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Reliable brake pads are a must-have when riding. Your brake pads should be responsive and deliver the stopping power you need to avoid obstacles and stay safe on the road, track, or in an off-road environment.
Performance matters when choosing motorcycle brake pads, but it’s also important to choose brakes that are suitable for your riding style.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motorcycle Brake Pads
- OUR TOP PICK: EBC Double-H Sintered Rear Brake Pads
- RUNNER-UP: EBC EPFA Road Race Front Brake Pads
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: EBC Brakes Semi-Sintered Brake Pads
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Brake Pads
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How to Choose Brake Pads
Here are some of the features to consider when choosing brake pads.
Material
You can find organic brake pads that use carbon-based materials, fiber, and resin. These brake pads tend to be affordable and performing.
You can also find sintered or metallic brake pads that typically use a copper alloy, steel plate, and other metallic materials. Some semi-metallic brake pads use a mix of organic and metallic materials.
While sintered brake pads deliver a better initial bite and stopping power, you need to watch out for corrosive materials like iron additives.
Rotors
Sintered brake pads are a popular option, but you should know that these parts can result in more wear-and-tear on your bike’s rotors. Metallic brake pads are the norm for modern OEM parts, but some older bikes have rotors that aren’t compatible with sintered brake pads.
Friction
Manufacturers use a friction coefficient with two letters to indicate the stopping power of their brake pads. The first letter indicates the friction at low temperatures, and the second letter is the friction coefficient at high temperatures.
Double H or HH brake pads have a friction coefficient higher than 0.55, which is the highest stopping power you can find. Some manufacturers use HH+ to indicate a friction coefficient that exceeds this designation, but it’s not an official coefficient.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Brake Pads
The following brake pads will keep you safe on the road, thanks to their durable construction and stopping power.
Best Overall:
EBC Double-H Sintered Rear Brake Pads
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers like these quality brake pads because they’re easy to install and deliver excellent stopping power. People feel these brake pads make their bikes safer, and they like that the bite and stopping power is so noticeable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These sintered brake pads use a porous metallic surface that delivers consistent performance regardless of the weather or temperature. Your bike will always respond the way you expect it to.
These brake pads use a copper alloy that goes through a manufacturing process with high temperatures and high pressure. This process results in durable brake pads with a lot of bites, even in wet or muddy conditions.
The great thing about these brake pads is that you can brake hard, and the pads will still deliver the bite you need despite the heat and friction. The brake pads don’t use iron powder, a material that can result in corrosion, and you can find these brake pads for a wide range of makes and models.
Bottom Line
We highly recommend these durable sintered brake pads because of their stopping power and consistent performance regardless of weather or temperature. They’re suitable for any environment and can withstand heat and friction to keep you safe.
Runner-up:
EBC EPFA Road Race Front Brake Pads
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviews often mention the excellent performance of these brake pads. People say they noticeably reduce their braking distance without kicking up any dust. Buyers recommend these brake pads for track riding, but there is a slight drawback since you might have to get used to the strong initial bite.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These sintered brake pads use a durable copper alloy construction. They also use additives that help keep the temperature of the brake pads stable. It means you can brake hard or have a more aggressive riding style, and these brake pads will still deliver the friction you need to stop.
The initial bite is where these brake pads truly stand out. They deliver impressive stopping power and will improve safety and reactivity in wet and dry conditions.
The design of these brake pads allows for fast heat cycling. The brake pads can dissipate heat quickly to deliver consistent performance, even if you have to stop abruptly.
Bottom Line
These reliable brakes can withstand more extreme riding conditions. They’re ideal for track or racing and deliver excellent stopping power. The use of additives in the manufacturing process improves friction and heat cycling.
Best for the Money:
EBC Brakes Semi-Sintered Brake Pads
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People like the feel of these brake pads. They are easy to install and provide good stopping power. Buyers say the brake pads fit well and think they’re a good value. Most reviewers say they noticed an improvement when replacing OEM parts with these brake pads.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the downsides of sintered brake pads is that their metal construction can cause excessive wear-and-tear on the rotors. Replacing a rotor isn’t cheap, which is why these semi-sintered brake pads might be a better option for you.
