Best Brake Pads for an '03 954?

whitehill · 06-05-2005, 11:33 PM

Hi,

I just changed pads from stock to EBC and am not happy with them at all. I have read some others talking about HRC pads, but wanted to ask which HRC's are the best (assuming they are the best?). Due to my ignorance on this, I have also gotten the impression that the HRC's are for 929 models, not 954's. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks in advance,
Bran

HondaGalToo · 06-06-2005, 5:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitehill

Hi,

I just changed pads from stock to EBC and am not happy with them at all. I have read some others talking about HRC pads, but wanted to ask which HRC's are the best (assuming they are the best?). Due to my ignorance on this, I have also gotten the impression that the HRC's are for 929 models, not 954's. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks in advance,
Bran

Unless you're going to be seriously racing, the best pad for street and trackdays are the stock Honda pads. Really. The HRC are also great (haven't tried them, but those who have rave about them) but they are way expensive, about $160 a set or so. They are made for the 929 and 954.
This is assuming you will be using the stock rotors.

urameatball · 06-06-2005, 7:01 PM

so what was bad about the EBC?
I'm using the EBC HH right now...

whitehill · 06-07-2005, 6:20 AM

I used to have a 929, so when I got the 954 I was quite amazed at the quality of the stock pads. To my surprise, the EBC's feel quite soft compared to stock. There is no immediacy when you engage them and if you want to stop quickly you really have to grab a handful. That's been my experience, anyway.

mr_rua · 06-07-2005, 8:43 AM

Whitehill,

I have a brand new set of brake pads (still in package; never opened) for my 954 that I no longer own. If you want them, I'll let them go for cheap. If you are interested, lemme know.

SouLJahz · 06-07-2005, 9:10 AM

thats weird cause i find the ebc hh to have more initial bite than the stock pads. but that was after around 200kms+ of riding with them once they wore in properly.

EDIT: just noticed ur bikes in ur profile. 2004=1000rr not the cbr954 or have i misread?

motolombardo · 06-07-2005, 5:07 PM

while we are on the topic of pads-
Im in the middle of changing mine and am wondering, in order to clean out the seals (dust and oil) do i have to split the caliper halves or can i just pop out the pistons and remove the seals whithout splitting the calipers?

whitehill · 06-08-2005, 7:25 AM

I am only about 100 miles into break-in period with the EBC's, so I'll give it a little while longer to see if it improves. I just don't remember it being so soft even when I was breaking in the stock pads....
To answer two questions at once - I'd love to buy the stock pads, but I am actually in living in Singapore at the moment, so it would be a pain to ship out here. This is also why you'll see my bike listed as an '04 954. The new models were late in arriving out here and I was faced with waiting another 6 months for the new 1000 or just getting a 954 early in '04. After having been without a bike for some time, the addiction kicked in at the showroom and I simply couldn't wait any longer.

SouLJahz · 06-08-2005, 7:35 AM

Well it shouldnt matter what date it arrives anywhere
what matters is the manuafacture date thats stamped on the plate on your frame. does that say it was made in 2004?
but i guess u can call it whatever u want

sleeper · 06-08-2005, 9:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_rua

Whitehill,

I have a brand new set of brake pads (still in package; never opened) for my 954 that I no longer own. If you want them, I'll let them go for cheap. If you are interested, lemme know.

Are these stock pads or EBC HH? How much please? Thanks!

Sam

mr_rua · 06-08-2005, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleeper

Are these stock pads or EBC HH? How much please? Thanks!

Sam

Stock. Sent PM.

MrFurious · 06-08-2005, 4:32 PM

I liked EBC pads myself. But I havent got a set for the my CBR yet. When I bought the bike it came with an extra set of pads. I put them on the other day. They dont brake all that great untill they get hot. I dunno what brand of pad it is though. But I like them.

fst929 · 06-08-2005, 5:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motolombardo

while we are on the topic of pads-
Im in the middle of changing mine and am wondering, in order to clean out the seals (dust and oil) do i have to split the caliper halves or can i just pop out the pistons and remove the seals whithout splitting the calipers?

Open the calipers if you are going to change the seals...it is easier in the long run. Just make sure you touque the torx bolts properly or you will leak and draw air.

as for pads....Ive used OEM, DP, and EBC. I got the most life from the OEM pads but at the track, they had noticeable fade with progressive bite. DP's...for the street...not good cold, progressive bite and no fade...Lasted for shite though. Glazed to all hell. EBC...a bit grabby, but no fade and last a respectable time. EBC's are my choice

jonno954 · 06-21-2005, 10:11 AM

Over standard pads and EBC pads I prefer Carbon Lorraine pads. Seem to be a little vague on the first application of the day but once warm give better feel, less grabby and more progressive than standard. They also seem to handle a proper thrashing at high temp better. I wont use anything else for the moment ....

Jon

Smitty929RR · 06-21-2005, 1:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitehill

I used to have a 929, so when I got the 954 I was quite amazed at the quality of the stock pads. To my surprise, the EBC's feel quite soft compared to stock. There is no immediacy when you engage them and if you want to stop quickly you really have to grab a handful. That's been my experience, anyway.

I noticed the same thing, not to mention they have to be heated up, and sound like bees when you use them. To this day if I'm riding with someone I can tell from next to them if they have EBC pads.

I liked the DP's for the 929. Just don't get them from Parts 411 (they suck).

CBR929RE · 06-21-2005, 6:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smitty929RR

I noticed the same thing, not to mention they have to be heated up, and sound like bees when you use them. To this day if I'm riding with someone I can tell from next to them if they have EBC pads.

I liked the DP's for the 929. Just don't get them from Parts 411 (they suck).

its not just EBCs. HH compound pads make that noise. I have Galfer HH pads and they make it. As far as differences between them and stock I really can't say because I don't think I'm good enough to notice the difference (atleast I wasn't when I changed them 5k miles ago)

Junk Yard Dog · 11-22-2007, 2:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleeper

Are these stock pads or EBC HH? How much please? Thanks!

Sam

If he doesn't get them how much for me?

machinehead · 11-23-2007, 8:25 AM

I'd use OE stock Honda pads or Dunlopad SDP Sport HH+

HondaGalToo · 11-23-2007, 8:58 AM

Since this thread is 2 years old, I'd assume he's sold them by now...

moron900 · 11-24-2007, 12:29 PM

my choice is EBC HH.... but there are 2 series of EBC pads, one being the FA series, the other one GFA series.