Brake pad advice

[banjoman]

I have a 2002 V-Star 1100 Classic that's in need of rear brake pads. Can someone tell me where I might find out the procedure in doing this? I want to do it myself. Thanks

[Dodsfall]

The Clymer manual can be found here:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/14/469/7812/20596/PITEM/Clymer-Yamaha-Shop-Manual-2002-Yamaha-V-Star-1100-Classic-Parts.aspx

The Yamaha dealer should have the factory service manual.

You may be able to find a digital copy of the manual online, although not all sources for these are legit, so be careful.

[77XS7502D]

Advantage power sports in Kansascity mo they are pricey but they have good service and a good parts selection

[markk53]

I have a 2002 V-Star 1100 Classic that's in need of rear brake pads. Can someone tell me where I might find out the procedure in doing this? I want to do it myself. Thanks

Actually most disc brake set ups are pretty easy to deal with from a mechanical standpoint, but obviously it is quite critical to get them right.

In a side note, I just had an experience that will change what brakes I buy. I was running a low buck pad in my rear brake. I don't use them hard, since I am riding a sort of naked sport bike and do use the front for the main part.

Back to the story. I put on new tires and rebuilt the rear caliper. I had the pads installed incorrectly (the one pad on the Kaw actually floats in the caliper and was out of position) and bent one under the hydraulic pressure of the pedal (yes, there is that much force, enough to bend 1/8" steel). So I had to get another set of pads and quickly (no time to ebay). I got a set of EBC HH pads for the bike and the braking from the rear was incredible compared to the low buck pads. I actually have to back off significantly with them, I was initially tending to start to lock the rear tire when applying them as I used to with the low buck pads. I had to take some time to readjust to the way they worked, backing off a bit on the riding and developing proper action with the rear brakes.

Suffice it to say I am putting money aside for EBC or the like for the front caipers now. If they work that well on the rear, I am salivating at the thought of them in the front! I can't wait to back off and readjust to some stronger front brakes. I've ridden a few bikes with one finger front brakes and would love to have that good of braking. Mine is a strong two finger right now.

Dangerous? Nah, it's all about mental programming. When I change from the KLX650 dual sport where hard braking requires both front and rear to the Zephyr where it is mostly front, I simply ride lightly for the first half hour or so back on the bike to kind of switch files in the mental computer. Then it's as if that was the only bike I'd ridden. Years ago I had a similar situation, but it was more radical, going from a Bultaco with right shift/left brake to a Kawasaki with a left shift/right brake. It just took some acclimation time.

Sorry, I got sidetracked...

Spend the extra $10-15 and get better pads, you'll thank yourself later.