How to improve brakes on Buell XB12R?

[Scarydog]

Hi All,

I'm finding that the brakes on my Buell don't have the initial bite and feel I would like. When stopping quickly from speed they feel a bit wooden and the bike doesn't shed speed as fast as I would like.

Has anyone had any success with aftermarket pads? Which ones? I have found these online:

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Braking_Brake_Pads_Buell_XB12R_1200_Firebolt--602750.html

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/EBC_Brake_Pads_Buell_XB12R_1200_Firebolt--602846.html

I see that the ZTL2 brakes that are on the new Buells are available as a retrofit for the XB12R (and others) now. This would be the expensive option though! Around $480 USD

http://www.buell.com/en_us/gear/accessories/product.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductLineID=4&CategoryID=7&ProductID=4262

Any suggestions are more than welcome.

Cheers
Nathan

[Ocean1]

I didn't have a problem with the performance of the OE pads, however it's not unusual for Buell front discs to start to get chatter marks. Mine did, and several others I test rode had notable feedback from such slight disc distortion. Generally however, the standard XB front brakes are seen by experts to be bloody good, and I wonder if there's a problem with your particular set-up.

When replacement time came I installed SBS sintered items. Advice was that the aggressive effect of sintered pads on the disc would effectively "re-machine" the disc. I had reservations, but, however it worked, my front disc is free of the slight shadows or reflections of the vent holes that was starting to cause problems.

Word of warning. Sintered pads are generally a track option, on some road applications they'd be a bad idea for inexpert riders. I said I didn't have any performance problems with the OE pads and I didn't, they were both progressive and plenty powerful enough. The sintered SBS pads are far less progressive, a quick panic dab could well see you in trouble in sub-optimal conditions. Even in good conditions an injudicious two-finger grab has had my back wheel well up at the sort of speeds where that's generally considered to be a bad idea.

Think I’d be looking to try and find out why your standard brakes seem not to be performing at the usual Buell standard before I spent anything on upgrading them…

[Scarydog]

My disk is looking a bit stripey! I'm certainly no expert rider - more like a nana really, but other bikes I've had have had much better brakes, including my old cbr250rr (only slightly lighter).

So maybe the disks are slightly warped.

n.

[slimjim]

gota mate...tip bike on its sidestand..hold lightly a pencil against disc and softly spin wheel ..pencil should only mark disc if slightly wrapped.do both sides. however as mentioned above.. different bike and you be getting to know its quarks.take time to learn and understand it...and different weight braking too.. don't change pads and disc's til you explore all options first

[Ocean1]

My disk is looking a bit stripey! I'm certainly no expert rider - more like a nana really, but other bikes I've had have had much better brakes, including my old cbr250rr (only slightly lighter).

So maybe the disks are slightly warped.

n.

Haven't got the manual handy but there'll be a max run-out, best to use a DTI to check it. Run-out or mild distortion won't usually cause a simple loss of stopping power though, on mine in a similar condition if you grabed a handfull you'd find yourself flat on your face, there's sommat else going on there...

Why don't you come here one evening and we can swap bikes for a quick run around the block, that'll give us both a better idea as to whether there's another problem.

PM me for "here".

[hospitalfood]

yep, i think a trip to ocean1 is in order.
mine are great.

[Scarydog]

Thanks for the offer. I'll PM you :-)