Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: basmntdweller on July 03, 2014, 03:51:25 PM
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I've noticed some squealing lately from my front brakes. I just now remembered to have a look at them. Pads appear to be pretty worn down so definitely due. I checked with Murphskits and they carry the EBC pads for my '09. I use these EBC HH grade pads on my track bike and happy with them there. Are they the pad of choice here or is something else preferred?
A couple years ago, I tracked my Connie once. Late in the day, my brake lever felt like it went a bit soft and has had this soft feeling ever since. I'm guessing I have overstressed the stock front brake lines so I am thinking a set of new stainless front lines may be in order. Who has the best setup these days for the best price?
I remember 3 or 4 years ago a few guys went with stainless lines but my search here didn't turn up anything.
Thanks, Matt
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If you look right above this post under Farkle web sites you will see your choices, I also added neat little aluminum holders from Philsfarkles
Galfer USA http://www.galferusa.com/html/streetlines.html (http://www.galferusa.com/html/streetlines.html)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZG1400-Concours-14-Front-Rear-Brake-Clutch-Lines-Line_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQihZ024QQitemZ370013409294QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247#ebayphotohosting (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZG1400-Concours-14-Front-Rear-Brake-Clutch-Lines-Line_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQihZ024QQitemZ370013409294QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247#ebayphotohosting)
Spiegler http://www.spieglerusa.com (http://www.spieglerusa.com)
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Yo don't need lines yet.. wait a couple more years..they are basicaly new.... but pads could help... I used galfer HHsintered pads from Murph's, but I measured them on install, and the friction material is substantially thinner than OEM... next go round I'm doing '10 or later OEM's, the composition has changed, and most report they have better stamina, longer life, and a reduction in pulsation...
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Late in the day, my brake lever felt like it went a bit soft and has had this soft feeling ever since.
Thanks, Matt
Viagra?
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Might work. I heard if you put it in the tank it'll stiffen your springs.
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Internet lore.....
If you put it in your tank, your injectors get bigger. You have to put it in your forks to stiffen your springs.
Brian
Might work. I heard if you put it in the tank it'll stiffen your springs.
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Now where to get that prescription...?
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If you look right above this post under Farkle web sites you will see your choices, I also added neat little aluminum holders from Philsfarkles
I have a new set of Phil's aluminum line holders if anybody needs them. I forget what they cost now...but I will mail these for less;).
... next go round I'm doing '10 or later OEM's, the composition has changed, and most report they have better stamina, longer life, and a reduction in pulsation...
That's interesting. I found the stock brakes on my 2010 C14 significantly worse than my previous 2008 C14. I have since installed EBC HH pads on the front and the 10 is much better now. Most of my aggravation with the linked brakes has been removed now...I mostly only use the front brake. With the stock pads on the front, I had no choice but to use the rear brake sometimes. JMTCW.
Rem 8)
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Kawasaki changed the pad material on the Gen. 2 bikes in an effort to reduce the instances of rotors warping. It did not work but the braking is very different. The Gen. 1 pads are much more aggressive but did not last very long and produced more brake dust than I would have thought possible. I actually prefer the Gen. 2 pads overall. As far as I know both types are available though so you can always re-fit a Gen. 2 bike with Gen. 1 pads and get back that stunning braking.
Brian
<snip>
That's interesting. I found the stock brakes on my 2010 C14 significantly worse than my previous 2008 C14. I have since installed EBC HH pads on the front and the 10 is much better now. Most of my aggravation with the linked brakes has been removed now...I mostly only use the front brake. With the stock pads on the front, I had no choice but to use the rear brake sometimes. JMTCW.
Rem 8)
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Kawasaki changed the pad material on the Gen. 2 bikes in an effort to reduce the instances of rotors warping. It did not work but the braking is very different. The Gen. 1 pads are much more aggressive but did not last very long and produced more brake dust than I would have thought possible. I actually prefer the Gen. 2 pads overall. As far as I know both types are available though so you can always re-fit a Gen. 2 bike with Gen. 1 pads and get back that stunning braking.
