Ojref
Expert Class
Posts: 336
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posted March 29, 2007 12:08 PM
 Edited By: Ojref on 29 Mar 2007 13:22
EBC HH brake pads - 500 Mi report
I recently replaced my brake pads up front with EBC HH replacements. Physical differences:, the stock pads had a single sipe cut down top-bottom of the pad about 1/3 way back, the EBC's have no such cut.
Use: After proper bedding in and rebleeding (*1) the fronts, the EBC's seem to work quite differently than the stock Nissins. Cold, they have weaker inital drag or bite compared to stock. Warmed up they seem to be as grippy as the stockers, good drag slowdown with a progressive feel, good quick bite. One-fingered operation is pretty good, until the pads get heated up - which didn't seem to take long during stop-start freeway traffic in Houston.
Subsequent braking cycles at high speed or fast progression seems to make these units get grabby and grindy against the stock rotors. At slower speeds with hot pads you can feel a rapid,rymithic vibration against the stock rotors with a lot of pad noise. My rotors aren't warped, as putting the used stockers back on dismisses this effect. I haven't really flogged them well yet in a track or road-race situation, but I think that with the testing I've done so far, these brakes will fade a lot sooner than the stock Nissin pads. I have yet to test them in the wet.
Noise: When cold, no squeal like the stockers did on some mornings. Once warmed up, you may hear a high-pitched squeak on light to moderate pressure. Hot, you will hear a "shhh" shuffle as the pads swell and vent gas.
Overall, I have to rate the EBC HH pads for the ZX-14 a B-. They have a price advantage over most dealer list price replacement pads, perform excellent with mild use once warmed up with a few stops, however seem to fade rapidly with spirited or performance riding. The stock Nissins seem to work better all around. Since I hate Galfer's pads with extreme prejudice, I might look at SBS as an alternative replacement. I'll put another 500mi on the pads to see if the additonal break-in does anything for the material - the bedding in process should have been all the break in the pads needed, however I've already invested $60 so I'll let it ride.
FYI: the stock pads are rated HH as well as the rotors. Keep this in mind when you are selecting replacement pads.
*1 = System flushed and filled with Valvoline DOT 4 Synthetic brake fluid, rated 500* dry boil.
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2006 Kawasaki ZX-14 Ninja, Red now with mo' Brock's in my lyfe
1991 Yamaha Vmax - Because I need a mule to carry the manhood
2002 Ford Lightning - Ford GT Aluminum block engined, 802HP 911TQ now WhippleCharged
  
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zerMATT
Pro
Posts: 1931
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posted March 30, 2007 06:35 AM
Thanks for the report - I've been wondering about those pads too.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14 | Black D&D Slip-ons | Speedo Healer | V1 | zumo 550 | Heli-Risers | PhantomX
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted March 30, 2007 06:52 AM
quote:
Thanks for the report - I've been wondering about those pads too.
+1
thanks
I attend meetings a lot in Houston and can vouch the place is hard on brakes, even my rental car breaks- and whats up with all the service roads and u-turns anywhere near your freeways 
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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franz131
Expert Class
Posts: 341
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posted March 30, 2007 05:54 PM
If you're going to try different pads, you should find someplace to bead blast the rotors. The pads apply a layer of material to the rotor during break-in which provides the friction surface for the pad. Cleaning the rotor guarantees the results you get are from the pad you're testing.
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goloracing.com
elfmoto.com
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