Brakes

Message

#1 Unread post by **zarakand** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:57 am

How long do they last? When do they need to be changed? The last couple days I've been feeling that the bike's taking a bit longer to stop than it normally used to. I'm using both brakes and engine braking. Just curious about input from you guys.

ZooTech · #2 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:21 am

It varies greatly. I've heard guys say they're only getting 10k out of a set on their Nomads, while other are getting 50k. You need to inspect the pads for proper thickness and, if they're okay, think about a fluid flush-and-fill with a proper bleed.

One other possibility, though remote, is that your fork seals may be starting to go and some of the fork oil is getting onto your rotor. I remember reading about this a while back, and it would obviously increase your stopping distance. It's worth a look if everything else checks out.

#3 Unread post by **zarakand** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:30 am

Sounds like a plan. I was just checking the owners manual about proper thickness, and I'm on my way to go do that now. If that checks out then I'll go with a fluid fush and fill with a proper bleed.

The brakes on the bike are the stock Honda pads that came with it last March when I purchased the bike.

skinnyjoint · Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:37 am

yea good question cuz i have been wondering as well.

are changing brake pads somthing that is easy to do by urself like a car. or will i have to take it in?

im going to measure as well and get a feel. to me when i use the front brake it feels kinda i dont know warped so to speak if you know how it kinda does a back and forth thing.

ZooTech · #5 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:39 am

zarakand wrote:The brakes on the bike are the stock Honda pads that came with it last March when I purchased the bike.

What's the year and mileage?

As for the fluid, use what you want - but I recommend Valvoline fully synthetic DOT3/4 brake fluid, available at AutoZone and Wal-Mart. It's perfectly clear so it's really easy to see when it begins to come out of the bleeder hose in place of the old yellow-brownish stuff.

skinnyjoint wrote:yea good question cuz i have been wondering as well.

are changing brake pads somthing that is easy to do by urself like a car. or will i have to take it in?

im going to measure as well and get a feel. to me when i use the front brake it feels kinda i dont know warped so to speak if you know how it kinda does a back and forth thing.

Depends on your skill and comfort level. To me it's a walk in the park. I think it's easier than changing brakes on a car simply because there's much less to remove.

As for your rotor, if you're feeling a pulsation when braking it's probably either warped or a section of it is rusty or scored.