Brakes can be helpful in motorcycles as they can control speed and to stop the bike completely. Usually, these brake pads can help with this process, but the pads will eventually deteriorate with use with a need replace motorcycle brake pads. In motorcycles, replacement brake pads are therefore essential.

Standard brakes are made of rubber that has been tested for safety reasons and used in various conditions in many cases. You should inspect your brake pads regularly with a visual assessment.

Let’s continue further to understand how long do motorcycle brake pads last.

How Long Will Motorcycle Brake Pads Last?

Braking systems for motorised vehicles are essential systems. How much longer does it take to maintain brake pads? How much longer do motorcycle brakes last? Generally, the brake pad lifespan depends on the compound of the brake pads a driver has on them.

Motorcycle brake pads are required to be replaced every two years. The lifespan of the brake pads varies depending on many factors. So, people might have to replace worn brake pads before the stated mileage is reached. 

The brake pad will last longer than the value stated for situations that may occur the opposite. Its lifespan depends primarily also on the motorcycle’s characteristics. This means that brake pads can last for a different amount of time, depending upon the type of motorcycle.

When Should I Change The Brake Pads?

You must check the brakes of motor vehicles every 3000 km. If riding in adverse conditions or on rocky roads, check brake pads every 1000 miles. Brake pads are required to be replaced when the friction is less than 1/16 inch in thickness. Usually, a motorcycle is fitted with a wearing indicator.

Best Way To Replace Brake Pads On Motorcycles

Motorcycle brake pads must be replaced when the friction caused by the brake pads is less than 2 millimeters. Depending on motorcyclist power output and engine cubicity, the thickness of brake pads can vary. 

However, most manufacturers suggest removing brake pads when a surface is worn out below 1.5-2 millimeters. You can also inspect brake pads for grooves to see if they need replacement. The best indicator to replace the brake pad is the groove in the pad.

Do The Back, And Front Brake Pads Last The Same Amount Of Time?

Front-and-back brake pads generally come with the same materials and typically the same durability. Bike riders will prefer the rear brake as much as the front. Front and back brake pads last different periods. Many riders need to replace the rear brake caliper.

This has little to do with brakes or motorcycling driving habits. It could result in brake pads becoming worn out quicker in the final set of tires.

Motorcycle brake’s front and rear pads are durable, but the worn out brake pads ratio is affected by how often users use the brakes. Usually, rear brake pads life is longer than front brake pads because front brakes provide 70% of the brake power in the motorcycle and are consistent in use compared with the rear brake. 

Clean The Pads Of Dirt And Grime

The dirt on the brake pad needs to be cleared. These brake pads need cleaning, as dirt may get stuck inside them. You need good brake pads, and it also needs good brake rotation.

Once you have cleaned the brake plates, you need to use rags on the brakes to clean them out. Use rags the size of a brake rotor and wash them thoroughly and let them dry. 

How Often Do Motorcycle Brakes Need Replacing?

As discussed above, the brake pad change interval will depend mainly on several factors, including riding style ( brake pressures and riding conditions ). If you regularly ride, the rear brake pad must be replaced once a year. 

Removing/changing the front and rear brake pads in parallel should reduce the wear of the pads and make the driver use both brakes instead of an exemplary brake.

Why Do Brake Pads Need Replacing?

Brakes are an integral component of your bike. During use, a brake pad expands as its heating increases. This expansion causes pads to rub against brake discs resulting in brake failure. It causes metal fatigue which causes brake disc cracks and brake failures. That can create accidents and possibly death.

Therefore brake pads need replacement, make sure you change motorcycle brake pads in a timely manner.

Brake Pads Can Wear And Crack

Brakes can wear off and break. This occurs because it rubs the brake discs while cycling the bike. Cracked pedal pads can produce vibrations during braking and are dangerous for riders. If you see any of these symptoms, you are advised to have your brake pads replaced by an authorised motorcycle parts dealer.

Weight And Speed Of The Motorcycle

It affects brake pads when motorcycles accelerate. You should take another consideration into account: the weight of motorcycles. With lighter or sporty bikes, greater force or friction is required to stop their movement.

The brake pads will thus be degraded faster because it weighs heavily. The speed of stopping a motorcycle is much greater on heavier motorcycles. The friction is even worse if the more severe bike speeds up. Also, brake pads may wear quickly and require quick changes.

Factors Affecting Brake Pad Wear

As explained above, life expectancy for brakes is different for different factors. These factors affect brake pad wear, including type and model bike rides, brake pad material, and rider break habits.

The life of the brake – pads depends primarily on various factors. Having a brake on your bike is essential for your safety. It wears with time, so the brake pads must get a replacement.

Brakes wear or fail as their surfaces undergo high friction with rotating disks and inner discs.

Type Of Motorcycle Disks

The brake disc is available in two varieties: a solid disc brake disc and a double disc brake disc. Dedicated disc brakes are attached to the rear wheels of the bikes.

So brake pads need replacing more frequently than before they were installed with solid-disk brake systems. It can be removed with the caliper off easily.

Type Of Brake Pads

The materials of the brake pads determine their wear. Brake pads can be made using organic polymers, sintered metals, or ceramic. 

Brake patterns can be constructed with two materials – semi metallic and metallic. A braking pad comprises a semi metallic backing plate with a non-metallic friction pad. Metallic brake pads contain a metal backplate with a friction pad.

