Kawasaki Vulcan Forum banner

Mileage on brake pads

4177 Views 7 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  sandcrawler
OK - 2013 1700 ABS. Only got 17K out of the back pads, managed 22K on the fronts. What's typical? Also, the right side (looking forward) was down to the bone on the inside pad. The left side, both pads were next door to new. Thoughts back? Didn't see any reason for non-pad movement. Both calipers moved in/out pretty easily on dis-assembly. Easy enough to do, but I'm wondering why the left side still has so much meat on it compared to the right side. Oh, yeah. I did replace both sets. Last Q: got better pads than stock?

phatfranklin:knife:
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
I have a nomad 2009 with 43000 km on it and I never changed the pads. The back pads are like new (do not use the back break a lot) the front is about half gone. I checked them last weekend, very happy with mine.
OK - 2013 1700 ABS. Only got 17K out of the back pads, managed 22K on the fronts. What's typical? Also, the right side (looking forward) was down to the bone on the inside pad. The left side, both pads were next door to new. Thoughts back? Didn't see any reason for non-pad movement. Both calipers moved in/out pretty easily on dis-assembly. Easy enough to do, but I'm wondering why the left side still has so much meat on it compared to the right side. Oh, yeah. I did replace both sets. Last Q: got better pads than stock?

phatfranklin:knife:
Yes there are better pads out there than stock.
I use "Galfer-Full Metalic Break Pads". Other brands make the same style but I chose Galfer because of the price. They do make a difference.
Galfer # FD107G1370 (front) $30.95 each set
# FD179G1370 (rear) $34.95
OK - 2013 1700 ABS. Only got 17K out of the back pads, managed 22K on the fronts. What's typical? Also, the right side (looking forward) was down to the bone on the inside pad. The left side, both pads were next door to new. Thoughts back? Didn't see any reason for non-pad movement. Both calipers moved in/out pretty easily on dis-assembly. Easy enough to do, but I'm wondering why the left side still has so much meat on it compared to the right side. Oh, yeah. I did replace both sets. Last Q: got better pads than stock?

phatfranklin:knife:
The Voyager ABS has linked brakes, the rear brake pedal activates the rear caliper and the right front caliper, the front brake lever activates all 3 calipers.
From the wear you are experiencing I'd say you are over-using your rear brake control, if you were to apply more front brake control all 3 brakes should wear more evenly.
The Voyager ABS has linked brakes, the rear brake pedal activates the rear caliper and the right front caliper, the front brake lever activates all 3 calipers.
From the wear you are experiencing I'd say you are over-using your rear brake control, if you were to apply more front brake control all 3 brakes should wear more evenly.
I'm getting the same wear pattern, but at a higher mileage, I now have almost 24,000, but will be replacing the pads soon, and will do all of them at once along with a fluid change. Mines a 2012 bought new in july of 13. as for wear, more back roads, heavier loads, more hills, and harder braking will all wear pads quicker.
50,000 miles on the oem pads. Mostly use engine braking. Never in a hurry when I am cruising on the Lazyboy Voyager.
2012 VV w/ABS 23K miles
Frnt & Rear pads are at aprox 50% 2 up riding 30% of these miles. I suspect you are using way to much brake.

As for replacement pads that's a personal choice can go with harder pads which will last longer but wear the disc sooner, go softer and they can feel sponge or stay with OEM.


You might want to also change your brake fluid, I know Kaw says every 2 years and your there mileage wise, you will notice a more positive braking action.
I expected to change my fronts at 18K miles when I did the front tire. Still plenty of meat left on them, but I do a lot of engine braking and mostly highway miles which don't have a lot of stops. I'm almost up to 23K and need to take a peek again to see if they're any closer to needing replacement. I went with EBC double H - part #FA158HH Obviously can't comment yet on how well they do.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top