Give Me A Brake
The experts at Supercheap Auto give us the rundown on motorcycle brakes
The Bendix Moto range offers brake pads to suit a wide range of bikes, in either the Ultimate+ Ceramic compound for the everyday commuter or casual rider, or the SRT Sinter compound for riders who like to push performance limits.
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What are the critical components of a disc brake set-up on a motorcycle?
Disc brakes are a combination of mechanical, hydraulic and consumable parts, including brake pads. Failure in just one of these areas can lead to trouble. The good news is that brakes are easy to inspect, all that’s needed is a few minutes of time and a torch.
What are some of the symptoms of poor braking?
Usually, brake issues become obvious through sponginess, squeaking or vibration. By the time these symptoms make themselves known, it’s already a problem. While some components in the braking system can fail unexpectedly, regular inspections are the best way to help keep everything in top condition.
What happens if brake pads wear out?
Your braking distance will increase dramatically — as will your chances of an accident. Worn pads can also cause rotors to wear excessively and warp. Uneven brake wear might be caused by brake pistons that are sticking or seized. Inspecting the rotors and servicing the brake caliper pistons should also be done on a regular basis.
What brake pads do I need?
Heavy-duty cruisers, tourers, sports and dirt bikes need Bendix Moto Street Road Track Sinter pads.
Bendix Moto SRT pads are designed to deliver consistently high braking performance in wet, dry, hot, cold or muddy conditions, while offering low fade, low wear and high friction characteristics.
Bendix Moto Ultimate+ and Street Road Track pads are available to suit a broad range of Japanese, European, American and Chinese motorcycle models across a variety of categories.
Expert Tip: How to check brake pads from top mechanic Kevin Hudson.
Loosen any pad-retention hardware on the brake caliper and remove the caliper from the bike. Look at the surface of the pads for signs of wear, including uneven wear or grooves. If the pads are worn down to the wear indicator, or below the manufacturer’s recommended thickness, they should be replaced.
You’ll also want to check for any glazing on the pads. This occurs when the brake pads get too hot and the friction material hardens, reducing the pads’ effectiveness. During the service, be sure to check your brake fluid level and quality.
As a guide, fresh brake fluid is pale yellow/amber and clear. On the flip side, old fluid is cloudy and dark.
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