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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: Richard230 on March 26, 2012, 07:07:20 AM
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The Zero uses Hayes brake calipers. I thought I had heard of the company before and I looked them up. Apparently, they are an American firm, with their headquarters in Wisconsin. The have been around since 1946 and make braking systems for all sorts of vehicles from bicycles to motorcycles to trucks. Here is their website: http://www.hayesbrake.com/ (http://www.hayesbrake.com/)
And what do you know, you can buy brake pads on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hayes+disc+brake+pads&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=4548446709&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=826533525394612723&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_19vigf8ke4_b (http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hayes+disc+brake+pads&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=4548446709&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=826533525394612723&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_19vigf8ke4_b)
Although getting the right pads would probably help if we knew what model brake calipers we had on the Zero.
And here is a PDF manual for servicing Hayes brakes: http://www.hayesdiscbrake.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Stroker45-21883EnglishWeb.pdf (http://www.hayesdiscbrake.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Stroker45-21883EnglishWeb.pdf)
Frankly, my eyes started to glaze over after a while as I was reading this manual.
If you prefer to watch someone else bleed the brakes, you can watch this video: Stroker bleeding procedure (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpdTKzgoVGk#)
The work is performed by a Hayes rep on their bicycle brakes, but he says that the bleeding method is similar throughout their brake model range.
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I used Hayes disc brakes when I was building mountain bicycles and recumbent off-road trikes. I was satisfied with them. I have some old-new stock left, too bad it isn't compatible with my ZERO :(
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The first thing I'm going to do when I will get the bike is to change the pads...for softer ones...I didn't really like them on the bike I tested...
If you are interested, I will post the info.
And yes, Hayes is a respected disk brake manufacturer (I know them because of MTB disks brakes)
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Lipo423, I would certainly be interested in, and appreciative of, any information that you can provide regarding where replacement pads can be purchased, what company or brand makes pads for Hayes brakes, what friction-rated, or manufacturer catalog number, pads you bought and whatever information you can provide regarding removing and replacing the pads in the calipers.
Don't forget that it does take a few hundred miles for any brake pad to completely bed-in and conform to the surface of the brake disc, before it will provide its best stopping performance.
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No problem Richard, I will definitely let you know...
The bike that I tested was a demo one and had a few hundreds Km...still (the braking)too hard for my taste...and I felt it was because of the pads...I have owned 8 IC bikes and I did find it too hard...
I understood that you had a similar impression, is that right?
Tomorrow I'm getting a demo bike from the dealer until I will get the one I ordered ;D
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That is right. Even after 600 miles my brake pads feel like they are made of wood. But if you squeeze hard enough, the bike stops as well as a Ninja 250, as an example. My problem is that I don't have a very strong grip and I am used to my BMW's and FZ1 brakes, which are very powerful, even with a light grip on the front brake lever. So softer brake pads would be nice.
I might add that my Triumph Bonneville's brakes were kind of "wooden" too. I ended up replacing the rotors with a Braking floater and the pads with DP HH type, for a noticeable improvement in power and feel.
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OK. We will fix this right away as soon as I get the bike...will keep you updated.
I have got the demo bike, and I'm very, very happy...I need to thank Zero's dealer in Spain (SUZUKA) his salesman Xavi + the local dealer(Auto Pla Vic). They have been nice enouh to understand the situation and offered me a demo bike while my bike hits the port. Very good people.
If it had more authonomy, I would not drive another IC bike in my life!!
Let's wait, it will come...
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Great news Lipo423! :) Thanks for the update.
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great news. lets move to Spain ! nice and warm country. great soccer ! Go Barca !
T
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I will not say this is the best country in the world, but it is not bad ;D
In my former job I was requested to move the Switzerland, and I was not very excited about it...when I read Richard messages I consider myself very lucky (sunny days, food, the beach, etc...)it is a shame the economical situation is not very good at the moment, but, you cannot get everything in life!!
It is definitely a great place for bikes.
I have travelled to different states in the US, and, I'll tell you, is not bad over there either (I love Seattle, WA -not the best place for bikes though...)