Looking for suggestions/opinions on replacement brake pads for my hawk. I'm not a track rider, but I do engage in occasional(frequent) hooliganism, and stopping is pretty important to me. So, what pads do you prefer, and why?

 

You're somewhat limited with the stock calipers. EBC HH is likely the best now. Vesrah used to make a sintered pad that others here liked, but I believe it is no longer available

 

Another option is to upgrade to better calipers.. Off ebay you can get a set of 4 pot GSXR or F4i calipers for less than new pads, that would give you more options in pads.

 

Yeah, F4i calipers are waay better. Best mod for the money. If vesrah RJL pads arent available (these are by far the best) then EBC HH are best. I have tried wimpier pads on the track & nothing else is close as far as stopping power or durability.

 

I just bought some RJLs and am looking forward to trying them but I am currently running HRC hard bites and, while expensive ($160 for two sets), they set the bar incredibly high.

 

I don't ride the track either, but I ride moderately hard in the canyons. I felt a big difference over stock when I installed EBC HH pads. A lot of bang for the buck for a street rider, in my opinion.

 

Yeah, F4i calipers are waay better. Best mod for the money.

I second that. My swap mc and calipers cost me $30 from Ebay. I am very happy with the results.

 

If you want to improve further, get a radial MC....

 

+1 for EBC HH for street. if you don't want to go to new calipers look into a 5/8 MC.

that was my setup but didn't like the fade when they get really hot, i swapped calipers (F4i) just to run the Vesrah RJL. they are all that they claim !


tim

 

MC? Also, with the front shocks being so wimpy, wouldn't switching to better calipers and pads just make the nose diving worse?

 

MC=master cylinder

The assumption is that the well known suspension issues will also be addressed. The forks can be made to work well (for what they are) with springs and revalving.

 

Are F4i calipers a direct bolt on mod?

 

No a bit of Dremeling is needed to make them fit.

 

Yes, it does and makes it worse by a shitload. If you install new brakes you just have to be a little more cautious about romping on them. At least you don't have the head shake.

Right after I bought my Superhawk I had a very aggressive stop from about 90. My son was behind me on his CBR and said the bike shook all over in the lane. Another example of Pops saving it. I tore the front brakes off the next week.

 

the F4i calipers are a direct bolt on as in they dont require drilling, brackets, etc. Just a small amount of metal ground off the calipers/ forks to let them sit correctly but the bolt holes are the same. You could even use a grinding stone on a drill to do it. Huge improvement.

 

I'm considering going the F4i route instead of just putting EBC HH pads on the stock calipers. Just a couple clarifications...You guys say these calipers will fit the stock brackets. All I need are the calipers themselves (or MC too)? I've searched ebay and found most come off the CBR600. Will ALL of these fit without modifications (I know there are some minor mods needed)? Or, are there only specific years that will work? Any specific part #s I should be looking for? Also, does anyone know why these calipers were designed to have a higher output than the VTR calipers?

 

This should help you answer your questions:
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...rake+swap+list