| Author | Message | ||
     Kruizen |
OK I just got done with my second track day, what a great time. I was bumped up to the intermediate group. As the day progressed I noticed some issues with the front brakes: 1. I needed to pump the brake lever multiple times when lining up in the grid in order to get some feel in the lever and brakes. 2. when the sessions were done the front brakes were really squeeking when I came back to the pit area. They seemed to grab fine during the sessions. I just looked at the current pads(stock) and it looks like there is plenty of pad left, no leaks, and the fluid is full. between the 3 different sets of pads offered on EEBBRR site, what are the characteristics that define the different brands? Do I even need to upgrade or is there some other issue with the brakes? | ||
| Jdugger |
For now, flush your brake system with fresh Motul RBF600, and do this at least twice a year. Bleeding the brake is difficult because the stock MC does not have a bleeder, but you can gently bleed at the top banjo after using a zip-tie on the lever overnight to get a tighter feel. It's normal with the stock components for the lever to be a bit soft when the brake is cool, and firm up as you use it. It will never feel like a Ducati, with that very firm, "right there" feel, but does work well enough for most riders. I'd not upgrade pads just yet -- might as well get your money's worth from the OEM kit. The OEM pad is actually pretty good for most trackday riders, and will serve you well up until you are riding in the quick group, believe it or not. Of the three on Erik Buell Racing's site, I like the Nissin the best. They have good bite with better longevity and more consistent performance at the end of the pad's life. The Vesrah are excellent, and have the best bite and are the most sticky, but wear quickly. The Performance Friction aren't that great, IMHO, and have a "this bike won't stop" feel to them. If you are ham-fisted on the lever and like to use a lot of brake pressure, you might like them, though. They also last forever. If you don't mind all the dust, the EBC Extreme Pro pads aren't bad, and neither are the Ferodo Race at your pace -- I've tried both. They are less expensive, though in terms of cost-per-lap are probably comparable to the Nissins or Performance Friction since those are so durable. Neither has a ton of initial bite, but then again, the stock pad doesn't, either. And, both are quite a bit less expensive. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
The squeak is pretty normal also. The pads are probably glazing a bit, I would recommend taking them out and running them on a belt sander lightly. (I've always done circle patterns on some smoothish concrete, works well) | ||
| Kruizen |
Thanks, I'll definitely give changing the fluid a try and lightly sanding the current pads. I don't think I'll be doing another track day this year so I have some time. Camped at the track last saturday night and froze our A$$ off. | ||
| Smoke4ndmears |
J, I cannot concur with your assessment of the longevity of the PF pads! 3-4 track days for me tops! | ||
| Jdugger |
> 3-4 track days for me tops! Depending on the track and your skill level, that's not that bad, really. |
