Rear brake question

[BrettB]

Just returned from a trip from Illinois to Michigan.....Mackinaw Island, Tunnel of trees, etc. It was a great trip in a beautiful area. The Valk performed like a trooper. (average 37.87 mpg)  During this trip I had occasion to ride two other bikes (Goldwing and a Vulcan) and found that their rear brakes were MUCH better than those on my 2000 Tourer.  I had the rear pads changed last year and noticed then that they seemed to be inferior to what was replaced.  This winter I am going to do the darkside thing and will be doing something about the brakes.  I'm thinking maybe they used some off brand brake pads the last time and wondered what would be the best.
Also, my dear wife gave me a heated jacket and gloves as a birthday present recently.  The instructions say to simply wire to the battery.  I'm wondering if that will be too much of a drain on the system.  The only options I am running are a CB radio and Zumo.  Can I plug these in without worry this winter??
If anyone is ever thinking of a trip to this area in Michigan, let me know as we found a great chalet to rent at a very reasonable price in the Harbor Springs area. It sleeps up to 12 people, and has everything you need, including washer/dryer.  It is close to the ski slopes and this is actually their "off" season, so it cost us (5 people) $34 per person per night.  I thought it was a deal.  Thanks in advance for any helpful info.

[Gryphon Rider]

I suggest Honda OEM pads.  The jacket and gloves should be no problem for your charging system if it's otherwise healthy.  I run a full jacket liner and glove liners without issues.

[BrettB]

Thank you very much.  I'm looking forward to riding a little longer this season with the heated gloves and jacket liner.

[Patrick]

You may have well got a set of aftermarket brake pads.. Most, if not all, the dealers around use them and have to order the OEM pads,, doesn't make much sense to me,, but,, most things today don't make much sense to me..  Most seem to prefer the Honda pads..

[larryh0841]

Regarding the heated clothing running directly off the battery of your Valkyrie I run two Gerbings jackets and one pair of gloves and never have a problem with the direct to battery installation.  For brake pads I stick to the OEM pads with the OEM discs.  I have EBC pads and discs on the front of my Valkyrie after ruining my OEM discs by installing EBC pads.  I seldom use the rear brake and have not changed the pads in 75,000 miles.  The EBC rotors are showing no wear after two years use, but you have to use their pads.

[Dennis Klinefelt]

When i change brake pads i take 200 grit sandpaper and a sanding block and clean up the rotors...,giving the new pads some fresh rotor to seat  them...i like the oem pads best....hope this helps...