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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Kocho on May 15, 2016, 08:24:35 AM

Title: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on May 15, 2016, 08:24:35 AM
The rear brakes on my '15 SR are terribly noisy. I'm fairly certain it is the material of the pads that's the culprit. Looking at the EBC catalogue, it seems the rear pads for '15 SR are FA213 (organic), FA213V (semi sintered), and FA213HH (sintered):

http://ebcbrakes.com/Assets/ecatalogues/2016_USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue/USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue_2016.html#p=30 (http://ebcbrakes.com/Assets/ecatalogues/2016_USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue/USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue_2016.html#p=30)

I decided to give the organic FA213 pads a try, because organic pads are supposed to be the quietest and most gentle on the rotors (don't last as long and don't "bite" as strong as sintered, but have better "feel" supposedly):


http://smile.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA213-Disc-Brake/dp/B006BVHD4I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463278781&sr=8-2&keywords=ebc+brake+pads+fa213 (http://smile.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA213-Disc-Brake/dp/B006BVHD4I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463278781&sr=8-2&keywords=ebc+brake+pads+fa213)

Amazon says they do not fit the Zero, but I trust the EBC catalogue to be correct. Hope they fit and work better than stock. Will let you know how they turn out once I get them in a week or two and install them. For under $25 delivered, I think they are worth a try.

Feel free to reply with similar information, including parts numbers and sourcing, if you have other alternatives.

EDIT: photo attached of the retail package with the EBC FA213 pads that I received. I still have not installed them, so I can't confirm fit and performance yet. You can't tell from the attached photo, but they seem to have some copper-looking bits in them (that look silver-ish on the photo). No metal shims are included with these pads (and there are none on the bike either in the rear, only in the front).
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: avernon82 on May 15, 2016, 09:35:46 AM
thanks for starting this thread! we'll figure it out

I think these would work for the JJuan front brakes

http://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA209-Disc-Brake/dp/B00666KCU0/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1463282704&sr=1-2&keywords=EBC+FA+209%2F2 (http://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA209-Disc-Brake/dp/B00666KCU0/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1463282704&sr=1-2&keywords=EBC+FA+209%2F2)

Looks like people use them on their BMW 650 GS.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: rayivers on May 16, 2016, 02:24:41 AM
Quote
I trust the EBC catalogue to be correct
Normally I'd agree, but it shows my '14 FX as using FA208 rear pads, which don't fit at all (correct pads are FA131, below).

(http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server400/7nlvmei/products/3564/images/6563/fa131x__19504.1420840887.1280.1280.jpg?c=2)

FA208:

(http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server400/7nlvmei/products/3601/images/6530/208__34115.1420674199.1280.1280.JPG?c=2)

Performance Cycle (http://www.performancecycle.com/search.php?search_query=EBC+FA) has a number of pad outline diagrams.

Ray

Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on May 16, 2016, 02:40:15 AM
Hmmm. 208 and 213 seem identical in dimensions and shape on the diagrams from your link... I guess I'll find out soon enough if I the catalogue is right for my SR.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: rayivers on May 16, 2016, 03:06:43 AM
The catalog's probably correct for your SR - it shows the right front pads for my bike (FA185).  Some companies do appear to make identical pads with different numbers, but I've found there usually ends up being some kind of difference between them (friction material thickness / slotting / chamfering, backing-plate thickness / material / coating, etc.).

Ray
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Fivespeed302 on May 16, 2016, 04:20:40 AM
I am also glad you started this thread.  I am looking forward to hearing other rider experiences.  My '15 SR stops fine but is noisy.  Oftentimes I have to tap the rear brake to stop it from sounding like a worn out shopping buggy.  I just got some cheap Chinese pads for my R1 and will be installing them soon, for practice as much as anything. 
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on May 20, 2016, 06:15:21 PM
Yes, they should. If I like how the rear EBC pads work, I might swap the fronts too. But my front brakes are almost quiet enough to be OK, only the rear are really loud on mine - sound almost like an old dump truck, not just gentle squeak. And they just feel rough and scratch, not smooth when I use them... I'll have an update for the rear brakes as soon as I get my bike back from the shop - they are fixing some unrelated issue that might take a while (or might be done tomorrow - never know)...

thanks for starting this thread! we'll figure it out

I think these would work for the JJuan front brakes

http://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA209-Disc-Brake/dp/B00666KCU0/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1463282704&sr=1-2&keywords=EBC+FA+209%2F2 (http://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA209-Disc-Brake/dp/B00666KCU0/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1463282704&sr=1-2&keywords=EBC+FA+209%2F2)

Looks like people use them on their BMW 650 GS.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: avernon82 on May 24, 2016, 09:03:33 AM
The FA209/2 doesn't fit. Too big. I should have done basic measurements of my current pads before ordering. Also not the right shape.

