Brake Pad Poll
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World Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 105,287
From: Fulton, MO
Brake Pad Poll
Waaay back in the day, in January 2003 before the conception of this forum, I did a brake pad poll to see how riders rated their brake pads. I think it's time to do another one. This will be a great resource for those interested in new pads.
So, all I need is rating from 1 to 10 for brake pads that you've tried on your VTR. Also, you need to list any modification to your front braking system to even things out.
This is the old data sheet from '03:
So, all I need is rating from 1 to 10 for brake pads that you've tried on your VTR. Also, you need to list any modification to your front braking system to even things out.
This is the old data sheet from '03:
Hmm?
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,069
From: San Gabriel Valley
Stock brake lines + ...
stock pads: 4
Goodridge SS brake lines + ...
EBC HH sintered pads: 8
SBS sintered pads: 7
I used to think highly of my upgraded brakes...until I rode my buddies' RC51 and 996S.
stock pads: 4
Goodridge SS brake lines + ...
EBC HH sintered pads: 8
SBS sintered pads: 7
I used to think highly of my upgraded brakes...until I rode my buddies' RC51 and 996S.
Moderate-whore
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
RC51 calipers 7
Stock pads 6
SS lines -dunno that's all I have ever had..
Stock calipers 4
Stock pads 4
EBC pads on stock calipers +5
less than 200 miles on the EBC pads, then I did the change over to the RC51 calipers...so didn't even get them broke in...Will be selling them soon, well as soon as I find them in my garage...LOL....
Stock pads 6
SS lines -dunno that's all I have ever had..
Stock calipers 4
Stock pads 4
EBC pads on stock calipers +5
less than 200 miles on the EBC pads, then I did the change over to the RC51 calipers...so didn't even get them broke in...Will be selling them soon, well as soon as I find them in my garage...LOL....
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
The reason I had new brakes is that the stock brakes were frightening. I had a sudden stop from 85mph or so right after I got my 'Hawk and couldn't believe how unstable it felt. I knew right away that would be my first mod. So - stock brakes: 2-3
I changed over to EBC HH pads, Gsxr Calipers, and EBC Pro-Lite Rotors. Nobody liked them. Greg drove them, my kid drove them and I guess they never got fully seated in the 183 miles before I really needed them but I was always impressed with the power, smoothness and progressive pull-down that the combination had. I tested them several times before that fateful morning and it was interesting how they would just pull and pull and pull but you never felt like the front was going to break loose. I never could (at speed) pull the lever hard enough to break them loose or lock the wheel but if you didn't watch yourself, your body position would start creeping because the bike was stopping faster than I was - much faster.
When I really did need them the set up probably saved my life. Instead of cutting loose they gripped until the bike hit the driver's door. They had me trained well because I knew if I didn't hang on to the that tank with my thighs the bike would pop me right over the top. If I had the stockers that morning I cannot imagine walking away. Instead I bounced off and walked away. Aftermarket brakes: 8.5-9.5
I changed over to EBC HH pads, Gsxr Calipers, and EBC Pro-Lite Rotors. Nobody liked them. Greg drove them, my kid drove them and I guess they never got fully seated in the 183 miles before I really needed them but I was always impressed with the power, smoothness and progressive pull-down that the combination had. I tested them several times before that fateful morning and it was interesting how they would just pull and pull and pull but you never felt like the front was going to break loose. I never could (at speed) pull the lever hard enough to break them loose or lock the wheel but if you didn't watch yourself, your body position would start creeping because the bike was stopping faster than I was - much faster.
When I really did need them the set up probably saved my life. Instead of cutting loose they gripped until the bike hit the driver's door. They had me trained well because I knew if I didn't hang on to the that tank with my thighs the bike would pop me right over the top. If I had the stockers that morning I cannot imagine walking away. Instead I bounced off and walked away. Aftermarket brakes: 8.5-9.5
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 154
From: flagstaff ,az
well that just made up my mind! next mod brakes 
thanks for that nuhawk , exactly what were the years of gsxr 1000 calipers? and do those fit on the hawks rotors or did you replace the whole setup also is the rear also gsxr 1000 ready ?
thanks for that nuhawk , exactly what were the years of gsxr 1000 calipers? and do those fit on the hawks rotors or did you replace the whole setup also is the rear also gsxr 1000 ready ?
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
The 00-02 Gsxr1000 calipers bolt right up to the stock equipment. Please check this with a quick search of the archives! I was going to use use the stock rotors but the Pro-Lites came up here at the forum and the price was right. Rotors are rotors except maybe for the weight issue (and maybe looks) so I don't think they're a critical part of the mod. The calipers and the aftermarket pads are the meat in motion. I think second only to suspension this is the top priority with the 'Hawk.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
I think this question may have already been asked but has anyone done a comparo between a RC51 set-up and a GSX-R set-up on the VTR? I ran a RC master cyl last summer (already had SS lines and EBC HH pads) and recently picked up RC calipers that I will be installing shortly. Just wondering how it measures up against those "fancy" 6 piston GSX-R bits (and they look awesome btw).
cheers
cheers
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 247
From: Palm Bay, FL
Im running the same combo and made a big big difference... Stops are the same as old 1998 OE pads when cold, but as SOON as they heat up a little, they get a little noisy, and then they start HAULING DOWN
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
I tried EBC HH pads in the rear. Big mistake (at least on my 98 SH), as the rear locked up and I had some lurid broadsides. Then I went to the SBS low-friction rear pads and all was good. Anyone else have a similar experience with HH rears? If anyone wants the EBC HH rear pads (like new), they can have them for shipping but I don't recommend them.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 371
From: No longer in 'The Suck'!!!
Stock pads & lines 5
EBC HH pads & Goodridge SS lines: 8
I might upgrade that to a 9 once I get new springs installed, because there is so much dive in the front end with the new pads and lines it's pretty ridiculous.
EBC HH pads & Goodridge SS lines: 8
I might upgrade that to a 9 once I get new springs installed, because there is so much dive in the front end with the new pads and lines it's pretty ridiculous.
Member
Squid
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 97
From: San Jose Ca
Member
Squid
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 97
From: San Jose Ca
Alright, this is what I've got so far. Excel file is attached.
Attached Files Pad Poll.xls (20.0 KB, 3 views)
__________________
Greg you missed me but meh...that is some strech of numbers...any one could be related to a number of riding styles but at least its good data
Attached Files Pad Poll.xls (20.0 KB, 3 views)
__________________
Greg you missed me but meh...that is some strech of numbers...any one could be related to a number of riding styles but at least its good data
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
Hard to reacall because I changed out the OEM pads and lines so long ago.
I do remember the Dunlopads were pretty good or even better than the EBC HHs but were more expensive and harder to find than the EBCs. Don't know if this is still the case any more. Used them on my baby Hawk too.
Thread Starter
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World Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 105,287
From: Fulton, MO
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