Brake Pads
J&P Cycles offers a wide range of motorcycle brake pads for all types of bikes and riding styles. There are three basic brake pad compounds available: sintered, organic, and semi sintered. In order to select the best pads for your bike, it is helpful to understand the pros and cons of each.
Most OEMs equip their bikes with sintered motorcycle brake pads. These pads consist of metallic particles fused together under heat and pressure. Sintered provides quick stopping power -- hot or cold -- in varying riding conditions, and typically last longer than organic pads. However, due to the nearly pure metal construction, sintered pads are also very hard on brake rotors. Organic pads are made from a mix of fibers and fillers that are bound together with a resin. The softer compound provides a more varied and progressive feel that some riders prefer over the abrupt bite of sintered pads. Organic produces less wear on your rotors. However, they also wear out faster than sintered pads. If you are a casual rider who likes to opt for the easiest maintenance on your bike, you might want to choose organic pads because it is easier to change pads than it is rotors. Semi sintered pads combine the best of both worlds; the long life of a sintered pads with the progressive feel and lack of rotor wear of organic pads. Semi sintered falls right in the middle for durability and performance and are a good compromise if you are struggling to decide between sintered and organic.
Whether you've got stock or aftermarke
tMotorcycle Brake Calipers, we're sure to have the best pads for your application. Don't forget to check out our selection ofMotorcycle Brake Caliper Components for pistons, seals, and anything else you may need while you're at it.
Motorcycle Brake Pad FAQ's
What are the different types of motorcycle brake pads?
There are three main types: Organic (or "resin") pads are soft, quiet, and easy on your rotors, but they wear out fast. Sintered (or "metallic") pads are the most common. They're made of metal particles, last a long time, and have strong stopping power in all weather. Ceramic pads are a high-end option that's quiet, low-dust, and very stable at high heat.
Which brake pads are right for my bike?
For most street bikes and V-Twins, sintered brake pads are the best all-around choice. They offer the power and durability you need for a heavy bike. If you have a vintage bike, you might use organic pads. If you're a high-performance track rider, you might look at specific ceramic or high-end racing pads.
How often should I change my motorcycle brake pads?
You should change them when the friction material gets below the spec listed in your owner's manual, usually somewhere around 1.5mm to 2mm thick (about the thickness of a dime). The best way to know is to just look! Shine a flashlight into your caliper and check the pad thickness. If it's thin, it's time to swap 'em.
Membership
Shop by Vehicle
Track Order
Contact Us