I also stupidly opened the package before I knew if they were going to work or not. i ordered on Amazon, hoping they'll take it back.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on May 24, 2016, 09:38:44 AM
So the EBC catalogue is wrong for the front FA209/2 too? What year and model is your Zero? My bike is still in the shop, so I don't know if the rears that I got will fit or not...

The FA209/2 doesn't fit. Too big. I should have done basic measurements of my current pads before ordering. Also not the right shape.

I also stupidly opened the package before I knew if they were going to work or not. i ordered on Amazon, hoping they'll take it back.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: avernon82 on May 24, 2016, 10:18:55 AM
2016 FX
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: rayivers on May 24, 2016, 06:54:05 PM
Amazon is usually pretty good about returns.  I've sent back maybe 10 or so items over the years, no problems at all.  They have the procedure online, labels to print, etc.

Ray
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on May 24, 2016, 07:04:48 PM
The FX has a smaller disk in the front compared to the rest of the line for '16 (and '15). I doubt it is using the same pads as them even if it is ising the same JUan caliper. Maybe EBC missed that subtelty in their catalogue and the part number is still good for tje rest of the line, other than the FX?

I think the return should be fine, if it is a mistake in the catalogue. Or if they indeed fit other models, maybe one of us who are unhappy with their front brakes can buy them from you if they give you problems?
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: avernon82 on May 25, 2016, 12:08:44 AM
This looks more like it, just need to take my front pads out and measure...

http://www.performancecycle.com/ebc-fa181x-brake-pads/ (http://www.performancecycle.com/ebc-fa181x-brake-pads/)
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: MortenRS-DK on May 25, 2016, 04:51:29 AM
I just replaced med break pads on my SR 2014. I am not sure if the 2015/2016 ABS breaks uses jeg same break pads.

I ordered them online from a local danish dealer I have used before, when I was driving Honda.

Front: http://www.mcbutikken.dk/search/mcb574/in/all/article/134425 (http://www.mcbutikken.dk/search/mcb574/in/all/article/134425) - Lucas SBB, standard ALTN 7370711
Rear: http://www.mcbutikken.dk/category/10827060300/search/mcb+672/in/all/article/355601 (http://www.mcbutikken.dk/category/10827060300/search/mcb+672/in/all/article/355601) - BRAKE PADS STD TRW ALTN 7377542/7630066

The online dealer will ship to all of EU.

Both was just the same size as the original.
My frist original set break pad lasted 10000km. I can report back next time i change how long this set will last.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on May 26, 2016, 10:29:07 PM
I just replaced med break pads on my SR 2014. I am not sure if the 2015/2016 ABS breaks uses jeg same break pads.

For anyone wondering: they do not.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on June 20, 2016, 06:49:05 AM
A quick follow-up. I just installed the EBC pads on the rear of my '15 SR and they are absolutely quiet! No squeaking, no grinding noises whatsoever. Did a short test run and they seem to stop well too ;) Will have to ride them a few hundred miles to see if anything changes - I expect the stopping power to increase some after they set to the disks.

I will buy the fronts too, of the same type. My front brake is not terrible, but it is not quiet either. Plus I don't like the feel of it - just like the OEM rear pads, it feels harsh and abrasive, vs. the extremely smooth and absolutely quiet engagement on the EBC pads.

I do expect this type of EBC pads to wear quicker than stock, but I'd go for quiet over noisy any day.

