Brake Pads - Kevlar or Sintered ??
 

I am trying to improve the front brake on my XTZ660. At the minute I have an original Yamaha disc and Dunlop sintered pads, but its a dreadful combination.

When riding fast if you squeeze the brake hard nothing happens for a second before it decides to bite. When riding slow in town the braking effect is worse.

I think the yamaha disc is stainless steel but I'm not sure? If it is then perhaps I will change it to an EBC or PFM cast iron rotor but what I wonder is should I use a kevlar or sintered pad for best performance with this rotor.

Any suggestions for the best set up of pads and disc ??

I think it is more important to use a steel braided brake line !

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

Hi Fred,
I already have Goodridge hoses front and back - they were the first thing I changed. Also I have replaced all the seals in both calipers and master cylinders but only noticed marginal improvement.
The pistons are moving and the system is bled ok, the lever feels good and firm - but the braking effect is certainly poor.
I'm making enquiries about PFM cast iron rotors with aluminium hubs but can't get anyone on the telephone at the moment. What set up have you got regarding pads ?

(BTW I have both the service manual and parts list on CD if you want it - email me)

Hello Ralph,
I use the cheapest brake pads I can find which are the Hein Gericke ones. Cost only 17 Euro a pair. They used to last only a few thousand kms, and sometimes even as little as 900 km. on the rear brake. Those were central Dutch mud kms though. But after I took the calipers apart and cleaned everything it was ok again. I have also noticed that the brakes on my friend's 1996 XTZ660 are much more effective than mine, but I do a lot of off-roading and my discs look very used. Don't know what pads he has though.
Also sometimes when off-roading there's no braking for the first seconds, but it comes back slowly.
In the past I tried a lot of different makes of brake pads but it seemed to make no difference. Maybe you can try to find an industrial [or marine] brake lining supplier near you who can put different kinds of lining on your pads for trial.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

hey ralph... phil from australia here, i would love to get a copy of your cd re: the workshop manual, parts list, as im toying with the idea of riding my xtz 660 ,london to india...and its very tough to find that info here....if possible...
futronix@dodo.com.au
i hope you can help..thanks......

Hello Dodo, make sure you pass by Holland !

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

No problem lads - cds on their way shortly, thanks for the help.

As I've said to Fred the brakes are on the "back burner" for a while til' after the house is finished. I've made up my mind to try PFM discs so I'll let you know if it makes any improvement (I don't know what pads to try though). Watch this space !!

Tony, I haven't forgotten you, theres also a cd for you. (anyone else need one)

-- Ralph --


[This message has been edited by Ralph (edited 10 April 2003).]