My bike finally runs the way it should! No more sputtering, Overheating or even bogging on the highway. Unfortunately there is something else on the "To do" list. Replacing my brakes.

I believe my front brakes need to be replaced. Although I'm sure the rear brakes are ok. I'm planning on just replacing both while I am at it. I'm not sure which type of pads I should go with though. Ive never done brakes on a bike, So I'm debating weather to do them or have a mechanic do it. Anyways, The bike is my daily driver to commute to school and work. I don't ride it on the track so I don't need anything crazy! With that being said, I have a few questions;

1. Which type of brake pads should I go with? (Materials to use or stay away from, Brands?)

2. What to look for to determine weather I have to replace my rotors as well?

3. Will installing steel braided lines improve my braking?

4. Any step by step write ups on doing this?

Oh and would you guys recommend I try a job like this at home to try and learn or should I take it to a shop and have it done there?

 

brakes are a very simple job, i def recommend doing it yourself.

1. if your just commuting id go with oem pads or just regular ebcs would be fine.

2. if theres grooves in your rotors then id replace them

3. stainless lines are a great mod. i dont really see it necessary unless your on the track or doing some serious riding in the twisties though.

4. look around on some of the cbr forums, there should be some writeups.

 

How do these ebay brand sound?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA...Q5fAccessories

As for steel braided lines. I heard they can actually provide better stopping power. I believe that there is always room for better braking IMO... I have a b buddy who is selling me the front and rears for 30 bucks... (Hes parting out his stunt bike)

 

i wouldnt use those pads, they look cheap.

if you can get stainless lines for 30 bucks, thats a steal, i would get them.

 

Where are you in Socal? It's helpful to have someone show you the first time you do any service like that if you've never done it.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking, Because the last thing I want is for my brakes to fail when I need them most! =/ I'm in the Modesto, CA area...

What material should I stick to for everyday use?

 

Brakes look exactly the same as Toyota Truck brakes, but smaller. If you can change Toyota Tacoma brakes, you can do a CBR's.

Remove caps
Remove pins
Put hand over caliper to keep metal tab from flying away while pulling pins out.
Compress pistons
Slide new pads in
Put pins/metal tab back in
Screw caps back on.
That's it.

I usually change fluid at the same time by hooking a vacuum hose to the bleeder valve and draining it into a catch pan or something, then put new fluid in, bleed, put caps back on, then done. Usually i'll be draining it while compressing the pistons.

It only gets somewhat difficult if you've got to change a rotor.

 

Are those the same instructions for the Front and Rear? As far as rotors go, They still feel pretty good so I won't be doing it this season... Can Motorcycle rotors be resurfaced like car ones or no?

And I still don't know which type of PADS to use!? =(

 

Use a semi-metallic pad for street use, go for an HH pad if you want more braking power. Galfer HH's, EBC's, or other name-brand pads are fine. You'll get better bite and stopping power with an HH pad but they take longer to warm up on the street as a trade-off. OEM semi-metallic or organics will heat up quick but give less feel and overall bite.

http://cbrworld.net/forums/thread/41189.aspx

CBRWorld.net has some good tutorials for CBR's in general. If you have questions while you're doing it, post them up here. If you want a hand in it, make sure you have a friend help out. An extra set of hands is always a good thing.