question.... What is the DISC MATERIAL on your CBR 600F2 discs. Are the rotors STAINLESS STEEL ( same as 1984/85 / 86 VF1000R), or, are the discs CAST IRON ? For my 1984VF1000RE model, with STAINLESS STEEL DISCS, I used SBS pads with good results. Have you fited BRAIDED BRAKE lines to the bike, or, are you running the original rubber hoses? All the standard hoses are crap. You get much more efficiency with braided lines, and they are not a huge cost nowadays.
BTW..All brake pads are SINTERED..it just depends on what ingredients the compound contain.

 

You should be fine with sintered brake pads as long as your rotors are stainless steel. Your correct about the heat issue. Sintered pads generate more heat. That's why they have a "radiator" shield on the back of them that's between the pad and pucks. This helps dissipate the heat. The SS rotors can handle the heat better than cast iron rotors can. Though ci rotors are better material for stopping under normal driving conditions. Like in most cars.

The ci rotors will wear faster using sintered pads and if heated high enough will warp. That's why sintered is not recommended for ci rotors. You may want to read up on DOT5 brake fluid. Don't use it on the street. Check the dry vs moisture ratings on it. DOT 4 or 5.5 is better. Plus 2 on the braided lines. Much much better braking and control.

There are non sintered pads like organic. But they don't last long on the street. Great for racing though.