Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: JerBear on January 06, 2018, 11:22:54 AM

Title: Hissing brake pads
Post by: JerBear on January 06, 2018, 11:22:54 AM
I replaced my original KAWI pads at 16k (front) and 19K (rear) with EBC HH sintered,  They seem to wear a bit better as I am at 36K and the fronts are just about ready to go.  Is there a brand of pads that have the wear properties of EBC without the WHISHHHHH sound upon use?  Galfer maybe?  Any ideas?  I may try the Kawasaki (Newer) pads as I've heard they are a bit more durable.
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: B.D.F. on January 06, 2018, 01:21:01 PM
The second generation C-14 brake pads are more durable, make far less brake dust and give up some braking ability, especially initial bite, to the first gen.  OEM pads. They are interchangeable on all model C-14's but the 2nd gen. pads are actually cheaper. I have used Gen. 1, Gen. 2 Kawasaki OEM pads, as well as EBC's and prefer the Kawasaki Gen. 2 overall. Plus the OEM pads have that really slick little pad life indicator groove in them- very handy when doing a quick check on the pad life.

Brian

Edited to add: Neither version of the OEM Kawasaki pads makes any noticeable noise and both are much quieter than EBC.

I replaced my original KAWI pads at 16k (front) and 19K (rear) with EBC HH sintered,  They seem to wear a bit better as I am at 36K and the fronts are just about ready to go.  Is there a brand of pads that have the wear properties of EBC without the WHISHHHHH sound upon use?  Galfer maybe?  Any ideas?  I may try the Kawasaki (Newer) pads as I've heard they are a bit more durable.
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: mikeyw64 on January 06, 2018, 02:26:52 PM
ah the EBC hiss, you get to live with it

(experienced it on various blackbirds and Pan Europeans over about 150k miles and several years
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: Daytona_Mike on January 07, 2018, 10:40:42 PM
I like to hear that hissing sound.
That means I have really good brakes. No fade not even in water- consistent easy  two finger stops  :D 
 I would take that hiss any day  knowing my brakes work good.  Turn up  the music and ride I say.
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: Rubber_Snake on January 08, 2018, 08:49:00 AM
Since we’re on the subject, I have a question.  Mine don’t hiss, they sort of “buzz”.  And the buzz stays for awhile after a good application.  I thought maybe they were sticking at first.  I pulled the pins, cleaned and lubed them hoping this would help, but the buzz is still there.  It takes about ¼ or ½ mile after braking for it to go away.  Is this normal?  BTW, I do not know what pads I have on the bike.  They were replaced right before I purchased it. 
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: mikeyw64 on January 09, 2018, 12:22:28 AM
sounds like something different. The EBC hiss is (in my experience anyways) only ever there as you apply the brakes and goes away as soon as you release them.
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 09, 2018, 06:14:16 AM
Could be the seals or the caliper needs to be cleaned out.   Take a look at Delboy's Garage vids on youtube.  He's got several videos on cleaning the brakes.


Since we’re on the subject, I have a question.  Mine don’t hiss, they sort of “buzz”.  And the buzz stays for awhile after a good application.  I thought maybe they were sticking at first.  I pulled the pins, cleaned and lubed them hoping this would help, but the buzz is still there.  It takes about ¼ or ½ mile after braking for it to go away.  Is this normal?  BTW, I do not know what pads I have on the bike.  They were replaced right before I purchased it. 
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: PH14 on January 09, 2018, 10:44:43 AM
Could be the seals or the caliper needs to be cleaned out.

If it were the seals, wouldn't it be more of a barking noise?

(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/286/095/be7.gif)
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: Rubber_Snake on January 09, 2018, 12:25:22 PM
Could be the seals or the caliper needs to be cleaned out.   Take a look at Delboy's Garage vids on youtube.  He's got several videos on cleaning the brakes.

Thanks Jim.  I will.
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: B.D.F. on January 09, 2018, 12:33:46 PM
Careful, there may be a polar bear or two in your future.....

:-)

Brian

If it were the seals, wouldn't it be more of a barking noise?

(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/286/095/be7.gif)
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 09, 2018, 02:17:40 PM
If it were the seals, wouldn't it be more of a barking noise?

(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/286/095/be7.gif)


Slowly I turn...
Title: Re: Hissing brake pads
Post by: maxtog on January 09, 2018, 03:33:48 PM
 ::)