Rider’s Braking Habits

The brake pad’s longevity can influence riding behaviour. You know brake pads will never last long when you’re braking quickly and then braking swiftly. In other words, driving a bike with excessive brakes will wear off more quickly.

In other words, the brakes are going to last longer. If the front brake is used constantly, the front brake pads wear out quicker and require a replacement. The rear brake pad has a shorter life if you use a rear brake pedal.

Conditions Of Riding

In addition to bike riding temperatures and ride conditions, a bike’s conditions affect brake pads wearing and lifetime. Often when traveling in crowded streets, you will use the brakes more frequently. In addition, brake pads are shorter. However, little brake is required when you cross your bike to suburban areas with no traffic and good roads.

Type And Model Of Motorcycles

Several motorcycle models have varying weights. A heavier bike is required at a higher speed and requires more brake force which causes brake pads to break down faster than lighter bikes. Similarly, c-motorized and sport bike brake pads wear out more quickly than lower-c-motorized vehicles.

Motorcycle brakes are intended to stop the wheels with the brake in the correct direction; therefore, brakes are designed to absorb energy. The brake system works by controlling its friction on the ride. 

The friction between the brake pads is adapted for different riding conditions. The rider’s weight can also influence the brake’s longevity. How you travel affects how quickly the brake wears out. When you drive aggressively, the brakes will probably get worn out quicker.

Brake Pad Material

Brake pad material, quality, and hardness must determine their lifespan. Suitable brake pad materials should have enough hardness to apply the brake smoothly and resist wear. A material of low grade rapidly degrades and may require replacement much faster.

Types Of Brake Pads Used In Motorcycles

There are three common types of motorcycle brake pads which are discussed below.

Organic Brake Pads

This braking pad is made of natural materials – as the name suggests. Organic brake pads contain fibres and fillings backed together with resin. Some companies are adding fibres such as kevlar or carbon to enhance the durability of the organic brake pads. 

Sintered Brake Pads

This is a modern brake pad type with good performance and durability because the sintered brake pad covers the broadest range of brake conditions. The brake pad was initially designed for almost 90% of motorcycles today. 

Sintered brakes have an individual production process in which metallic elements are fused under high pressure or hot temperatures. This makes the resiliency and porous brake pads durable against heat and friction.

Semi Metallic Brake Pads

This brake pad is a hybrid organic brake pad. The pads combine the properties of two brake pads to form a separate unit. 

It, therefore, ensures optimum wear ability of the pads (quality of the sintered pads). Designed to provide an improved feel and reduce heat transfer and rotor abrasion. Typically a structure contains 20%-40% copper compared with the organic pad.

Top 5 Signs That Your Motorcycle Brake Pads Are Worn Out

The Significant Drop In Brake Fluid Levels

Breathing fluid is used to force the piston of the brake pedals on the brake disc/wheels to stop when it is necessary to drive. Its thickness drops as brake pads wear, forcing the cylinder piston to pull them closer.

A wearable brake piston requires more movement to allow re-use and cause a lower brake fluid level in the vehicle. The hydraulic pressure is applied to brakes by pressing or pulling the front or rear brake pedal, which helps the piston to move.

Worn Brake Pad Thickness Will Be Under 1.5-2 Millimeters

Different bikes have different kinds of pads for the brakes, which will depend on the horsepower, motoring capacity, and motor type. Generally, safety guidelines replace brake pads as they are worn within a specified distance.

This can increase rotor damage if the brake plates rub the backplates of the wheel. Various issues can affect a motorcycle’s security and reliability, including lost brake strength and inadequate unresponsive brake.

The Motorcycle Will Take Longer Time To Stop

It’s evident why the worn-up bike brake pads are much harder to stop. Worn brake pads are less than adequate, and the motorbike is slower to start. Motorcycle brakes are essential aspect of motorcycles that are prone to poor brake performance and can cause injury and damage to you if they are damaged or worn. Replace your brake pads immediately to prevent this problem.

Grinding Or Squealing Noise When Brakes Are Applied

Grinding sounds or noises are possible during braking based on the presence of braking padding. The backplate could touch the motorcycle’s brake discs or wheels, causing a grinding or squealing noises. This can damage the disk surface of the brake pad by replacing the worn brake pad.

The Brake Lever Feels Spongy & Unresponsive

A worn brake pad may make you feel like your brakes aren’t properly responding. Sometimes pulling the brake lever hard causes the brake lever to be spongy and ineffective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do rear brakes last on a motorcycle?

The question of the longevity of bicycle brake pads on bikes is quite complex and challenging. Several variables influence the lifespan of this component. There’s yet to be a precise figure. The best thing is to give a general estimate (or average) or factory expectations.

How long do Harley brake pads last?

In general, your Harley Brake Pad will last about 30,000 miles.

When should motorcycle brakes be replaced?

If worn-out grooves have yet to disappear, they need a new ones. Most bikes have wear indicators that are easy to spot. When brake pads become worn or have gaps, it needs replacing.

The Bottom Line

Motorcycle brake systems are integral in ensuring riders’ safety and ride experiences. Brake pads push the disc out of the wheels and stop the vehicle; whenever possible, they should be adequately maintained and replaced. 

Motorcycle brake pads must be changed when their grooves quickly appear, and their thickness is less than 2 millimeters. Change and replace brake plates are necessary for the same manner you maintain your motorcycle disc rotor and piston.

Take care to ride safely.