Motorcycle Repair: brakes, pad life, brake pads

Question
Chris; I own an 03 Fat Boy w/ 6,000 miles just curious how long the stock brake pads will last.  Also by looking at the pads how much pad is enough to ride safe...thnks Jay

Answer
Hi Jay.
 You have asked the immortal question, Grasshopper :).  

Brake pads are not quite as easy to estimate bake pad life, since every rider tends to brake a bit diferently.  Some brke hard and fast all the time while some brake slow and easy all the time.  Still others slow down with the engine, using the brakes to do the final slow and stop and still others use all of those methods as needed (or as their mood sees fit).

Mostly it depends on how often you brake and how hard you tend to brake as well as the type of pads you use.  There are little tabs on the brake pads tha stick up a little.  When these hit the disc, it's time for new pads.  I have had pads last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

As far as how much pad is enough to ride safe, well when the tab hits the disc, then the pads are due and not really safe any longer.

Ride safe.
FALCON