When Should I Replace My Brakes on My Motorcycle?
Berts Mega Mall | Powersports Hub
One of the most important maintenance repairs a motorcycle needs is replacing the brake pads. The motorcycles brake pads are what gives the rider ultimate control of the bike so keeping the brakes in good condition is ideal for the rider’s safety and the safety of others. A rider should always keep an eye on the brake pads, but it can be difficult to do when you do not know when the brake pads need to be replaced. Here are some signs to look for that tell you when to replace your brake pads.
How Long Should Brake Pads Last?
When it comes to motorcycle brake pads, there is no specific time frame on how long they should last. Brake pad life all depends on how you ride and how you brake. If you are an aggressive rider then you will more than likely be braking more forcefully as well causing the brake pads to wear out a lot faster than other riders. Since motorcycles have separate front and rear brake controls, riders usually have the tendency to have a dominant brake causing riders to wear one faster than the other.
How Many Miles:
Many riders believe that they should replace their brake pads when their motorcycle reaches a certain mileage. However, brake pads could last on your motorcycle for hundreds if not thousands of miles. The number of miles on your motorcycle is not really a good indicator of when to replace your brake pads. Instead, look out for physical signs of brake pad life to determine if they need to be replaced.
How the Brake Pads Look:
The easiest way to know if the brake pads need to be replaced is simply by checking the wear groove indicator. Most motorcycle brake pads have a groove molded or cut into the surface so you can see how much usable area is remaining. If the groove is not visible (less than 2 millimeters) then that is a sign that you need to get the brake pads replaced.
Insider Tip: If your motorcycle does not have a wear groove indicator, have a certified technician use a micrometer to measure the amount of friction material that’s left to determine if you need to replace the brake pads.
How it Feels When you Brake:
On occasion, you should be able to feel there is a problem with your brakes when you are riding your motorcycle. If you notice that the brakes are taking longer than normal to engage, you should get them checked out immediately because it could be a sign of brake deterioration. The sooner you look into the situation the better because bad brakes can lead to an accident on the road. If something starts to feel different, don’t hesitate to take it into your local service department to get it checked out.
What Sounds Your Brakes Make?
If your motorcycle begins to make strange sounds when riding, it could be a sign of the brake pads not working. If you hear a scraping or grinding noise whenever you engage on the brakes, it usually means that the metal brake pad backing is rubbing against the rotor surface. If you keep on riding your motorcycle with metal-to-metal contact will ruin your rotors and may result in a crash because you won't be able to stop as well as you should.
Conclusion:
When it comes to your motorcycles brake pads, make it a routine to check for all these signs whenever you are riding. Brake pads are what gives you control of the bike so not having control can lead to a serious accident. If you are still unsure about your brakes, make sure to take it to a local service department so a technician can inspect your motorcycle. Having brake pads that work is ideal for having great rides.
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