These semi-sintered brake pads fit a wide range of Harley Davidson bikes. They use a mix of copper alloy and organic materials to reduce wear-and-tear on rotors while delivering the stopping power and friction you need.
We think these brake pads are ideal for touring motorcycle and everyday riding. The initial bite is softer compared to sintered brake pads, but you can expect reliable performance and strong stopping power.
Bottom Line
These semi-sintered brake pads are a great alternative to metallic brake pads if you want to reduce wear-and-tear on rotors. They deliver good stopping power and consistent performance. These brake pads are a great upgrade for any Harley Davidson bike.
Best EBC Motorcycle Brake Pads:
EBC Double-H Sintered Front Brake Pads
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who installed these brake pads say there is a huge improvement over OEM parts. They like the strong initial bike and how efficiently they can slow down or stop their bikes with little effort. A few reviewers say the brake pads can be noisy.
Why it Stands Out to Use
EBC is a manufacturer that offers quality brake pads, and these sintered brake pads are no exception.
If you’re looking for brake pads with durable metal construction, these parts are the perfect choice with their copper alloy construction. They don’t use iron powder or other additives that can cause corrosion over time.
The manufacturing process of these brake pads ensures consistent performance. The brake pads will deliver the same stopping power regardless of the weather, and they will have the same initial bite even if you brake hard and expose them to high friction and temperatures.
You should also consider these brake pads because EBC offers a huge selection of parts that fit any make and model.
Bottom Line
We recommend these brake pads because of their durable sintered construction and reliable performance. They deliver an excellent initial bite, and their stopping power will keep you safe on track days or for everyday street riding.
Best Brembo Motorcycle Brake Pads:
Brembo P06043 Front Brake Pad Set
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There are many positive reviews for these brake pads. People are generally happy with the performance and notice an improvement compared to stock parts. They say the brake pads are easy to install.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Brembo is a manufacturer with a reputation for durable products. These brake pads are an excellent investment if you’re looking for a mix of value and durability.
The shims and clips of these brake pads use a design that is similar to the OEM parts they can replace to reduce noise and provide the best fit possible. You will get very little dust with these brake pads and can expect a smooth feel.
These brake pads deliver good stopping power and can reduce your stopping distance in different conditions. The durable materials can withstand heat and friction, and the design of the brake pads will reduce fade over time.
Bottom Line
These brake pads are ideal if you’re looking for low noise levels and want brake pads with a smooth feel. Brembo delivers quality brake pads that will last longer than other options.
Best Ferodo Motorcycle Brake Pads:
Ferodo Sintered ST Brake Pads
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People like these strong brake pads. Buyers are generally happy with the performance of these pads on wet and dry roads. They say the brake pads deliver excellent stopping power and a progressive bite.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These affordable brake pads fit a wide range of bikes and can be as much as three times more durable than organic parts.
The copper backplate makes these brake pads less likely to corrode or damage rotors compared to other sintered pads.
Fedoro offers brake pads that can withstand friction while delivering excellent stopping power. Unlike other sintered brake pads, these pads have a more progressive bite. You can expect a consistent performance in all conditions, and the progressive bite might be a better fit if you’re new to riding.
Bottom Line
We recommend these durable brake pads because Fedoro uses quality materials. These brake pads are less likely to corrode compared to other sintered brake pads, and the progressive bite can be more forgiving.
When is it Time to Replace Motorcycle Brake Pads?
It’s generally a good idea to replace brake pads once they stop feeling responsive.
How to Tell if Motorcycle Pads Are Worn
Most brake pads have a wear indicator similar to the groove you can find on tires. If the groove looks worn or is no longer visible, you should replace your brake pads.
You should also replace your brake pads if they don’t engage right away when you brake if you’re noticing a longer stopping distance, or hearing a squeaking noise.
How Long Do Brake Pads Typically Last?
Brake pads can last anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 miles, but it varies depending on your riding style and environment. You will need to replace brake pads more frequently if you race or do a lot of rack riding.
Motorcycle Brake Pads Types
Are you wondering if sintered brake pads are right for you? Here’s what you need to know about the different types of motorcycle brake pads.
What Are Sintered Brake Pads?
