Brake Pad Review- David Booth’s guide to motorcycle brake pad upgrades

Andrew Shadow

Andrew Shadow

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Jan 28, 2012
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5,467
Location
Montreal
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2009 ST1300A9

David Booth’s guide to motorcycle brake pad upgrades. Our guide to upgrading your motorcycle's brake pads. Best brake pads of 2024 tested.​

I found it curious that the EBC brake pads that he tested caused the brakes to drag due to their pad surface area being larger than the OEM pads. This same problem has been reported often on this site when EBC pads are used on the ST1300. One would think that a company the size of EBC, who specializes in brake parts, could get the dimensions correct. After all, it is not likely that a customer who wants to use EBC pads is going to be willing to either machine their discs or replace them to allow the use of the EBC pads without having them cause problems.
 
I have no idea of the size of the EBC pads compared to the OEM pads for my V65 Sabre. I didn't notice any increase in wheel drag but my rotors started to show wear very quickly. On a ride to Alice's (Woodside) I met another V65 Sabre rider who had the same pads and had a lot of rotor damage. So I put the stock pads back in. They had to be rewedded to the rotor then they worked fine with no noticeable wear on the rotor.
 
I'll just say this... we've all seen so many issues with EBC pads on ST13's, that my curious, obstinate and contrarian personality is not even remotely inclined to try them.

And I'm not usually one to "follow the crowd"... but I just ain't got the time in my life to reinvent the proverbial wheel.
 
I was going to use EBC’s on my fronts but after reading up on them their dimensions are different. I believe their height is longer hence the pads causing early contact with the disk. Anyway, I trust the folks on here and went OEM. a bit pricey but they have lasted a fair time and still have a bit of life in them until I need to replace.
 
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