Typical life of brake pads

[aka1004]

I got 54000 miles on my spyder and rear pad was changed few thousand miles ago but front pads are like 45000+ miles old. Pads seems to be ok and have about 1/8" left on them but lately it seems like I've lost little bit of braking power and brake failure light flashed couple of times. I know that can be just low fluid but what is the typical life expectancy of these pads?

Thank you in advance.

 

[duneside]

Good question

I seem to trade my Spyders off before that becomes an issue, somebody on here knows ,of that I'm sure.nojoke

 

[Sarge707]

I checked the rear of my 09GS at 23,000 miles and they are "Like New" Just as yours probably were at that milleage.
Haven,t checked the Front yet but will when spring arrives.

 

[jerpinoy]

If you drive like mileager your brake pads will last more than expected, but otherwise then make sure you got

a deep pocket.nojoke

 

[BajaRon]

I don't think there is a 'Typical' brake life expectancy. It really depends on several variables.

RT vs RS
Loading (1 up vs 2 up, how much stuff in the bags, Trailer)
Road conditions (Freeway vs stop & go traffic vs mountain twisties & elevation changes)
Riding style (aggressive vs moderate)

Some go a long way on pads, others not so far.

 

[aka1004]

I do ryde hard.
So as long as pads are intact and still has some meat left on them, I am good?
I was wondering if premature failure due to excessive heat was possible. Oh and it seems that brakes squeal a little more too along with loss of little braking power.

 

[NancysToy]

I do ryde hard.
So as long as pads are intact and still has some meat left on them, I am good?
I was wondering if premature failure due to excessive heat was possible. Oh and it seems that brakes squeal a little more too along with loss of little braking power.

The spec for minimum thickness on the Spyder brakes pads is 1 mm. They should be replaced at or before that point. New pads are quite thin, so you should measure...you can't really eyeball them.
The most common causes for noise and loss of braking power, if the brakes are used hard, are from glazing of the pads and burning of the rotors. You should be able to see burned (or scored) rotors. Glazed pads may require removal and light sanding to correct. Badly glazed or hardened pads cannot be repaired, and must be replaced. You may wish to consider replacing the pads and rotors with BajaRon's EBC semi-sintered pads and hi-performance rotors.