I love my 2006 w/ ABS but I do mostly 2-up riding with gear and have noticed that the brakes feel "soft" and less responsive. I have 20k miles and was wondering if anybody has experience with replacing the OEM brake pads with EBCs and/or replacing the stock lines with steel braided ones. I would change the fluid along with the pads so that would probably help. I can't seem to determine if the effort and expense of changing the stock rubber line for the steel braided would be worth it. Thanks for the input.
Stainless braided lines are very expensive upgrade and are difficult to install, theres some guys on here that have done it. Are you on the original pads? If so, they are probably getting pretty worn down. Has the fluid ever been flushed out? If your looking for more bite from your brakes I've heard some good things about the EBC HH compound pads. Supposed to be a good street pad(Low noise, operate well at lower temps) with more bite than the oem ones. Others here likely have experience with them and hopefully they'll chime in. I find the brakes to be exceptional(5th and 6th gen use same brakes) but I came from a 1975 Kawi KZ400 with a dinosaur single piston front brake. That sucker required a four finger death grab to woah that 35hp beast...
Stainless brake lines are a little pricey, compared to other bikes, because of the linked brakes, but I would not characterize them as expensive. As for difficulty, the first couple of us, yes, HUGE PITA, but now they have the directions and pictures that others have submitted, at least Galfer does. Takes time, but really nothing out of the ordinairy difficult to do. Andrew, how long have you had the bike? Is this something you noticed over time happening, or has it always been that way? When was the last time that your brakes were flushed and bled? That would be the simplist and easiest thing to do if you have had the bike for a few years. However, all that work will also be wasted if you then replace the lines anyway. If the price is OK with you, I would start with getting some braided lines, for me that is where I have noticed the most improvement. Then to replacing the pads alone or pads and disc replacement. IMHO
Thanks for the response. I bought the bike new in 2006 and have 20k miles on it. The rear pads have been changed by the dealer with Honda pads but the front are original. I have never changed the fluid or bleed the lines. Maybe just doing that and slapping some EBC HH pads on would do the trick. The feel seems to have become squishier over time and I would like to feel more of a grab with less effort. My bike mechanic is pushing the upgrade to the steel braided lines if I am going to change the pads and fluid anyway. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated. Thanks,
Now Mine is an 83' mind you but I had good Honda pads on my VF750F and they were ok but I knew I would have to change them before the end of the riding season so I put EBC HH pads all the way around and there is a HUGE difference in braking WAY better, and more confidence inspiring. ( NO fade super in wet , cold or hot conditions) For the most part they are quiet but sometimes they squeal. I also have braided stainless lines on my ford ranger (replaced old rubber lines) and also noticed a big difference in every respect) so will also be installing them on my bike (great investment if you intend to keep the bike) Just remember stainless is harder than mild steel and will be a little tougher to seat/seal the first time so take your time be meticulous and all should go well. Also I use a dollar store turkey baster to remove all the fluid from the reservoir and put new in every season it REALLY makes a difference in how long and well stuff lasts/feels/works. Saved myself a lot of grief and $$ changing fluid regularly. (Just be careful it is a fantastic paint stripper)
If you've never bled your brakes and their feeling squishy, its your fluid that has air, water, and other system deteriorating gunk in it. Bleed those brakes, it'l cost you less than ten dollars for a bottle of fluid(I think its DOT 4, look at the cap) and then we can rule out that simple thing. Do your clutch while your at it too.
I think that sounds like the easiest and best plan. Did you notice a difference with your clutch after replacing the fluid? Also what type of brake pads do you have? Thanks
There was probably a slight improvement in brake performance and clutch feel. The fluid was a lot dirtier than it looked through the sight glass. It gave me peace of mind getting rid of eleven year old fluid really... As far as i know this bike is still running the original pads. Had 13k on it when I bought it last year, turned 19k last weekend. I've been keeping an eye on pad wear and it looks like the rear will need new pads before the front, which doesn't surprise me. I've always noticed the rear rotor gets hotter than the front.
I also had to replace the rear pad first. I agree with the cheap peace of mind concept. Thanks for the response.
Keep in mind my bike doesn't have linked brakes anymore. Im running braided lines with HH pads world of difference! However they are noisier than stock and takes a couple hundred miles to bed them in.
I have a 97. Originally went to stainless lines and noticed a big difference, then later added the HH pads and it got even better. With the two the bike is a whole different beast as far as front braking goes. Didn't do either to the rear, I prefer a spongier rear brake for less concern about lockup the few times I use it. Two finger stops now no problem.
Hi Andrew, I have just replaced my original pads at 40kms. Same thing as you I had to pull a lot harder and sooner than I though I should be. I had the feeling the rear was doing nothing and I am old school and use both brakes. Changed to Sinter EBC HH, whooo big change, you now leave it till the last second to brake as they just stop you with one finger. These are a huge upgrade and by changing the fluid you won't believe how poor the original pads were. Enjoy the difference of the sinter pads
Just did a track day at road atlanta with those EBC HH pads there a great street pads but not so much on the track lots of fade.
Thanks for all the responses. I decided to save a few $'s and not go for the braided steel lines but to replace the pads with EBC HH and flush and change the fluid. Should be done be this weekend which is the next planned "escape" mission for me. Will report back with how much improvement the upgrade makes.
