The Honda Shadow VT1100 motorcycle uses a single-piston, dual-brake-pad brake caliper to stop the rear tire when you press on the rear brake pedal. The caliper mounts to the motorcycle frame on the right side of the motorcycle. When you decide to change the brake pads, you can do so without taking the rear wheel off the VT1100. This makes the task relatively straightforward.
Remove the cap from the rear brake master cylinder located on the right side of the motorcycle frame. The cap secures to the master cylinder with two Allen-head bolts. Remove the bolts using an Allen wrench.
Locate the metal tab that secures the brake line to the frame mounted just above the brake caliper on the right side of the motorcycle frame. Remove the Allen-head bolt that secures the tab to the frame using an Allen wrench.
Locate the two Allen-head bolts that secure the caliper to the VT1100's frame and remove them using an Allen wrench.
Pull the caliper straight up and off the rear brake rotor. If the brake pads do not fall out of the caliper, pull them out with your fingers.
Push the piston back into the backside of the brake caliper using a pair of pliers. This makes room for the new, thicker brake pads.
Place the brake pads into the caliper. Hold the pads in place while you slide the caliper over the brake rotor.
Secure the caliper to the motorcycle frame using the two Allen-head bolts and the Allen wrench.
Secure the brake line retaining tab to the motorcycle frame using the Allen-head bolt and the Allen wrench.
Place the cap back onto the master cylinder and secure it using the two Allen-head bolts and the Allen wrench.
