Brake Pad Replacement

It's recommended to replace brake pads every 5,000–6,000 km. The replacement intervals are quite approximate, since there are many pad manufacturers of varying quality, plus everyone's riding style is different. Pads need replacing when 1–2 mm remain. Pad quality affects not only durability but also braking effectiveness. There are a number of proven companies (EBC, SBS, DP, Ferodo, Vesrah). Chinese pads have now appeared on the market; we'll refrain from comment.

The principle of replacing pads is practically the same on all motorcycles.

Replacing the front brake pads

1. Remove the cotter pins from the pad pin.
2. Remove the pad pin.
3. Push back the caliper pistons and insert the new pads. If the pistons won't push back, open the brake fluid reservoir. As the caliper pistons are pushed back, the fluid level in the reservoir will rise, so make sure the fluid doesn't overflow. Also pay attention to the caliper pistons: if there is dirt and dust on them, they need cleaning, since dust can damage the sliding surfaces.
4. Reassemble everything in reverse order.
5. Pump up the brake system with several presses of the brake lever.

Replacing the rear brake pads

Rear brake calipers are more varied. Sometimes replacing the pads requires partially unbolting the caliper:

1. Unscrew the screw holding the pads. Sometimes you first need to remove a plug to get to the bolt.
2. To remove the pads, unscrew the caliper mounting bolt and lift the caliper. The pads will fall out.
3. Insert the new pads, making sure they sit in place.
4. Reassemble everything in reverse order.
5. Pump up the brakes with several presses of the brake lever.

Attention!

Don't forget to pump up the brakes after replacing the pads. If you forget, the first few presses of the brake levers will do nothing. On the road this can lead to an accident.