The rear brakes on my '15 SR are terribly noisy. I'm fairly certain it is the material of the pads that's the culprit. Looking at the EBC catalogue, it seems the rear pads for '15 SR are FA213 (organic), FA213V (semi sintered), and FA213HH (sintered):

http://ebcbrakes.com/Assets/ecatalogues/2016_USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue/USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue_2016.html#p=30 (http://ebcbrakes.com/Assets/ecatalogues/2016_USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue/USA_Motorcycle_Catalogue_2016.html#p=30)

I decided to give the organic FA213 pads a try, because organic pads are supposed to be the quietest and most gentle on the rotors (don't last as long and don't "bite" as strong as sintered, but have better "feel" supposedly):


http://smile.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA213-Disc-Brake/dp/B006BVHD4I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463278781&sr=8-2&keywords=ebc+brake+pads+fa213 (http://smile.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA213-Disc-Brake/dp/B006BVHD4I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463278781&sr=8-2&keywords=ebc+brake+pads+fa213)

Amazon says they do not fit the Zero, but I trust the EBC catalogue to be correct. Hope they fit and work better than stock. Will let you know how they turn out once I get them in a week or two and install them. For under $25 delivered, I think they are worth a try.

Feel free to reply with similar information, including parts numbers and sourcing, if you have other alternatives.

EDIT: photo attached of the retail package with the EBC FA213 pads that I received. I still have not installed them, so I can't confirm fit and performance yet. You can't tell from the attached photo, but they seem to have some copper-looking bits in them (that look silver-ish on the photo). No metal shims are included with these pads (and there are none on the bike either in the rear, only in the front).
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Manzanita on June 20, 2016, 12:39:48 PM
Maybe you've seen my previous posts on the issues I've had with organic pads on my Zero S, but if not, just to warn you: I replaced my front OEM pads for organic pads to overcome the abrupt bite of the OEM front brakes (ridiculous!) and it did give it a more gradual feel. But one morning on my commute down the hill they overheated under 'normal' riding and I ended up heading into a steep downhill hairpin with maybe 30% of the normal stopping power and almost crashed. Organic pads in front for a Zero S/SR in any sort of spirited riding is definitely pushing the limits, since it is a 400 pound bike with a single disc in front. Importantly, they didn't give me a gradual warning that they were about to give out. One moment they were fine, the next I had pushed them over the edge and they barely worked. I have since switched those out to the Renthal BP-102 pads, and they definitely seem to have a more gradual bite. Be careful! 
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on June 20, 2016, 05:52:20 PM
Thanks, I've seen that thread. I'll  need to test them I suppose. I do not expect to be in a situation like when you overheated, but who knows... What brand of pads did you use that gave you the fade?
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on June 20, 2016, 10:06:49 PM
I have struggled to figured out correct information over model years into some tables for brake pad replacement. In any case, please review and carefully update the following if you have a direct confirmation:

http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Unofficial_Service_Manual#Brakes
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Manzanita on June 21, 2016, 08:24:56 PM
Thanks, I've seen that thread. I'll  need to test them I suppose. I do not expect to be in a situation like when you overheated, but who knows... What brand of pads did you use that gave you the fade?
I believe they were "Moose Racing" pads.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on June 21, 2016, 09:08:24 PM
One would expect "racing" pads to be more resistant... But having only a single disk in the front on a heavy-ish bike probably stresses them too much. I'll have my EBC pads on hopefully later this week on the front too and will try some lively riding to see how they handle. We don't have large downhills where I live, and if it turns I'm overheating the brakes in "normal" riding, then I probably shouldn't be riding that way ;)

I'm very happy with the rear EBC pads so far - really smooth and totally quiet.

Thanks, I've seen that thread. I'll  need to test them I suppose. I do not expect to be in a situation like when you overheated, but who knows... What brand of pads did you use that gave you the fade?
I believe they were "Moose Racing" pads.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: avernon82 on July 20, 2016, 11:18:04 PM
I just installed replacement front brake pads for the '16 FX. FA181 pads from ebc fit the J Juan brakes on the FX.

I put the Kevlar pads on, no more squealing. Also reduced braking performance without as much bite. Not sure if I'm going to go back. Good $25 experiment though.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on September 11, 2016, 06:27:00 PM
It's been some time since I installed the rear EBC organic pads. They still work well, almost totally quiet at the end of a stop where the OEM ones were squealing.

Yesterday I installed the front pads too. The installation process is the same as on the rear - remove one retaining clip from the end of the bolt, undo the 1 bolt, slip out the old pads, move the shims to the new pads, slip in the new pads in, put the bolt and clip back on and done. 10 minutes job.

The fronts, I'm not so sure what is going on - they make this weird noise when stopping, as if I hear each little hole on the disk as it passes under the pads, it's like "chrrrr" kind of noise. I only rode a few miles yesterday with a dozen stops or so, so I'll give them some more time before I decide if I will go back and put the OEM pads back in. It is not very loud and won't be heard with full face helmet at speed, but I don't think I've heard that sound from the OEM pads.

The EBC pads are quieter in the front too at the end of the stop, eliminating the loud squeal my OEM ones had, but I can still feel/hear the same type of lack of smoothness that bothered me with the OEM front brakes.

The EBC front pads actually seem to have more bite than the OEM. Not a huge difference, bit I actually expected less bite from organic pads, not more.

The back metal plate on the EBC pads is painted black, the OEM is unpainted and looks like it might have some copper in it. Which one will dissipate heat better or is sturdier? Who knows... The EBC pads have one slot in the middle, the OEM have 2 slots (creating 2 vs. 3 sections on each pad respectively). The EBC thus have slightly larger surface area in contact with the rotor than OEM, maybe that's why they have a bit more bite.

Additionally, I feel the front fork vibrate I think just as much if not more than with the OEM pads when braking. It might be normal for the Zero, since I've felt it on other demo bikes too. Not sure if it is a function of the rotor being drilled or just the nature of the fork design... It is not smooth as the rear brakes that are working on a solid swing arm - the front is just a long fork that is bound to bend and rebound in a fore-aft direction under braking forces, causing these vibrations.   

One would expect "racing" pads to be more resistant... But having only a single disk in the front on a heavy-ish bike probably stresses them too much. I'll have my EBC pads on hopefully later this week on the front too and will try some lively riding to see how they handle. We don't have large downhills where I live, and if it turns I'm overheating the brakes in "normal" riding, then I probably shouldn't be riding that way ;)

I'm very happy with the rear EBC pads so far - really smooth and totally quiet.

Thanks, I've seen that thread. I'll  need to test them I suppose. I do not expect to be in a situation like when you overheated, but who knows... What brand of pads did you use that gave you the fade?
I believe they were "Moose Racing" pads.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: clay.leihy on September 12, 2016, 08:13:20 AM
My 15 FX had a howling noise just as I came to a stop, from the front. Anti squeal stuff on the pads was no help at all. Picked up a pair of EBC FA181X pads, carbon graphite, and all noise is gone. Also, I prefer the feel of these, smooth and no longer grabby.

Clay
DoD #2160,6
2015 FX ZF6.5  😁
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: clay.leihy on September 12, 2016, 08:14:46 AM
(ignore this post done in error can't get rid of)
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: avernon82 on September 12, 2016, 11:21:57 PM
yup, those are the ones I put on. Generally happy with them, I like the bite of the old pads though. Was willing to do almost anything to get rid of that horrible sound!
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Fivespeed302 on October 14, 2016, 06:31:59 PM
I have struggled to figured out correct information over model years into some tables for brake pad replacement. In any case, please review and carefully update the following if you have a direct confirmation:

http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Unofficial_Service_Manual#Brakes (http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Unofficial_Service_Manual#Brakes)

I don't know how I missed out on the unofficial manual, but it is now in my favorites.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: pacificcricket on October 14, 2016, 09:35:56 PM
I've installed these on DS '14. They're cheaper than EBC :)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008C012FW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008C012FW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on October 14, 2016, 11:23:16 PM
How do they work for you? Quiet? Do they stop well? I'm not entirely happy with the front EBC pads (100% happy with the rears). The fronts make less squealing noises than the OEM pads, I think stop just as good if not better, but make some other quieter noises that I don't remember hearing before and that I don't particularly like. Maybe I'll swap my old pads back in to compare...
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: pacificcricket on October 14, 2016, 11:30:41 PM
Mine work pretty good. No excessive squealing noises, but sometimes it feels like they're grinding or something like that. Not sure what's that about.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Kocho on October 15, 2016, 12:30:50 AM
Might be the material, seems you are describing the same thing I am hearing. It is more of a dry hissing noise when gently applied... I don't hear them grind the way the original pads did (i.e., a "hard" sounding noise when they make contact).

Mine work pretty good. No excessive squealing noises, but sometimes it feels like they're grinding or something like that. Not sure what's that about.
Title: Re: Brake Pads Alternatives to OEM
Post by: Delnari on November 19, 2016, 12:02:26 AM
Just so I know for sure, what EBC pads works F/R for 15+ SR?