BRAKING Brake Pads

Braking brake pads come in two compounds, sintered and semi-metallic, for a long list of motorcycles and scooters. One pad shape, the one that fits your caliper, usually exists in both materials, so you get it right in two steps: first the shape, then the compound that suits your riding.

Sintered or semi-metallic

• Sintered (part numbers CM44, CM46, CM55, CM56, CM77 and CM88): pressed metal particles. They stand up well to heat and rain and give a firm bite, at the cost of wearing the disc a little more. They suit powerful bikes, heavy tourers and track use.
• Semi-metallic (SM1 and CM66): a softer blend with a progressive feel, quieter and kinder to the disc. They are the natural choice for light bikes and everyday use.

How to read the part number

The three-digit number, such as 899 or 806, is the shape of the pad; the ending, such as SM1 or CM55, is the compound. Those marked «universal» do not fit every bike: they are shapes shared by many calipers, and the safe thing is to compare them with the pad you have fitted. Maxi-scooters such as the TMAX, the Burgman or the X-MAX have their own sintered series, with part numbers like P30786. Several part numbers say «various models of…»: the exact list of bikes and years is on the product page.

When fitting them

• Change them in complete axle sets: both calipers on the same wheel, always.
• To fit new pads the pistons have to be pushed back in, and the fluid level rises: watch it so it does not overflow.
• Keep the first stops progressive, so the material beds in without overheating.
• For road use it is advisable that replacement pads are approved to the ECE R90 regulation; racing pads are not always.

If the disc is scored or has a lip, replace the brake discs too. If you are torn between two part numbers, ask us on the chat with your bike and its year; and if you are not practised with brakes, fitting is a job for a workshop. The whole range is in Braking.