Most motorcycle manufacturers use sintered brake pads as their OEM parts. Sintered brake pads use a manufacturing process that fuses metallic particles to create a part that can withstand friction and heat.
Semi-Sintered Brake Pads
Semi-sintered brake pads have the durability of metallic brake pads, but they deliver a feel that is somewhere between sintered and organic brake pads. They’re typically quieter than sintered pads and reduce wear-and-tear on the rotors.
Organic Brake Pads
Organic brake pads deliver a softer initial bite and won’t damage rotors. They use a mix of carbon-based materials, glass, fiber, rubber, and Kevlar, held together by resins.
Ceramic Brake Pads
These brake pads use a mix of ceramic and metallic fibers. They’re quiet and produce very little dust. They have a long lifespan and deliver reliable performance.
Sintered vs Organic Brake Pads – Comparison Overview
Sintered brake pads are the most popular option, but they might not be a good choice if you own a small or older bike. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between sintered and organic brake pads.
Materials
Organic brake pads use a mix of Kevlar, fibers, rubber, glass, and resins. These materials are resistant and can withstand heat and friction. They have excellent heat dissipation properties.
Sinter brake pads typically use a stainless steel plate for insulation and a copper alloy that creates a porous metallic surface. Copper delivers excellent stopping power, but these brake pads are more likely to transmit heat to the rotors.
Feel
Organic brake pads deliver a soft feel. They are responsive and have good stopping power. You can expect precise control, but the bite is more progressive compared to sintered pads.
Sintered brake pads deliver a strong initial bite. They’re harder to break in, but they deliver a more consistent feel.
Rotors
The main downside of sintered brake pads is that they can cause wear-and-tear on your rotors. You won’t run into this problem with organic brake pads since there won’t be a metallic surface in contact with the rotors.
Applications
Organic brake pads are suitable for small bikes and older motorcycles where rotors are expensive to replace. They’re not ideal for riding on a wet or muddy road since you can lose stopping power in these conditions.
Stinted brake pads are best for a heavier bike, aggressive riding, track days, and other applications where you need a better initial bite to stop right away.
Conclusion
Sintered brake pads are the most popular option because of their durability and excellent stopping power. If you’re looking to replace worn-out pads or want to upgrade your bike, we recommend the EBC Double-H Sintered Rear Brake Pads.
These brake pads stand out thanks to the consistent performance they deliver regardless of weather or temperature. They’re compatible with a wide range of bikes and riding styles and deliver excellent stopping power and a strong initial bite that will keep you safe on the road or track.
People Also Ask
Read on for some important things you should know before replacing your brake pads.
What Are Brake Pads Made Out Of?
It depends on the type of brake pads you choose. Sintered brake pads use copper alloy, steel, and other metallic materials. Organic brake pads typically use a mix of rubber, Kevlar, fibers, glass, and resin. You can also find ceramic brake pads that use a strong ceramic compound.
How Do Motorcycle Brakes Work?
When you engage the brakes, a piston pressurizes the brake fluid. This action causes the brake fluid to travel through your brake lines and engage another piston. This second piston causes the caliper to engage the brake pads. The brake pads will then close around the rotor and create enough friction to slow down the wheels.
How Thick Should Motorcycle Brake Pads Be?
You shouldn’t ride with brake pads that are thinner than 2 or 1.5mm. Most brake pads have a wear indicator you can rely on to determine if the pads are too thin.
Do I Have to Lubricate Brake Pads on a Motorcycle?
You should apply grease on the back of your brake pads and the brake pins. Applying lubricant can prevent rusting and noise.
How Much Will it Cost to Have Your Brake Pads Changed?
Changing your brake pads is something you can do yourself easily. If you would rather have a professional do it, you should count on spending $50 to $100 on labor.
What is the Best Brake Pad Material For Motorcycles?
Sintered copper alloy is the best material in terms of durability and friction. If you have stainless steel rotors, the best brake pad material for your motorcycle would be an organic alternative.
What Causes Brake Pads to Wear Quickly?
Your brake pad can wear out quickly if you do a lot of heavy braking while riding at high speeds. Stopping suddenly from a high speed causes a lot of friction and high temperatures that can cause wear-and-tear on your brake pads.
Other Motorcycle Buyer Guides
Below are some other guides related to motorcycles:
