Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 32
  1. #1
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default A word about brake pads...

    Many are purchasing their own brake pad sets and doing the work themselves. I highly commend you if you are able to do this. But I get customers calling saying they can get 'Carbon Fiber' brake pads for less than our Sintered pad sets. I know this is true and fine if you want to go this way. But 'Carbon Fiber' just means they are Organic pads. Carbon Fiber is the organic friction material used by most brake manufacturers. Sellers know that if they call their product 'Organic', they don't sound nearly as exotic. They have found they can charge more for the same thing by renaming it. Not that they are misrepresenting what they sell. But they count on the customer not knowing that Organic and Carbon Fiber are pretty much one and the same.

    Organic is what the original Spyders come with stock. (EDIT) *BRP switched to either a semi or fully sintered when they started putting Brembo pads on*. Organic doesn't last as long, nor does it stop as well or resist fading as well as Sintered brake pads. But they are less expensive. If you are paying labor to install brake pads. Organic will probably end up costing you more in the long run, as you'll have to get them done more often than with Sintered pads.

    If you are happy with organic, not a problem. I would never presume to tell a customer what to buy. But don't pay inflated prices for 'Carbon Fiber'. You're not getting anything special. Some may look fancy. But the last time you'll see them is in the package. What most want is something that impresses when you push down on the brake pedal.

    Have a Great Riding Season!
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 02-28-2023 at 05:47 PM. Reason: ' 's ;-)
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  2. #2
    Very Active Member hypurone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    NorCal - Northbay
    Posts
    1,125
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BajaRon View Post
    Organic is what the Spyder comes stock with.
    Not on my 15 F3S! It had sintered pads as delivered new... They were WAY too hard for even a Sintered pad and I swapped them out for EBC's early on... Maybe some older Spyders came with organics but I would hazard to say that anything 2015 and newer is NOT Organic... Just sayin'.... ;-)

    '15 F3-S Pure Magnesium Metallic - Mad Max Edition
    '15 Mclaren 650S Coupe - Aurora Blue

    "You Were Really Flyin', When I Passed You Back There!"

    Chuck
    2015 F3-S , Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic

  3. #3
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by hypurone View Post
    Not on my 15 F3S! It had sintered pads as delivered new... They were WAY too hard for even a Sintered pad and I swapped them out for EBC's early on... Maybe some older Spyders came with organics but I would hazard to say that anything 2015 and newer is NOT Organic... Just sayin'.... ;-)
    You're right. I meant to say the ORIGINAL Spyders came with Organic pads (to 2012). But went to either semi or fully sintered in 2013 when BRP started using Brembo calipers. That is to say Organic pads will be a downgrade of the OEM. I edited my post to clarify. Thanks!
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  4. #4
    Active Member BamaJohn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Talladega County, Alabama
    Posts
    338
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    FWIW....I made the mistake of putting "organic" brake pads on the rear of my 2017 BMW R1200RT a few years back, and they wore out so fast I was amazed...and that's on a linked 2-wheel system where most braking is done by the front pads. I went back to sintered pads all around.
    I just put new tires on my 2020 Spyder RT with 11,000 miles on it and all brake pads look fine.
    Ride on.......
    John B.
    Current ride: 2020 Spyder RT-s Petrol Metallic Blue dark with OEM top case

  5. #5
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Bossier LoUiSiAna
    Posts
    5,977
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Carbon fiber is SOO cool

    2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
    SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
    SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
    T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
    brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
    Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
    sawblade mowhalk fender accents
    minispyder dash toy
    Lid lox
    KradelLock
    Pakitrack
    GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
    FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
    BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
    SENA 20S EVO
    2013 STL , Stock Stock Black currant

  6. #6
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bfromla View Post
    Carbon fiber is SOO cool
    On helmets and tank pad accents...
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  7. #7
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,268
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    with Ron when He says His pads stop better and from my experience last quite a bit longer than oem's ...... like 8 to 10,000 mi. longer ..... Mike

