Motorcycle Repair: brake pads, mail order companies, sintering process

Question
I have a 1990 honda cbr 1000f. I just cruise, street ride. Iam looking for very low too no dust brake pads. what dose sintered mean? some catalogs say not to use them if bike was not originally equipped with them. sounds like they must get a lot hotter. how do i find out if my bike can handle them? how about ceramic or kevlar? sounds like some pads can be hard on rotors. what do you think would work best and why. Thanks. Ray   karrbrown@netzero.com

Answer
Hi Ray,

Ray:  what dose sintered mean?

Mark:  (Scientific) Sintering is a simple process whereby bulk basalt or a particular mineral or set of minerals in powder form are heated to a high temperature less than the melting point, whereby the particles bond to each other, producing a porous (on a microscopic scale) material. The material usually shrinks significantly, and often the sintering process occurs in a die with a compaction pressure. The vacuum in space generally helps this process. The heat can come from either direct solar energy and/or microwave. Microwave heating allows quicker uniform heating.

The result is a fairly low density material which can be cut and shaped fairly easily, can hold small loads in compression, and provides good thermal insulation.

Read about sintered MC brake pads at the following website:
http://www.dp-brakes.com/dp.php?load=faqs


Ray:  how do i find out if my bike can handle them?

Mark:  Contact one of the big MC mail order companies such as Competitition Accessories, Dennis Kirk, Chapperal, or other and ask the sales staff about which brake pads is right for your CBR.


Ray:  what do you think would work best and why.

Mark:  Brake pad types have various purposes and produce a different "feel" at the brake lever. Some have superior thermal properties than others. You'll have to research brake products and learn about them. I recommend steel braided brake lines to compliment your brake system.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively