Front pads longevity

[h13man]

I searched the forum for longevity of the front brake pads change intervals with nothing definitive. I change 2x @ 20,000 mi. but not extreme wear out condition. I guess I'm needing some comparison/intervals that others have experienced. I just done a complete rebuild of squishy front lines and MC rebuild. Everything feels good but I got called out that 20,000 mi. seemed low, but this came from a non rider of Valks/heavyweights. What say you folks?

[Valker]

Mine have gone 50,000 miles sometimes and 15,000 miles other times. Road conditions matter. Alaska trips are hard on pads.

[Jess from VA]

Road conditions do matter, but riding style is also very relevant.

Hod rodding light to light vs smooth cruising and coasting to stops.

I use my fronts more (and harder) than my rear brake.

My front rotors are somewhat cupped with age and use, but are still OK (though probably harder on the brake pads).

I can't give miles but mine go for years (mostly cruising the back roads).   

[98valk]

miles have nothing to do with change out.
service  manual  pg 3-16, replace when pad if it is worn to the bottom of the wear limit groove of the pad.

same instructions for most all vehicles.

rear I/S pads are lower cost and 10mm thk which is thicker than the std oem front pads. they fit the front calibers after the backing plates are removed.

brake feel changes due to ambient temps.

Use DOT 4 LV, which provides a firmer feel over a larger range of ambient temps. has a higher wet boiling temp, so replacement is extended to 3-4 yrs.

[John97]

With 66k miles I put rear pads on since everything back there was apart for the second time in a very short time span. That’s the second set I’ve put on, they could have gone a little longer. I had a real struggle getting the plug out that is over the pad pin. I soaked it, I heated it a little, I soaked it more, I had to cut a slot in it for a screwdriver and this was all off the bike clamped in a vise. Finally I used a chisel to drive it around and out. The pin came right out. No idea why it was in there like that, I clean the threads on any bolt I remove and use anti seize. I don’t recall putting more than one set on the front but I’m sure I did, I use the front a lot more. Actually this is the first bike I’ve owned that I had to replace rear pads, twice even.

[98valk]

With 66k miles I put rear pads on since everything back there was apart for the second time in a very short time span. That’s the second set I’ve put on, they could have gone a little longer. I had a real struggle getting the plug out that is over the pad pin. I soaked it, I heated it a little, I soaked it more, I had to cut a slot in it for a screwdriver and this was all off the bike clamped in a vise. Finally I used a chisel to drive it around and out. The pin came right out. No idea why it was in there like that, I clean the threads on any bolt I remove and use anti seize. I don’t recall putting more than one set on the front but I’m sure I did, I use the front a lot more. Actually this is the first bike I’ve owned that I had to replace rear pads, twice even.

anti-seize doesn't last/work for brake components.  the disk brake synthetic grease is a must.

suggest using allen socket head plug.

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