I/S Brake pads?

[Ferris Leets]

I just replaced the fronts and bought new rears.  Long story shortened. I ended up with a good used set of left hand fronts and a new pair of "Honda" brand rears left over.  Just for the hell of it and because I get curious.  I wondered what the difference was between the standard/tourer rear brakes and the I/S rear.  Well I laid the good front on top of the new rears and they are identical, except that the rear (special order) pads have 2 grooves and the others have 1 groove.

So anyone know why they are different?

[Ricky-D]

They're not!

Just a difference because of different manufacturers wanting to differentiate their pads from other manufacturers.

The only difference than needs to be paid attention is pad construction material.  Organic, sintered, metallic, kevlar, etc.

Pad material affects rotor life.  Harder pads = better stopping & greater wear on rotors. Softer pad = normal stopping & longer life on rotors.

***

[98valk]

I just replaced the fronts and bought new rears.  Long story shortened. I ended up with a good used set of left hand fronts and a new pair of "Honda" brand rears left over.  Just for the hell of it and because I get curious.  I wondered what the difference was between the standard/tourer rear brakes and the I/S rear.  Well I laid the good front on top of the new rears and they are identical, except that the rear (special order) pads have 2 grooves and the others have 1 groove. So anyone know why they are different?

I have been looking into new front pads for my bike. what I have found out is that the pads front and back are the same backing plate wise. Differences are the thinkness of the pads. rears being thicker. It seams that the friction material for front and rear pads are the same for our bikes. I don't know if the OEM pads use different FM. One company Ferodo offers front pads that are the same thinkness as the rear pads for the same price and actually lists the same pads for front and rear. I am trying to find out if they will fit our calibers. The difference on thinkness is 1.5mm each pad. If they fit then this will of course give longer pad life for the same $$.

[Ferris Leets]

But, why is the E/S the only one that has the different brake pads listed?

[98valk]

But, why is the E/S the only one that has the different brake pads listed?

don't know why, and the I/S are listed cheaper than the std on directline. I remember a few yrs ago something came up about an addtional backing plate for the I/S rears which the std didn't require. so I surmise the I/S is a thinner pad hence the lower $. The extra plate would be for heat blockage to the pistons in the caliper.
I checked Vesrah, EBC, Ferodo, DP and SBS and all list the same brake pads for all valkyrie models except rune. From some google searches it seams that Vesrah, a japanese co., is the supplier of OEM pads and are the same pads.

[fudgie]

  Organic, sintered, metallic, kevlar, etc.

Which are better? I think the ones I have on now are sintered.

[98valk]

  Organic, sintered, metallic, kevlar, etc.

Which are better? I think the ones I have on now are sintered.

sintered. for street use nothing is better. OEM is sintered
http://www.sportbikesolutions.com/sintered_vs_organic.htm

[Grandpot]

I have a 99 I/S.

I had EBS and just went back to Honda.  The Honda pads stop better with less pressure.  They also have a better feel through the controls.

I didn't keep very good records about the life span of either brand.  Pads are inexpensive and easy to change, so I will stick with the better performing brakes (Honda).  Stopping in a controlled state is what it's all about anyhow.