Front Brake Pad Update

 I was mistaken.  I must have remembered a different motorcycle I saw.
Disc is pretty smooth.

Braking took a day or two to level out, but now at perhaps 75% of what
they were before.  Satisfactory.

DFC

 
I certainly wouldn't be satisfied with a 25% braking loss with new
brake pads.

Ah well, different strokes for different folks.

 On Mon, 6 Jun 2011 20:03:17 -0700 (PDT), "tomorrow@erols.com"


What happened is that my last set of pads were better than average.
These are back to average.

What I mean by "75%" is that for a given lever force, I get about 75%
of the braking I was getting before.  I just need to squeeze somewhat
harder.

I can really "stand on" the brakes, which is what I mostly care about.
When I first got the pads, the best braking I could achieve was
"medium-hard".  They are better now.

DFC

 

<snip>

Out of curiosity, did you have the calipers/pistons cleaned at the
same time? It only takes a few minutes to clear away the crap that can
build up round the pistons, and it can make a big difference.

Few people notice a degradation in braking performance because it is
usually gradual, over a long period of time. Often, it takes someone
else to have a go on your bike and say: "Blimey, these aren't much
good!" for it to be brought to your attention - or for you to ride a
different bike, of course.

Every time I unbolt a caliper, for whatever reason, I always pump the
lever to push the pistons out a tad, clean off the crap with a
toothbrush, push back the pistons, pump them out a bit, and repeat
maybe two or three times.

 On Tue, 7 Jun 2011 06:24:43 -0700 (PDT), "TOG@Toil"

My entire interaction was that the dealership called me and said "Hey,
you need brake pads, too--is that OK?".  I said "Sure".  That was it.

I have no idea what they did or didn't do.

I'm gradually expanding my horizons.  I have had the rear wheel off
(although that is a pain because my swingarm is sloped and the
standard jacks with no moving parts don't work well).

I have the tool to get the front axle out.

I'd feel comfortable replacing the rear brake shoes (simple mechanical
system).

But I know nothing about the nuts and bolts of hydraulic systems (such
as how the seals work at the calipers or where crud can accumulate).

One day I'll get brave.

DFC