Brian
Interesting again. Seriously...I was really disappointed with the braking power of my 2010 C14. I was unaware of the pad changes at the time, and just assumed the extra mile of brake lines, actuators, sensors, etc on the 2010 weakened it's stopping power. After all, my non-ABS 08 C14 just had a front master cylinder and lines direct to the calipers. My 2010 ABS model is not so simple.
In any case, the EBC HH pads on my 2010 have renewed my confidence in C14 braking, and my 10 now feels like it stops as good as my 08 did...or at least it certainly feels much better. When I first bought the 08 C14, I was amazed at the stopping power....even riding 2-up, fully loaded with gear, that thing stopped like a modern sportbike.
It feels good enough now that I can avoid the use of the linked brakes most of the time;).
Rem 8)
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Yep, the original pads got me into the bad (OK, horrible) habit of using one finger for braking. They almost worked too well, if anyone can really say that about brakes on any vehicle :-)
Interesting that you find the EBC's provide better braking than Gen. 2 OEM though; I found them about the same other than the noise made by EBC pads. ??
Maybe we should mix 'n match pads on each rotor- one ECB, one Gen. 1, one Gen. 2 and one Ferodo pad? Then we could have a great series of brake threads, sorta' like mixing our own oil at home (which I already do by the way).
Brian
Interesting again. Seriously...I was really disappointed with the braking power of my 2010 C14. I was unaware of the pad changes at the time, and just assumed the extra mile of brake lines, actuators, sensors, etc on the 2010 weakened it's stopping power. After all, my non-ABS 08 C14 just had a front master cylinder and lines direct to the calipers. My 2010 ABS model is not so simple.
In any case, the EBC HH pads on my 2010 have renewed my confidence in C14 braking, and my 10 now feels like it stops as good as my 08 did...or at least it certainly feels much better. When I first bought the 08 C14, I was amazed at the stopping power....even riding 2-up, fully loaded with gear, that thing stopped like a modern sportbike.
It feels good enough now that I can avoid the use of the linked brakes most of the time;).
Rem 8)
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Yep, the original pads got me into the bad (OK, horrible) habit of using one finger for braking. They almost worked too well, if anyone can really say that about brakes on any vehicle :-)
Brian
That's funny, I thought I was the only one. I usually use my middle finger for braking. It works very well. I have the EBCs ready to install so we will see if that changes.
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One finger stoppies are a requirment on any motorcycle..... ok, maybe not on a wing.
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Rembrant: What are these line holders? I saw nothing on the Phil's Farkles site. Do I need those??
saxman
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The stock brake lines have a tab to mount (secure) line , aftermarket SS lines are just a hose made to the length you need , I guess you could use zip ties , let hang free or use the little aluminum blocks to hold the line in place using the factory hose boss. If you follow the hoses you can see the little aluminum blocks
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Rembrant: What are these line holders? I saw nothing on the Phil's Farkles site. Do I need those??
saxman
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/2D40F3D0-630B-4745-86A8-12F507D5457D-852-000000804DF3E2FD.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/jaywilcox/media/2D40F3D0-630B-4745-86A8-12F507D5457D-852-000000804DF3E2FD.jpg.html)
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how many miles are you guys getting out of front brake pads? i have just about 6k miles on my 2013 and am now starting to hear the squeel sensors, about 20% of my daily commutte is city traffic, the rest being highway.
does this sound about right to need pads already?
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I got about 9000 out of this set. I did not know the breaks had squeal sensors, I just figured they were squealing because they were thin. Got new pads ready, just been to lazy to take the 15 minutes and swap them out.
Matt
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bad (OK, horrible) habit of using one finger for braking.
Why is that a bad habit? I always cover my front brake with one finger. Most of the time I use one to stop with.
?????
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i assume i am starting to hear is the squeel tab, but maybe not. i just suspect they are getting low, will check them out this weekend.
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That's funny, I thought I was the only one. I usually use my middle finger for braking. It works very well. I have the EBCs ready to install so we will see if that changes.
I use two fingers, one is the back-up. :)
I have front and rear EBCs ready to install too. I'll prolly do it this week.
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i assume i am starting to hear is the squeel tab, but maybe not. i just suspect they are getting low, will check them out this weekend.
I don't think there are squeel tabs.... might want to actually get down there and look at the remaining pad thickness.... ::)