  8. #8
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Lebanon ohio
    Posts
    151
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Ok I am confused are you saying my 2020 RTL has sintered brakes on it from the factory and if so are they as good as the EBC sintered brakes because I getting ready to change front tires I was going to change brake pads and rotors at the same time which I got from one are support vendor just making sure I understand this right because my brakes are not wore out just wanted better braking. Thanks

  9. #9
    Very Active Member hypurone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    NorCal - Northbay
    Posts
    1,125
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by bfromla View Post
    carbon fiber is soo cool
    It is SOOOOO cool.... ;-)

    20211103_134947.jpg

    '15 F3-S Pure Magnesium Metallic - Mad Max Edition
    '15 Mclaren 650S Coupe - Aurora Blue

    "You Were Really Flyin', When I Passed You Back There!"

    Chuck
    2015 F3-S , Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic

  10. #10
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Longtimer View Post
    Ok I am confused are you saying my 2020 RTL has sintered brakes on it from the factory and if so are they as good as the EBC sintered brakes because I getting ready to change front tires I was going to change brake pads and rotors at the same time which I got from one are support vendor just making sure I understand this right because my brakes are not wore out just wanted better braking. Thanks
    I am not sure if the OEM pads are Sintered or Semi-Sintered. But they are one of the 2. Hopefully, you are going with a high carbon rotor which will not only last longer and resist warpage better. But will also stop better as well.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  11. #11
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Alamogordo, NM
    Posts
    692
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Do you sell Hi Carbon rotors for Spyders and Rykers?
    Dean O
    Gran Pa Hoon
    Founder San Jose BMW
    Builder of the Motorcyclist Cafe Barn and Bunkhouse
    Alamogordo, NM

    '20 Spyder F3 L

  12. #12
    Very Active Member pegasus1300's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Spring City,Utah
    Posts
    5,329
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by old Timer View Post
    Do you sell Hi Carbon rotors for Spyders and Rykers?
    Yes he does. They are EBC rotors and they work very well.

    Happy TRAils/NSD
    Paul

    2012 RT L
    AMA 25 years Life Member
    TRA
    PGR
    Rhino Riders Plate #83
    Venturers #78
    TOI

    2012 Spyder RT L , Baja Ron Plugs and wires Lava Bronze

  13. #13
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by old Timer View Post
    Do you sell Hi Carbon rotors for Spyders and Rykers?
    I do not know of an aftermarket rotor for the Ryker other than the ones that Martin the Vlogger sells. But those are not plug-&-play.

    But yes, we carry high carbon rotors for all Spyder models.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  14. #14
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2022
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    100
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I’m in the market for pads (I think) and have found many, but way cheap and I’m not going there lol. So has anybody tried ceramic pads? I see they’re out there. And is sintered the same as what automotive brakes are referred to as semi-metallic?

    Also, I’ve never done bike pads before, but I’ve done many, many car brakes. How thick are new pads on a 2010 RS? Mine are thicker than the backing plate, but not by much. There is only a sharp pencil size hole where the the rotor meets the groove in the pad.
    ~~2010 RS SE5 My first Spidey, but not my first ride~~

    The trigger’s been pulled. We have to
    get there before the hammer falls.

  15. #15
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DaniBoy View Post
    I’m in the market for pads (I think) and have found many, but way cheap and I’m not going there lol. So has anybody tried ceramic pads? I see they’re out there. And is sintered the same as what automotive brakes are referred to as semi-metallic?

    Also, I’ve never done bike pads before, but I’ve done many, many car brakes. How thick are new pads on a 2010 RS? Mine are thicker than the backing plate, but not by much. There is only a sharp pencil size hole where the the rotor meets the groove in the pad.
    If your friction material is anywhere near the thickness of the backing plate, then you have plenty of pad left. The wear limit is 1mm. About the thickness of a credit card. If you let them get this thin you just need to keep an eye on them. Check both pads as one can wear more quickly than the other. Sometimes severely so if there is an issue with the caliper.

    The rears wear more quickly than the fronts on the 2008-2012 models.

    I have not tested any ceramic pads. If you get these I would like to have your feedback if you are interested.

