Need to talk a little WHOA

[Varmintmist]

What are the best brake pads for the Valk? I need fresh fronts and since I am in tere I might as well do the rear.
I looked at Directline and they had 3-4 different types. Any bad experiance with the less expensive?

[X Ring]

Unless you want to change your rotors, stay away from EBC.  Most stick with the Honda pads.

Marty

[PhredValk]

Do a search from the main message page. There have been a few threads on brake pads lately, and it seems OEM came out the winner. Depends on who's rotors you have.
Fred.

[vanagon40]

Do a search from the main message page. . . .

Yep, there has been a LOT of discussion during the last year (and the last month).

Check out this old thread for varying opinions => http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,11220.0.html

IMHO, for $30 for TWO complete sets, you cannot go to far wrong with these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110646887744

If you don't like them, you're out only $30 and you still have a complete, new set to give to someone else to try.

Although this is non-responsive to your original question, I would not see any reason to change the rear brakes "while you're in there."  My front brakes were toast but the rears appear to have at least 50% left.  The front and rear brakes are completely independent, so there is no saving of time or effort in replacing both sets at the same time.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with eBay, usa-motorcycles-inc, etc., etc.

[GOOSE]

if you want to save money, then go the cheapo route....if you want quality pads, then go TOJO+HONDA.

[fudgie]

I have used pads by Braking. Most dealers have them. Cheaper and the seem a hair thicker then oems. I change my rears ever few years. i'm hard on them.

[Varmintmist]

OEM's on the way, along with a air cleaner.

[vanagon40]

if you want to save money, then go the cheapo route....if you want quality pads, then go TOJO+HONDA.

Maybe I am not understanding your post, but I believe you are claiming that only HONDA makes "quality pads."  While I do not criticize folks who have their vehicles serviced only at the dealer, or who purchase only dealer parts for their vehicle, I cannot conclude that only the dealer provides "quality" parts.

I have purchased many non-dealer parts for all the automobiles I own, and I purchase non-dealer parts for my Honda Valkyrie.  Yes, I like to save money.  But I do not believe that one has to purchase original parts to obtain "quality" parts.  I believe that items such as oil, antifreeze, tires, and brake pads can be purchased from non-dealer sellers.

Again, I do not criticize your decision to purchase only Honda brake pads, but I question your implication that non-OEM parts are "cheapo" parts.