Harley-Davidson Brake Pads

Harley Brake Pads

When you replace your Harley Davidson brake pads, you don't want some generic, low-quality, off-brand Harley brake pads. For the safety of yourself and your passenger, you only want the best Harley brake pads. That's why you go straight to jpcycles.com where you find only top quality Harley-Davidson brake pads. Our list of manufacturers reads like a "who's who" in the brake business, with brands like EBC Brakes, Lyndall Brakes, Twin Power, Goodridge, Motorcycle Parts Brand, Biker's Choice, Drag Specialties, and more. And while you're replacing your pads, don't forget to upgrade your Harley Brake Rotors, and Harley Brake Calipers.

Harley Davidson Brake Pads FAQ's

How often should I replace my Harley's brake pads?
You should replace your Harley's brake pads when the friction material wears down below the spec listed in your owner's manual. This is usually somewhere around 1.5mm (or 1/16th of an inch). A new pad is about 6mm thick. A good rule of thumb is to check them every time you change your oil. If they look thin, or if you hear a scraping noise, it's time to change 'em!

What's the difference between sintered and organic brake pads?
Sintered brake pads (also called metallic) are the most popular choice for Harleys. They're made of metallic particles fused under heat and pressure. They offer the strongest stopping power, last a long time, and work great in all weather. Organic pads are softer, quieter, and cheaper, but they wear out faster.

Which brake pads are best for my Harley?
For almost all modern Harley-Davidson models, sintered brake pads are the best choice. Your bike is heavy, and it needs the superior stopping power and durability that sintered pads provide. If you have a classic, older bike (pre-1980s), you might stick with organic pads if that's what the original system was designed for.

Do I need to replace my brake rotors when I replace my pads?
Not usually. You only need to replace your brake rotors if they are warped (you'll feel a pulsing in the lever), heavily grooved, or worn thinner than the minimum thickness stamped on the rotor itself. If your rotors look and feel smooth, you're good to just swap the pads.

Is it hard to change my own Harley brake pads?
Changing your own brake pads is a very common and pretty easy DIY job. You'll need some basic hand tools (like a socket set) to unbolt the brake caliper. The key is to take your time, keep things clean, and always pump your brake lever a few times after you're done to set the new pads before you ride.