    Sintered pads are not the same as semi-metalic.

    Organic pads are made, usually, from Kevlar or other similar materials. They are inexpensive and usually noise free. They don't stop well and wear more quickly than other pads. They create a fair amount of dust but do not rust or corrode your wheels.

    Semi-Metallic pads have steel imbedded into them. They usually cost more than Organic pads but still relatively inexpensive. The original Spyders came with Semi-Metallic pads, and they stopped on a dime. But people screamed about the noise and, of course, being made with steel, the dust will rust on parts and is hard to remove. Semi-Metallic pads wear the longest and stop the best. They are almost always noisy and they are hard on rotors (though on the Spyder this is really a non-issue). We've never replaced or sold a rotor set to a customer that wore out a rotor. Warped and damaged rotors because pads were allowed to go metal to metal, yes. But not from simple wear.

    Sintered pads are a hybrid Semi-Metallic. Replacing the steel component with a copper alloy. They are slightly less aggressive so stopping power is slightly less than with Semi-Metallic. They are as quiet or quieter than Organic (though a few still get some squeal). They dust less and the dust will not rust and is easy to remove. In short, they solve all the issues with the Semi-Metallic pads while retaining the performance. However, they are expensive.

    Ceramic pads are not new. But are new for the Spyder. Ceramic is popular because they do last a long time, they have decent stopping power (though not as much as the Sintered). Racers use Sintered or Semi-Metallic pads because they stop better than anything else. Typically, if it is a street bike that the rider is racing they will use Sintered pads. If it is strictly a race bike only, they tend to use Semi-Metallic. Ceramic is the least dusty and the dust is typically easily removed.

    Then you get into cheaply and well made pads. Ceramic and Sintered pads are typically expensive. But you can cut corners on materials and produce a less expensive pad. I think quality brake pads for our Spyders are outrageously expensive. So I know there is interest in a less expensive pad. I do not have the time to test everything that is out there. Customers, for the most part, do that for us. Will these inexpensive ceramic pads work well? I think someone will have to try them to find out.
    Last edited by BajaRon; 03-17-2023 at 12:35 PM.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  16. #16
    Very Active Member Isopedella's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2022
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    1,019
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I look for a pad that has have decent stopping power and will wear down the pad and not eat the disc.

    I find what is on offer a bit confusing I will admit. Organic pads = ceramic pad = Sintered pads = Semi-Metallic = Carbon Fiber pads .
    Start read up all the blurb that comes with that you have to have this miracle brake pad, and I get dizzy 1/2/way through.
    Maybe its just me.

  17. #17
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Here is a pretty good article on brake pad friction material. It doesn't sit 100% with what I said. But this is more due to terminology differences and the fact that there are so many different friction material compounds out there. Still a good read if you're interested.

    https://www.suburbanautoparts.com/di...-of-brake-pads
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  18. #18
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Northern Kalifornia
    Posts
    3,398
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    "Will these inexpensive ceramic pads work well? I think someone will have to try them to find out."

    Even though Ron's attachment disagrees with me, ceramic pads were the toughest on my rotors. I never used them on my spyder; my experience with them was on my truck. Because of price, longevity, and ease of replacement, I'll stay with Ron's Sintered pads. JMHO

  19. #19
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 2dogs View Post
    "Will these inexpensive ceramic pads work well? I think someone will have to try them to find out."

    Even though Ron's attachment disagrees with me, ceramic pads were the toughest on my rotors. I never used them on my spyder; my experience with them was on my truck. Because of price, longevity, and ease of replacement, I'll stay with Ron's Sintered pads. JMHO
    It is about as difficult to get consensus on brake pads as it is on oil. I disagree with some of what that link information says as well. But again, there are variations on all the different brake compounds. As they say, 'The proof is in the pudding'.

    Some rave about ceramic. Some hate them. Hard to understand the disparity in satisfaction. And this with non-Spyder vehicles as I don't know anyone who has tried the ceramics I've found for our 3-wheeled rides. The low price is nice, but makes me a bit skeptical. My guess is that these are from China and no one is holding them to any standard. The color is different than any ceramic pad I've seen. Is that important? I don't know. But it makes me wonder how much, if any, ceramic is in them at all. Again. I can't make any final judgement until someone tries them. I'm sure someone will. Until then, I am going to carry what I know works extremely well. I have well loved customers. Not Guinee pigs.

    Well, that's not completely true. I do have customers who agree to be Guinee pigs on prototype items. But everyone goes into the process knowing this.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  20. #20
    Very Active Member FrogmanDave's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Location
    Wichita, KS
    Posts
    957
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Ceramic pads will keep your wheels much cleaner. No question about it. But... I put my Z06 Corvette on a track with ceramic pads installed and once I got my brakes hot I may as well have not had brakes at all. My brakes stunk so bad once I got back to the pit area I was embarrassed. Don't buy them if you want any kind of performance. For regular use they are great.
    2022 Petrol Metallic RT Limited / 'PYDER'
    There's no place like G28 X0 Y0 Z0

  21. #21
    Very Active Member IdahoMtnSpyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    9,767
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BajaRon View Post
    As they say, 'The proof is in the pudding'.
    Taking a detour down the path of trivia. To correct the common misquote the saying is actually, "The proof is in the eating of the pudding."

    2014 Copper RTS

    Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
    2014 RTS , Copper! (officially Cognac)

  22. #22
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Northern Kalifornia
    Posts
    3,398
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BajaRon View Post
    ..... As they say, 'The proof is in the pudding' .....
    Ron, I don't believe you, me, or anyone could catch a consensus on this site. Come to think of it maybe that's why some of us avoid group riding, you think? However I do consider the varied opinions I come across.
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 03-18-2023 at 04:43 PM. Reason: Fixed quote display ;-)

  23. #23
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by IdahoMtnSpyder View Post
    Taking a detour down the path of trivia. To correct the common misquote the saying is actually, "The proof is in the eating of the pudding."
    You are exactly right. But the only way to test pudding is to eat it. Leading many consider that addition superfluous.

    Which reminds me. I like pudding. I'm going to check the pantry...

    Quote Originally Posted by 2dogs View Post
    Ron, I don't believe you, me, or anyone could catch a consensus on this site. Come to think of it maybe that's why some of us avoid group riding, you think? However I do consider the varied opinions I come across.
    True, True and Very True!
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  24. #24
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    83
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Take this as you will. I installed on the front wheels of my 2013 ST-L, a set of High Performance EBC Fully Sintered Front Brake Pads. They squealed terribly. Took it apart and applied the caliper lube from Autozone on the moving parts. The brakes still squealed. Took it back apart and used the CRC Disk Brake Quiet. This worked for a very short while. It got so bad with the squealing it was embarrassing to drive around town. Ordered a set of OEM Can Am pads. Installed them and it has not squealed since. I can’t tell a difference in braking but I don’t do track stuff. Happy to have my non squealing Spyder back.

    I have a set of very lightly used High Performance EBC Fully Sintered Front Brake Pads (EBC-FA630HH) for the cost of shipping, if anyone wants them.

  25. #25
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by scubadown View Post
    Take this as you will. I installed on the front wheels of my 2013 ST-L, a set of High Performance EBC Fully Sintered Front Brake Pads. They squealed terribly. Took it apart and applied the caliper lube from Autozone on the moving parts. The brakes still squealed. Took it back apart and used the CRC Disk Brake Quiet. This worked for a very short while. It got so bad with the squealing it was embarrassing to drive around town. Ordered a set of OEM Can Am pads. Installed them and it has not squealed since. I can’t tell a difference in braking but I don’t do track stuff. Happy to have my non squealing Spyder back.

    I have a set of very lightly used High Performance EBC Fully Sintered Front Brake Pads (EBC-FA630HH) for the cost of shipping, if anyone wants them.
    It is very rare, but you are not the first. On the other hand. We've sold a number of pad sets to riders who had been getting terrible squeal from the OEM pads and the EBC corrected the problem for them. If you purchased the pads from us, you can return them for a refund. Sorry it didn't work out.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •